Environmental Health Sciences Center

Dr. Deborah Bennett, EHSC Exposure Core Lead, recently sat down for an interview with the to shed light on new research regarding how flame-retardant chemicals may increase the risk of preterm birth. 

California has experienced an unprecedented surge in the expansion of e-commerce and, subsequently, a dramatic boom in warehouse construction.  The warehouse boom, while contributing to economic growth, has also raised significant concerns over the long-term environmental justice and health equity repercussions. 

Plastic waste is a growing global problem. The negative impact of plastic debris, particularly on marine ecosystems, has been appreciated for decades. But potentially, an even more significant danger is the insidious microplastic we cannot see. Plastic waste does not biodegrade, rather, it breaks down, fragmented by wind, waves, and sunlight into ever-smaller pieces.

The climate crisis continues to escalate, leading to extreme weather events, such as wildfires, further exacerbating socioeconomic and health disparities. Given projections of worsening climate conditions, there is a critical need for large-scale, multidisciplinary research that can fully address health impacts of climate change. 

Dr. Hertz-Picciotto is leading a team of faculty members across UC Davis that received a UCDH School Of Medicine Cultivating Team Science Award to develop a research program focusing on the effects of climate change on health.

UC Davis Environmental Health Center (EHSC) joins the California Domestic Workers Coalition in celebrating two crucial milestones for advancing domestic workers' health and safety.

In 2022, Irva Hertz-Piccioto was invited to participate in the Wildland Fire Policy Accelerator, organized by the Federation of American Scientists (FAS). This program brings together people from multiple areas of expertise to develop actionable policy ideas to improve our coexistence with fire.

EHSC Member Natalia Deeb-Sossa recently received The City of Davis 2023 Thong Hy Huynh Award, which is given to local individuals or organizations promoting civil rights and civic engagement. 

Wildfires have dramatically increased in number, size, and duration over the past several decades. Defined as unplanned and uncontrolled fires, wildfires are spreading to every corner of the globe. From the Siberian taiga forest to the Australian bush, wildfires have affected 17 million people since 2010. Impacting agriculture, transportation, power and gas services, water supply, and the health of humans, animals, and ecosystems, wildfires affect every aspect of life.

It is now scientific consensus that household air pollution can increase the risk for numerous noncommunicable diseases, including stroke, ischemic heart disease, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and lung cancer.

This April, in honor of Autism Awareness Month, we want to spotlight our members’ research on autism. In a recent report, the CDC estimated that 1 in 36 children in the U.S. are diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). ASD is a complex and multifaceted condition that affects communication, social interaction, and behavior. While the exact cause of autism is not yet fully understood, research has identified a number of potential genetic and environmental risk factors.

Women's History Month, observed annually in March, is a time to celebrate the contributions of women throughout history. Today we want to celebrate women who have made significant strides in pursuing environmental justice. Their work has helped us better understand the natural world, identify environmental challenges, and develop solutions to protect our planet. Their legacies inspire us to continue the work of advancing environmental science and inclusivity in science.

The COVID-19 pandemic flipped our world upside down. Among other things, it had a dramatic effect on work & workers. Yet, particularly during the early days of the pandemic, this effect was unclear. 

EHSC researchers developed a survey to understand how workers and their families have been affected by COVID-19 – both on the job and at home. We also collaborated with several organizations to develop customized versions of the survey. 

March 8th is International Women's Day. To celebrate, we sat down with some of our staff and scientists to ask about the women who inspired them.

Below is a transcript of our conversations – edited for brevity and clarity. 

The simple answer is yes. A walk in the city, blasting music on the radio on your daily drive, or working around loud machines all expose you to noise pollution. 

February is Black History Month and we would like to feature a few of the Black and African-American scientists and researchers who have propelled the field of Environmental Health Sciences forward.