Collaborative for Health and Environment

08/26/2026

Susan Kaplan discusses the importance of protections from pollution and toxic chemicals, and how we can learn from states with well-established environmental health policies.

“State environmental health policies vary greatly across the country. But there are best practice models that are well-established, that other states can learn from. My new book from Princeton University Press, entitled A Healthy Union: How States Can Lead on Environmental Health, looks at some of these leading policies and what other states can learn from them.”

Watch the Science Snippet here:

08/24/2026

Back-to-school season is upon us! For many kids, this season is happening alongside something else: more conversations about extreme heat, wildfires, hurricanes, flooding, and a changing climate.

Children are highly observant, and as they begin asking questions about extreme weather and the planet, they may also experience eco-anxiety: worry, fear, or sadness about environmental change.

These tips and tools for caregivers and school staff can help students cope with climate anxiety. Books can give children a gentle place to explore feelings while reminding them that caring for the Earth can also mean curiosity, connection, hope, and action.

To see the full post visit instagram.com/che_healthenv

08/20/2026

As we head back into the school year, we're celebrating two individuals working to create safer environments for children: Dr. Sarah Evans and Pecola Abele⚽️

“One topic that we get asked about frequently is whether playing on artificial turf surfaces is a risk to children’s health. There are three areas of potential concern when it comes to children’s health on these surfaces: chemical and microplastic exposures, exposure to extreme heat, and increased risk of injuries compared to play on natural grass.” - Dr. Sarah Evans

To see the full post, visit instagram.com/che_healthenv

08/17/2026

Summer break is coming to an end, and school is almost here!🚌

Let’s kick off this school year by swapping products with harmful chemicals for cleaner, safer ones that protect our loved ones📝🏫

🌱Swipe to see what changes you can make this school year

08/13/2026

The Voices Project: Dr. Ken Geiser🌟

In this recording, Dr. Ken Geiser is interviewed by Dr. Joel Tickner and Dr. Polly Hoppin. Dr. Geiser is a leader of the pollution prevention movement, founder of multiple organizations including the Massachusetts Toxics Use Reduction Institute, and a leading scholar on safer materials.

To listen to the full audio, visit https://on.soundcloud.com/q0fz51h70ck5ABM9h9 or our YouTube channel.

On November 27, 2006, Dr. Ken Geiser was interviewed by Dr. Joel Tickner and Dr. Polly Hoppin. Dr. Geiser is a leader of the pollution prevention movement, founder of multiple organizations including

08/12/2026

Behind every spotless hallway and sanitized classroom is a dedicated custodian, who is oftentimes exposed to harmful chemicals. This school year, let’s protect our school staff and students by choosing safer cleaning materials 📝

To see the full post, visit instagram.com/che_healthenv

08/06/2026

From our homes to our food, toxic chemicals are much more common than people realize. But there are plenty of ways we can reduce our exposures.

To learn more, visit

UCSF’s innovative, collaborative approach to patient care, research and education spans disciplines across the life sciences, making it a world leader in scientific discovery and its translation to improving health.

08/04/2026

NEW GUEST COMMENTARY: Quartz countertops are driving a public health crisis in the US

Dr. David Michaels and Dr. Robert Harrison discuss the dangers of working with engineered stone, including the surge in silicosis cases.

“Until manufacturers stop manufacturing and retailers follow Ikea’s lead and stop selling engineered stone countertops containing crystalline silica in the U.S., thousands of workers will continue to be exposed to deadly dust, and far too many will develop preventable silicosis or cancer.”

📃To read the full blog, visit

If you walk into a Costco, Home Depot, or Lowe’s and order a countertop for your kitchen renovation, the store will likely contract with a local fabrication shop, instructing them to make one...

07/29/2026

CHE BLOG: Learning from History: How Dr. Herbert Needleman faced down the lead industry

This blog is part of our Industry Intimidation series, which highlights the longstanding issue of corporate pressure on scientists in the environmental health field. In a 2005 Public Health Reports interview, “Standing Up to the Lead Industry,” Dr. Herbert Needleman recalled treating an infant for a cause of acute lead poisoning that inspired him to study lead:

“I suddenly realized that the issue was not just making diagnoses and treating them. The issue was in the life story of people.”

🌱To learn more about Dr. Herbert Needlman’s story, visit

In the 1950s at a children’s hospital in Philadelphia, pediatrician Dr. Herbert Needleman successfully treated an infant for a case of acute lead poisoning. “You can not go back to that...

07/27/2026

The Voices Project: Damu Smith🌟

On January 27, 2006, Damu Smith was interviewed by Dr. Joel Tickner and Melissa Coffin. Smith was an environmental justice visionary and a leading organizer of front-line communities affected by toxic chemical pollution. He passed away in May 2006.

To listen to the full audio, visit our SoundCloud or

On January 27, 2006, Damu Smith was interviewed by Dr. Joel Tickner...