Environmental Health Chat

By NIEHS Partnerships for Environmental Public Health

What's Environmental Health Chat about?

This podcast series explores how environmental exposures affect our health. Each short episode highlights ways researchers work in partnership with community groups to understand and address environmental health issues.

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Environmental Health Chat episodes:

11.14.2022
Food Security, Nutrition, and Indigenous Health in the Arctic
In this episode, Sappho Gilbert, a doctoral candidate at Yale University School of Public Health, discusses her NIEHS-funded project to better understand how climate change and other environmental factors are altering food security and nutrition among Inuit communities in the...
10.10.2022
Climate Change, Air Pollution, and Children’s Health and Your Health
In this episode, Kari Nadeau, M.D., Ph.D., talks about how climate change and air pollution affect children’s health. She also discusses what health care professionals, policy makers, and parents can do to better protect kids from climate change- and air-pollution-related...
09.23.2022
PFAS and Your Health
In this episode, Laurel Schaider, Ph.D., talks about how PFAS exposures affect health and how communities can learn more about this large class of chemicals, including ways to reduce exposure.
08.17.2022
Campaign Promotes Eating Safer Fish
In this episode, we hear from Elizabeth Shapiro-Garza, Ph.D., from Duke University, and Veronica Carter, with the North Carolina Coastal Federation. They discuss “Stop, Check, Enjoy!” a campaign to help fishers in southeastern North Carolina understand the risks of consuming...
06.15.2022
Redlining Still Affects Health Today
In this episode, we’ll hear from Rachel Morello-Frosch, Ph.D., who discusses how historical policies have shaped disparities in health and environmental exposures today.
05.18.2022
NIEHS Program Empowers Women, Improves Health
In this episode we’ll hear from Joan P. Packenham, Ph.D., who directs the Women’s Health Awareness program at NIEHS. She discusses women’s health disparities and why it’s important to include women – especially those from understudied, underrepresented, and underreported groups...
04.13.2022
Community-engaged Research Leads to Soil Cleanup
In this episode, we’ll hear from Eri Saikawa, Ph.D., from Emory University and Rosario Hernandez, executive director of Historic Westside Gardens. They work with residents living in Atlanta’s Westside community to test their soil for lead and other contaminants and...
03.16.2022
The Shrinking Salton Sea and Children’s Health
In this episode, we talk to NIEHS-funded researcher Shohreh Farzan, Ph.D., and Esther Bejarano, with the community organization Comite Civico del Valle, who have teamed up to address local concerns about the possible health effects of the shrinking Salton Sea....
02.15.2022
Air Pollution Monitoring Turns Students into Citizen Scientists
In this episode, we’ll hear from Jessa Ellenburg, director of educational outreach at 2B Technologies. Ellenburg talks about why it’s important to get students and communities involved in citizen science and shares lessons learned from her more than 10 years...
01.19.2022
Healthy Buildings, Healthy People, Healthy Planet
In this episode we talk with Joseph G. Allen, D.Sc., an associate professor at the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, who is merging the disciplines of building science and health science. Allen discusses his research on indoor air...
12.16.2021
Parkinson’s Disease, Pesticides, and the Gut Microbiome
This episode explores how the environment, gut microbiome, and brain interact to influence the development and progression of Parkinson’s disease. We’ll also hear how better understanding these complex interactions can help scientists develop interventions to slow, or even stop, progression...
11.23.2021
Environmental Justice: The Past, Present, and Future of the Movement
In this episode, Robert Bullard, Ph.D., often referred to as the father of environmental justice, shares his knowledge and insights from more than 40 years as a leading voice in the field. He also talks about the future of the...
10.12.2021
Why Neighborhoods Matter: Brain Development in Children
In this podcast, Megan Herting, Ph.D., discusses why neighborhoods matter when it comes to brain and cognitive development. She also shares her thoughts on how we can promote neighborhood equity to improve children’s health and development.
09.27.2021
Botanical Safety
In this podcast, we’ll hear from Cynthia Rider, Ph.D., a toxicologist at the Division of the National Toxicology Program at NIEHS. Rider talks about what we know – and don’t know – when it comes to botanical safety, what she’s...
08.20.2021
Engaging Youth in Research
This podcast explores the many benefits of engaging youth in environmental health research through the lens of the Center for the Health Assessment of Mothers and Children of Salinas (CHAMCAOS) Youth Council. You’ll hear from James Nolan, leader of the...
07.30.2021
Wildfire Smoke and Children’s Health
