2023
What’s new
Sivuqaq’s Community-Driven Science: Documenting Contamination in the Arctic
Due to a combination of global distillation processes and military contamination, the Yupik people of Sivuqaq (the traditional name for St. Lawrence Island) experience disproportionately high exposure to persistent organic pollutants (POPs) and other chemicals — resulting in dramatic health disparities. . . .
2023
What’s new
What's New
Playing on Plastic: Artificial Turf Hazards and Safer Alternatives
From professional sports leagues to elementary schools and even day care centers, many communities have questions about the pros and cons of artificial turf. The National Football League’s Players Association president is advocating for natural grass fields, citing higher injury rates on artificial turf fields. Some communities have adopted moratoria on turf installation, while some are making plans to invest in new, sustainably managed natural grass fields. . . .
2023
What’s new
Webinars
Tracking chemical exposures in the office
In a recent webinar, Dr. Anna Young presented a new study which used silicone wristbands as a novel method to monitor exposures to chemicals in the office environment. . . .
2023
What’s new
How and Why to Close the Exposure Assessment Gap
Quantitative risk assessments underpin most of our federal regulations related to chemicals. Therefore, it is important to understand how and why risk assessments can go astray.
. . .
2023
What’s new
Webinars
Reducing breast cancer risk by reducing chemical exposures
Personal care products (PCPs) such as shampoo, deodorant, and fragrance often contain xenoestrogens. Xenoestrogens are industrial chemicals, such as parabens and phthalates, which have estrogenic activity. Estrogenic overstimulation can be carcinogenic in human breast tissue.
. . .
2023
What’s new
Reflections on science, policy & prevention
Since I joined CHE late last year, I’ve had the opportunity to learn and think about the role the Collaborative plays in the environmental health space. As we move that work forward in the months ahead, I'll periodically discuss emerging research and share perspectives here on the CHE blog. . . .
2023
What’s new
Kids and chemicals: PFAS exposure and the metabolism
In a recent webinar hosted by CHE-Alaska, Dr. Jesse Goodrich presented the results of a study that comprehensively examined effects of exposures to mixtures of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) on human metabolisms — with a particular focus on children and young adults. . . .
2023
What’s new
One fell swoop: Choosing solutions that address multiple crises
I recently returned from some weeks in Canada, on Cape Breton Island at the old family farm. As always, it was lovely to connect with the land and woods, catch up with rural neighbors, hear the chorus of “peepers” in the evening, and enjoy periodic sightings of local foxes, coyotes and bears. . . .
2023
What’s new
Childhood glyphosate exposure linked to metabolic disorders
Use of the herbicide glyphosate has increased significantly over the past 20 years. With this increased exposure comes increased risk of human health effects. . . .
2023
What’s new
A Story of Health: Narrative in Public Health Training and Practice
Story telling has a long history in medical training and practice.
Narratives describe a patient’s experience of illness, a clinician’s experience caring for them, or both. Yet, contemporary medical practice tends to de-emphasize narratives in favor of facts and findings gleaned from laboratory tests, imaging studies, and brief hospital or office visits. . . .
