Environmental Health

Brown researchers examined hundreds of thousands of veterans’ health records to determine if exposure to burn pits on military bases correlates with elevated risk for respiratory and cardiac health conditions.

Erica Walker explores the hidden health impacts of wood pellet production in her home state of Mississippi

Experts describe ways to turn down the volume, from earbuds to smartphone apps that detect harmful noise levels

American life expectancy started dropping even before the pandemic. It’s a critical barometer of our nation’s health and a sign that all is not well in the U.S.

Despite being on the front lines of the climate crisis, the health care sector is also one of the greatest contributors to greenhouse gas emissions. A new study from Brown researchers looks at these decarbonizing efforts across the globe.

MPH student Rosemelly Jimenez Medal's father has worked as a short-haul trucker for over 25 years, and she noticed that he was struggling to hear conversations at dinner. So Jimenez Medal teamed up with her father and noise researcher Erica Walker, RGSS Assistant Professor of Epidemiology at Brown University, to conduct hearing screenings on short-term truckers in California.

The second installment of the Pandemic Center’s “Our Storied Health” series highlights environmental injustice in the American South, and explores the potential of storytelling to advance public health.

As founder and leader of the Community Noise Lab, Professor Erica Walker develops practical tools to help people advocate for healthier neighborhoods, and explores how social disparities and environmental exposures harm communities.

Brown researchers study how unhealthy noise levels are impacting Cranston's schools and neighborhoods

PFAS can be found in just about everything, but there are a few things you can do to reduce your exposure.

Here are some of the noisiest parts of Providence, based on 5,000 noise complaints called to police.

Noise pollution is a physical and mental stressor with real health impacts, Professor Erica Walker tells NPR. "It's going to the emergency room for a panic attack, it's 'I can't sleep,' 'I can't hear my children.' It's all of those things," she says.

Professor of epidemiology Erica Walker weighed in for this comprehensive article for the New York Times.

Professor of epidemiology Joe Braun discusses his study about the low birth rate effects of toxic PFAS “forever chemicals.”

Climate & Health Seminars explored the intersection of public health and climate change, from pandemic preparedness to global supply chains

Researchers from Brown’s School of Public Health and School of Engineering along with the Silent Spring Institute find low-cost DIY air filters effectively improve indoor air quality.

The health effects of chemical pollutants called “forever chemicals” are becoming indisputable, says epidemiologist Joseph Braun.

Assistant Professor of Epidemiology Erica D. Walker, founder of Brown Community Noise Lab, discusses how traffic noise exposure can be harmful to people's health.

Professor of epidemiology David Savitz offered commentary on veterans' exposure to chemicals in bases where burn pits were used.

Summer Gonsalves MPH’19 is a member of the Narragansett Indian Tribe and an advocate for environmental justice.

Epidemiologist Erica Walker returns home to study the environmental quality of Jackson, Mississippi.

Exposure to PFAS has been linked to cardiometabolic disease risk factors like obesity, insulin resistance, dyslipidemia, and hypertension.

Joseph Braun, RN, MSPH, Ph.D., Associate Professor of Epidemiology, has been appointed the Director of the Center for Environmental Health and Technology (CEHT) in the School of Public Health effective January 1, 2020. Dr. Braun succeeds Gregory Wellenius, Ph.D. who has served in this role since 2018.

At a precarious time for the planet, Brown’s Center for Environmental Health and Technology is working to promote resilient, sustainable, healthy communities.

Joseph Braun, MSPH, Ph.D. Associate Professor of Epidemiology: Linking environmental exposures and children’s health.

The Senator from Rhode Island is passionate about acting on climate change and protecting our environment. As a founder of the Senate Climate Action Task Force he is fighting for smarter solutions.

Brown University has a unique role in contributing research, fostering innovation, and in providing a model for environmental sustainability to the greater Providence community and beyond. The University strives to contribute to building a clean, just, and responsible global environment.

When we think about recent environmental disasters, Flint, Michigan’s water quality crisis quickly comes to mind. But the Great Lakes State has another pollution problem that is less well known outside the state.

We spoke with Laura Bozzi, Ph.D., Climate Change Program Manager at the Rhode Island Department of Health, about the challenges facing our state, and the strategies being used to protect our environment, and our health.