In this podcast, Stephanie Holm, M.D., Ph.D., discusses children’s health risks from wildfire smoke exposure. She also offers advice to parents on how to keep kids safe during a wildfire event.
06.22.2021
Eating a Healthy Diet to Protect Against Pollution
In this podcast, we’ll hear from Dawn Brewer, Ph.D., who discusses how a eating a healthy diet may protect against the harmful effects of pollution.
05.20.2021
Hair Care and Black Women’s Health
In this podcast, we’ll hear from Jasmine McDonald, Ph.D., who studies the link between hair product use and breast cancer risk among women of color. McDonald talks about differences in hair product use by race, what exposure to the chemicals...
04.14.2021
Dogs Shed Light on Chemical Exposures and Disease
In this podcast, you’ll hear from two researchers who are using silicone monitoring devices to detect chemical exposures in dogs and their owners to gain insight into the ways our daily exposures may affect our health.
03.17.2021
Using Implementation Science to Move Environmental Health Discoveries into the Real-world
In this podcast, we’ll hear from Lindsey Ann Martin, Ph.D., from the NIEHS Division of Extramural Research and Training, about the intersection of implementation science and environmental health research.
02.23.2021
Greening Neighborhoods to Improve Health
In this podcast, we’ll hear from NIEHS grantee Aruni Bhatnagar, Ph.D., who leads the Green Heart Study, an ambitious and first of its kind project to examine the impacts of green neighborhoods on heart health.
02.08.2021
Using Culturally Appropriate Messages to Promote Smoke-Free Homes
To decrease tobacco use among tribal populations, researchers must consider the culture and traditions of tribal communities, many of which use tobacco for ceremonial, medicinal, and religious practices. In this podcast, you’ll hear from NIEHS-funded researcher Patricia Henderson, M.D., who...
01.13.2021
NIEHS Program Builds Careers, Changes Lives (Part II)
In this second installment of our two-part series celebrating the 25th anniversary of the NIEHS Environmental Career Worker Training Program, we’ll hear from Rocio Treminio-Lopez, a program graduate who is now the mayor of Brentwood, Maryland. Treminio-Lopez shares personal stories...
12.11.2020
NIEHS Program Builds Careers, Changes Lives (Part I)
In this podcast, you’ll hear how the NIEHS Environmental Career Worker Training Program (ECWTP) enhances life skills, creates jobs, and provides sustainable career opportunities for underserved populations across the U.S.
06.22.2020
Microplastic Pollution and Human Health
In this podcast, you’ll hear from Mark Hahn at Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution about how microplastics impact human health and the ecosystem, and how researchers are working to address this issue.
05.08.2020
Understanding Cell Phones, Radio Frequency Radiation, and Their Effects on Health
In this podcast, you will hear from a toxicologist at the National Toxicology Program about how cell phones work using radio frequency radiation (RFR) and what his team is doing to better understand potential health effects from their use. In...
03.05.2020
When Wildfires Hit Close to Home
In this podcast you’ll hear how NIEHS-funded researchers are studying urban wildfires to better understand these complex exposures and the unique ways they may affect human health. You’ll also learn how information from these studies could help communities better prepare...
12.23.2019
Harnessing Social Media to Share Science on Breast Cancer and the Environment
In this podcast, you’ll hear how health communication researchers are improving information and messages about breast cancer online. Plus, you’ll learn how they are teaming with social media influencers to help people understand and reduce their risk.
10.11.2019
Why Dad’s Environment Before Conception Matters
In this podcast we’ll hear about how researchers are exploring preconception, particularly for fathers to be, as a critical window of susceptibility to harmful exposures. Plus, learn what you can do to improve your preconception health!
08.14.2019
Understanding the Global Burden of Disease Part II
In this podcast, we’ll learn more about the global burden disease (GBD) and how the GBD study could ultimately help clarify the true burden of environmental exposures, thereby raising prevention and associated policies as a societal priority (in all countries).
07.17.2019
Understanding the Global Burden of Disease Part I
In this podcast we will focus on the Global Burden of Disease Study and how it is helping inform health organizations and decision makers as they prioritize environmental factors that need to be addressed.
06.17.2019
From the Lab to Real-World Impacts: NIEHS Tools for Translational Research
In this podcast, we will learn about Translational Research at NIEHS and how a new tool, called the Translational Research Framework, can help move research from the lab bench to impacts in the real world.
05.16.2019
PFAS and Children’s Health
In this podcast, we’ll learn about a complex group of chemicals known as PFAS and how researchers are working to understand how they may impact early development in children.
