Public Health Archives

The Environmental Protection Agency's headquarters in Washington, D.C.

Environment

Did U.S. Government Agencies Intentionally Whitewash the Toxic Footprint of a Widely Used Chemical Compound?

Two new analyses make clear the Environmental Protection Agency and the Department of Defense have downplayed the public-health threat posed by chemicals used to develop Teflon and Scotchgard.

Abrahm Lustgarten

Smoke rises from the County Fire as it burns through dry brush on July 2nd, 2018, in Guinda, California.

Environment

Extreme Fire Conditions Grip California

The 2018 fire season in California is already shaping up to be worst than last year's, which cost the state a record $10 billion in damages.

Kate Wheeling

Environmental Protection Agency Administrator Scott Pruitt answers reporters' questions during a briefing at the White House on June 2nd, 2017, in Washington, D.C.

Environment

The ‘Secret Science’ Rule Could Prevent the EPA From Using a Key Global Buildings Study

Scott Pruitt's proposed policy would allow the EPA to develop significant policies using only studies that rely on publicly available data.

Rebecca Worby

The ads show actors going to scary lengths to get prescription opioids.

Social Justice

What Health Ad Researchers Think About the White House’s New Anti-Opioid Campaign

The ads capture attention and may help spread awareness. But will they change how anyone acts?

Francie Diep

News in Brief

American Medical Association Endorses Proposals to Curb Gun Violence

The American Medical Association came out in support of a slew of progressive proposals to curb gun violence on Tuesday.

Kate Wheeling

A piece of coal at the Savage Energy Terminal on August 26th, 2016, in Price, Utah.

Economics

Federal Judge Sides Against Oakland’s Ban on Coal Shipments

A federal judge in California blocked the city of Oakland's attempt to prevent the shipment of coal through a proposed cargo terminal.

Kate Wheeling

EPA Administrator Scott Pruitt testifies before the House Appropriations Committee on April 26th, 2018, in Washington, D.C.

Environment

On the EPA’s New ‘Secret Science’ Policy, Republicans and Democrats Both Profess a Fear of Politicized Science

Scott Pruitt's proposed policy to require that data and methods behind scientific studies be made publicly available has left Democrats in Congress rankled.

Francie Diep

Environment

The EPA Has Weakened Air Pollution Standards

Public-health advocates say the changes are dangerous to human health.

Kate Wheeling

Donald Trump attends the National Prayer Breakfast

News in Brief

Trump’s Plan to ‘Solve’ the Opioid Crisis Will Include the Death Penalty for Drug Dealers

The plan's law enforcement strategies have been met with skepticism by some lawmakers.

Candace Butera

Social Justice

In Chicago, Black Breast Cancer Mortality Rates Are Dropping Dramatically

While other major U.S. cities see the disparity in outcomes between black and white women battling breast cancer grow, a unique program in Chicago has reversed the trend.

Naomi Elster