Environmental Health Chat

Air quality has a significant impact on our health. With new, low-cost sensor technologies and apps, everyday citizens can monitor air pollution on the go, where they live, work, and play - providing valuable information for individuals and communities, as well as troves of data for scientific research. But how accurate and appropriate are these technologies to meet the goals of the community groups? This podcast explores the potential and limitations of next-generation air quality monitors and offers strategies for citizen scientists as they get started.

Do you want to help advance understanding of how the environment affects health? Learn how you can contribute to environmental health whether you're interested in science, health care, engineering, communication, community leadership, or many other areas. This podcast also offers tips on how to take advantage of the training opportunities available at NIEHS.

Phthalates are a family of chemicals used in many plastics and scented products. Recent research has linked prenatal and early childhood phthalate exposure with a variety of adverse health effects. In this podcast, we explore the latest scientific findings and offer tips on how to reduce your exposure.

The collection of microbes living on and inside of our bodies (the microbiome) impacts our health in myriad ways. Because the microbiome is our body's first point of contact with the environment, these microbes may even affect how we are exposed to some environmental chemicals. In this podcast, we hear about studies that are underway to assess the relationships between the environment, the microbiome, and human health.

Pregnant women and their developing babies are particularly vulnerable to harmful environmental exposures. Although many physicians talk to expecting mothers about smoking, alcohol, and nutrition, a new study shows doctors are less comfortable talking to patients about the environmental contaminants that women may be exposed to at home or at work. This podcast identifies some common contaminants of concern and discusses how doctors and pregnant women can work together to reduce prenatal exposures.

The term "allergies" often conjures up images of flowers and tree pollen, but many of the allergens we encounter are actually inside our homes and other buildings. Chronic exposure to indoor allergens can exacerbate health conditions such as asthma, especially among children. In this podcast, we take a look at some common indoor allergens and offer tips on improving the air quality in your home.

In this podcast, we consider how our understanding of the impacts of fracking has evolved since we last tackled the issue in 2013. Despite continued debate over the potential public health risks of fracking, many research questions remain unanswered. However, one thing seems clear: community members have an important role to play in research on the impacts of fracking.

The average American woman uses 12 personal care products a day, and men average six products daily. But have you ever read the list of ingredients on your soap, toothpaste, hair products, or cosmetics? This podcast takes a look at some common chemicals found in personal care products and highlights new research about how they might affect our health. Plus, we discuss tips to limit exposure and find safer product alternatives.

With obesity rates skyrocketing, some scientists are wondering whether there's more to the story than simply too many calories. In this podcast, Dr. Bruce Blumberg highlights the latest research on how exposure to environmental chemicals in the environment called "obesogens" could increase the risk for obesity.

Tracking pollutants and investigating their health impacts requires expensive equipment and years of specialized training...or does it? In this podcast, we're taking a look at some real-world science being done by everyday people with low-cost research tools. The podcast highlights the benefits of citizen science and some key considerations to ensure it is done properly.