04.22.2019
The Many Factors Involved in Chronic Kidney Disease
In this podcast, we’ll hear about a unique epidemic of kidney disease that cannot be explained by traditional or known risk factors like high blood pressure or genetics, called chronic kidney disease of unknown origin (CKDu), and what NIEHS-funded researchers...
03.21.2019
Understanding the Link Between Environment, Nutrition, and Autism: Examining Approaches to Reduce Risk
In this podcast we’ll learn more about autism and what NIEHS-funded researchers are doing to understand gene-by-environment contributions to autism. Plus, we’ll hear how prenatal vitamins may be useful in reducing the risk of autism.
01.24.2019
Opioids and Worker Health
In this podcast, hear more about the significant risks that opioids pose to worker health and safety, and how different agencies and nonprofit organizations are working to address these concerns.
10.25.2018
A Community Approach to Studying Noise and Health
In this podcast, we will talk about efforts to raise awareness of noise pollution and work to engage communities in documenting their noise experience.
09.14.2018
E-Cigarettes and Teen Health
In this podcast, we’ll learn about why the increased use of e-cigarettes, particularly among teens, has generated concern among health professionals and researchers, and how NIEHS-funded researchers are working to understand and address this growing problem.
08.23.2018
Economic Benefits of Improving Air Quality and Protecting Children’s Health
In this podcast, we will explore how the physical, psychological, and economic stress of chronic diseases can be taken in to account when considering air quality. Plus, we will learn about the many social and economic benefits of preventing early...
07.19.2018
Vapor Intrusion and Your Health
When groundwater or soil near hazardous waste sites become contaminated with certain chemicals, such as volatile organic compounds, vapors from the contaminants can move up into the air of nearby homes and businesses. This process is called vapor intrusion and...
06.20.2018
Harmful Algal Blooms and Your Health
Algae are organisms that get their energy from the sun and live in aquatic and marine environments. Some types of algae are small, single-celled organisms. Different factors such as light, temperature, and available nutrient levels can trigger some types of...
05.17.2018
Circadian Rhythm and Your Health
Did you know that many of the processes in your body operate on a 24-hour cycle? This cycle, called the circadian rhythm, controls important functions in the body, such as hormone production and sleep patterns. The circadian rhythm is largely...
04.30.2018
Enhancing Community Resilience for Disaster Preparedness
In the context of environmental health research, resilience refers to a community’s ability to withstand, adapt, and recover from a disaster or a public health emergency. In this podcast, hear how researchers are working with communities to develop research questions...
03.20.2018
Crumb Rubber in Playgrounds and Children's Health
In this podcast, learn more about studies to understand the health risks of crumb rubber in playgrounds, and ways to reduce children’s exposure to potentially harmful contaminants.
01.31.2018
Demystifying the Common Myths About Lead
Although childhood lead poisoning has decreased over the last four decades, it remains an important public health concern. While the internet offers vast informative resources for parents, landlords, and property owners, there can be a lot of conflicting information, as...
10.26.2017
Addressing Environmental Health Disparities through Research
Some groups of people in the United States experience higher rates of certain diseases than the general population. For example, communities near highways, which are more likely to be lower income or include people of color, may be exposed to...
08.21.2017
Windows of Susceptibility
People can be exposed to a wide variety of chemical and non-chemical stressors in their daily lives. These stressors may come from outdoors, homes or workplaces, food consumption, or use of personal care products. Exposure at low levels may not...
07.25.2017
Flame Retardant Chemicals
Flame retardant chemicals are added to consumer products, such as furniture, clothing, baby products, and coverings for electronic devices, to reduce their flammability. Brominated flame retardants are a common class of chemicals that have been used widely and are associated...
05.10.2017
Understanding Bioavailability of Arsenic and Lead in Soils at Hazardous Waste Sites
Bioavailability is a concept that is often unknown or confusing to community members impacted by metals contamination. Since bioavailability has important implications for human health and cleanup decisions at Superfund sites, it is important for impacted communities and the public...
03.17.2017
Wood Burning Stoves and Human Health
In many parts of the country, and indeed around the world, wood is used as fuel to heat homes, particularly during colder winter months. Wood combustion releases particulates and other air contaminants that can hurt your health. This can be...

