How the environment affects your health

How air pollution, chemicals, lead, mold, pesticides, noise and disasters affect health, at home, at work and beyond, from A to Z.

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From Lead to PFAS, Environmental Toxins Are All Around Us

Toxins are everywhere, and you don’t have to live next to a chemical plant to know it. Learn about environmental toxins, including “forever chemicals”, and how to limit your exposure.

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More Than an Environmental Menace, Invasive Pests Harm People Too

Invasive pests ruin ecosystems and threaten public health. From deadly viruses carried by mosquitoes to respiratory issues caused by invasive plants, these pests affect more than just the environment — learn more.

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Inflammation Part 3: How Environmental Toxins Spark Inflammation

Have you ever wondered why inflammatory diseases are on the rise? One reason is the toxins in our environment. Learn about the link between environment and inflammation, and steps you can take to limit your exposure.

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Environmental health: A, B, C

Environmental health from A to C covers hazards in the air, in everyday materials and in a changing climate. Topics include air pollution, arsenic, asbestos, bisphenol A (BPA), carbon monoxide poisoning and climate change and health.

Environmental health: D, E, F

Environmental health from D to F runs from disaster preparedness and recovery to fungal infections. Topics include drought and floods, endocrine disruptors, electromagnetic fields and foodborne illness.

Environmental health: G, H, I

Environmental health from G to I covers hazards at home, in waste and in the spread of infection. Topics include home health hazards, hazardous waste, heavy metal poisoning, hurricanes, indoor air pollution and infection control.

Environmental health: J, K, L

Environmental health from J to L covers lead poisoning. Lead is a toxic metal found in sources such as old paint, dust, soil and some drinking water, and young children are the most at risk of harm from it.

Lead Poisoning

Environmental health: M, N, O

Environmental health from M to O covers exposures from metals, molds, noise and the workplace. Topics include mercury, mesothelioma, mold cleanup, noise-induced hearing loss, occupational diseases and ozone.

Environmental health: P, Q, R

Environmental health from P to R covers pollution, pests and radiation. Topics include pesticides, plastic pollution, poisoning, parasitic diseases, radiation exposure and radon, a radioactive gas that can build up in homes.

Environmental health: S, T, U

Environmental health from S to U covers tobacco smoke and the way daily choices affect the environment. Topics include secondhand smoke, smoking and the health effects of tobacco use, along with living a sustainable lifestyle.

Environmental health: V, W, X, Y

Environmental health from V to Y covers water, wildfires and hazards at work. Topics include veterans and military health, waterborne diseases, drinking water safety, wildfire smoke and work-related asthma, along with yersiniosis, a foodborne infection.

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