Environmental Health Scientists at Leading Universities Launch Video Series

In a new collaborative video series launching today in celebration of Earth Day, environmental health scientists from leading universities across the country speak about the work they do to expose the invisible threats in our environment—from the air we breathe to the products we use—and offer practical tips on how we can protect ourselves.

The series, called Environmental Health Works, kicks off with a short introductory video featuring environmental health department chairs from Boston University, Columbia, Harvard, Johns Hopkins, the University of Michigan, the University of North Carolina, and the University of Washington, who explain—in plain language—why environmental health science is vital for all our lives.

Beginning today and over the coming weeks, additional videos will provide practical insights relevant to everyone’s health. They will also showcase scientists and students in action, collaborating with communities to turn research into real-world solutions.

In the initial round of videos, researchers and students describe connections between the environment and our health. Scientists discuss the role of green spaces to address the heat island effect in cities, and the importance of preventing toxic exposures during pregnancy to protect children’s health. They also discuss the impact of climate exposures on allergies and kidney disease, as well as how reducing pollution is key to cancer prevention.

“People deserve to know how their surroundings affect their health and what they can do about it,” says Jonathan Levy, ScD, chair of Environmental Health at Boston University School of Public Health and one of the lead organizers of the campaign. “Environmental health research can give people the information they need to protect themselves and their families and to advocate for policies that keep people healthy.”

From wildfire smoke to "forever chemicals" in drinking water, environmental hazards are increasingly making headlines. Yet many Americans remain unaware of how scientists work in the laboratory, at the computer, in the field, and in collaboration with community partners to identify these health risks and develop ways to prevent illness and protect health.

“Clean water is the foundation of a healthy life,” says Dana Dolinoy, PhD, professor and chair of Environmental Health Sciences at the University of Michigan. “Our research is crucial in revealing the often-unseen dangers lurking in our water systems, from industrial pollutants to emerging contaminants like ‘forever chemicals.’ By understanding these threats, we equip individuals and policymakers with the knowledge to ensure safe water access for everyone. This Earth Day, let’s commit to safeguarding our water resources for the health of current and future generations.”

The Environmental Health Works series aims to:

• Demystify science by showing the faces and stories behind the research.
• Connect the dots between environmental exposures like pollution or toxic chemicals and illnesses like asthma or cancer.
• Inspire action with practical steps to reduce risks at home and in communities.

Watch the videos on participating schools’ YouTube pages, including a playlist on the Columbia Mailman page. The social media tag is #EHWorks.   

“Knowledge is power,” says Ana Navas-Acien, MD, PhD, Leon Hess Professor and Chair of Environmental Health Sciences at Columbia University’s Mailman School of Public Health. “When science shines a light on hidden risks—like toxic chemicals in water or air—families can make informed choices to stay healthy, and our leaders are equipped to seek solutions that protect us all.”