What's Environmental Health Chat about?

Download our free app to listen on your phone

Environmental Health Chat episodes:

Food Security, Nutrition, and Indigenous Health in the Arctic

Climate Change, Air Pollution, and Children’s Health and Your Health

PFAS and Your Health

Campaign Promotes Eating Safer Fish

Redlining Still Affects Health Today

NIEHS Program Empowers Women, Improves Health

Community-engaged Research Leads to Soil Cleanup

The Shrinking Salton Sea and Children’s Health

Air Pollution Monitoring Turns Students into Citizen Scientists

Healthy Buildings, Healthy People, Healthy Planet

Parkinson’s Disease, Pesticides, and the Gut Microbiome

Environmental Justice: The Past, Present, and Future of the Movement

Why Neighborhoods Matter: Brain Development in Children

Botanical Safety

Engaging Youth in Research

Wildfire Smoke and Children’s Health

Eating a Healthy Diet to Protect Against Pollution

Hair Care and Black Women’s Health

Dogs Shed Light on Chemical Exposures and Disease

Using Implementation Science to Move Environmental Health Discoveries into the Real-world

Greening Neighborhoods to Improve Health

Using Culturally Appropriate Messages to Promote Smoke-Free Homes

NIEHS Program Builds Careers, Changes Lives (Part II)

NIEHS Program Builds Careers, Changes Lives (Part I)

Microplastic Pollution and Human Health

Understanding Cell Phones, Radio Frequency Radiation, and Their Effects on Health

When Wildfires Hit Close to Home

Harnessing Social Media to Share Science on Breast Cancer and the Environment

Why Dad’s Environment Before Conception Matters

Understanding the Global Burden of Disease Part II

Understanding the Global Burden of Disease Part I

From the Lab to Real-World Impacts: NIEHS Tools for Translational Research

PFAS and Children’s Health

The Many Factors Involved in Chronic Kidney Disease

Understanding the Link Between Environment, Nutrition, and Autism: Examining Approaches to Reduce Risk

Opioids and Worker Health

A Community Approach to Studying Noise and Health

E-Cigarettes and Teen Health

Economic Benefits of Improving Air Quality and Protecting Children’s Health

Vapor Intrusion and Your Health

Harmful Algal Blooms and Your Health

Circadian Rhythm and Your Health

Enhancing Community Resilience for Disaster Preparedness

Crumb Rubber in Playgrounds and Children's Health

Demystifying the Common Myths About Lead

Addressing Environmental Health Disparities through Research

Windows of Susceptibility

Flame Retardant Chemicals

Understanding Bioavailability of Arsenic and Lead in Soils at Hazardous Waste Sites

Wood Burning Stoves and Human Health

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