Extreme temperatures linked with heart disease deaths
Days that are very hot or very cold increased the risk of death among people with cardiovascular diseases, according to large long-term international study co-authored by experts from Harvard Chan School.
Living near or downwind of unconventional oil and gas development linked with increased risk of early death
Elderly people living near or downwind of unconventional oil and gas development—which involves extraction methods including directional (non-vertical) drilling and hydraulic fracturing, or fracking—are at higher risk of early death compared with elderly individuals who don’t live near…
Hot, dusty, and unhealthy
Barrak Alahmad, PhD ’22, is studying the health impacts of heat and air pollution in Kuwait.
Long-term exposure to permissible concentrations of air pollution linked with increased mortality risk
Exposure to low concentrations of air pollution, even at levels permitted under federal regulations, may be causing tens of thousands of early deaths each year among elderly people and other vulnerable groups in the U.S., according to a…
Even low levels of air pollution can harm hearts, lungs in elderly
Long-term exposure to low levels of air pollution—even levels below national standards—can increase the risk of several serious cardiac and respiratory conditions in elderly adults, according to a new study.
Fracking associated with elevated radiation levels at nearby sites
The energy production process commonly known as fracking is associated with increased levels of airborne radioactive particles in areas downwind of fracking sites, according to new research led by Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health. The study…
In Africa and Middle East, researchers examine links between environment and health
November 8, 2018 – Dust storms in Kuwait. Tourism in Tunisia. Air pollution in Uganda. Three different countries facing three different challenges. A common thread? Harvard T.H. Chan School researchers are working in each setting to understand how…
Nationwide study of U.S. seniors strengthens link between air pollution and premature death
For immediate release: Wednesday, June 28, 2017 Boston, MA – A new study of 60 million Americans—about 97% of people age 65 and older in the United States—shows that long-term exposure to airborne fine particulate matter (PM2.5) and…
Nickel may contribute to air pollution’s cardiovascular effects
Nickel appears to contribute to adverse cardiovascular outcomes associated with fine particulate air pollution (PM2.5) according to a study led by Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health researchers. The study was published online June 19, 2015 in…
Long-term exposure to air pollution may increase risk of hospitalization for lung, heart disease
For immediate release: Tuesday, April 17, 2012 Boston, MA – Older adults may be at increased risk of being hospitalized for lung and heart disease, stroke, and diabetes following long-term exposure to fine-particle air pollution, according to a new…
