CHE amplifies the latest, peer-reviewed science to support changes in policy and practice that protect people and the planet.
Kids and Chemicals: PFAS Exposure and the Metabolism
June 7, 2023 — Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are used in numerous consumer products such as food packaging, textiles, apparel, and non-stick cookware. PFAS are linked to adverse health outcomes, including . . .
The Chemical Footprint of a Plastic Bottle
June 8, 2023 — The global beverage industry buys more than 500 billion plastic bottles every year to package its products. A recent report documents the harmful impacts of plastic bottles on human health, environmental justice, . . .
CHE Café: Science, Storytelling & A New War on Cancer
June 13, 2023 — “If we can stop cancer before it begins, why don’t we?” This question motivated a deep-dive inquiry into cancer prevention for award-winning journalist Kristina Marusic. Her exploration . . .
A Story of Health: Narrative in Public Health Training and Practice
Apr 04, 2023— Story telling has a long history in medical training and practice.
Narratives describe a patient’s experience of illness, a clinician’s experience caring for them, or both. Yet, contemporary medical practice tends to de-emphasize narratives in favor of facts and findings gleaned from laboratory tests, imaging studies, and brief hospital or office visits. . . .
Chemicals in building materials: Disproportionate impacts on people of color
Mar 09, 2023— Building products and materials that make up our indoor spaces can cause long-term harm to human health. This much we know.
We also know that while chemicals and air pollutants don’t discriminate, generations of systemic inequalities have caused racial injustices and disproportionate exposures of people of color to hazardous chemicals. What deserves more consideration is where there are building product opportunities to improve the health of people of color. . . .
Another painful reminder of PVC plastic’s toxic lifecycle
Feb 24, 2023— CHE is cross-posting blogs from various experts responding to the tragic train derailment in Ohio on February 3, 2023. The following is an excerpt from a Toxic Free Future blog posted on February 17. You'll find the full version here.
The vinyl chloride train derailment in Ohio is a modern environmental disaster playing out in real time. Sadly, this is yet another painful reminder of the dangers of making, transporting, using, and disposing of chemicals in plastics, especially polyvinyl chloride (PVC) plastic. . . .
Past and future of environmental health research
Feb 01, 2023— While the potential impact of the environment on our health has been recognized for thousands of years, the need to use a multi- and trans-disciplinary approach has only been recognized relatively recently. Exposures must be broadly defined and inclusive – the environment includes social and economic factors, as well as natural stressors, pollutants, infectious agents, and nutrition. . . .
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