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Environmental Health
Environmental health plays an important role in overall health and well-being. Air quality, extreme heat, climate change, environmental pollution, biodiversity changes, and emerging concerns such as microplastics can affect physical and mental health.
University Health Services is committed to helping students understand how environmental factors impact health and providing resources to support informed, healthy choices.
Climate Change & Health
Climate change can affect health in many ways, including:
- Increased risk of heat-related illness
- Poor air quality and respiratory conditions
- Greater exposure to insect-borne diseases
- Food and water insecurity
- Mental health impacts related to climate stress and extreme weather events
Learn More:
Air Quality & Respiratory Health
- Air Pollutants & Pulmonary Hypertension | Healio
- Climate Change & Respiratory Health | Healio
- Unfiltered Traffic-Related Air Pollution & Blood Pressure | Healio
- Wildfire & Asthma-Related ED Visits | MedPage Today
Biodiversity & Health
- Biodiversity and Health | World Health Organization
Mental Health
- Climate & Mental Health | American Psychological Association
- Childhood Mental Health & Climate Change | Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health
Climate Resiliency & Action
- Climate Action Sheets | Climate for Health
Microplastics & Everyday Exposure Change & Health
Microplastics are tiny plastic particles that can be found in the air, water, food, and many everyday products. Researchers have detected microplastics in human blood, lungs, placentas, and other tissues. Scientists continue to study the long-term health effects of these particles.
Research suggests that microplastics may contribute to inflammation, cardiovascular disease, reproductive health concerns, and disruptions to hormone systems. While more research is needed, reducing unnecessary exposure may help support overall health.
Learn More:
Common Sources of Microplastics
Microplastics may be released from:
- Plastic food and beverage containers
- Single-use plastic bottles
- Synthetic clothing and dryer lint
- Plastic cutting boards and kitchen utensils
- Non-stick cookware
- Tea bags and coffee pods
- Household dust
- Personal care and cleaning products
Ways to Reduce Exposure
While it is impossible to eliminate exposure completely, you can take steps to reduce it:
- Use reusable stainless steel or glass water bottles.
- Avoid heating food in plastic containers.
- Store food in glass or stainless steel containers when possible.
- Replace scratched non-stick cookware.
- Consider stainless steel, cast iron, or ceramic cookware.
- Wash hands before eating.
- Limit single-use plastics when possible.
- Avoid breathing in dryer lint and wash hands after cleaning lint traps.
- Choose tea bags that do not contain plastic materials.
- Opt for electronic receipts when available.
Staying Healthy in a Changing Environment
Heat Safety
Extreme heat is one of the leading weather-related causes of illness and death in the United States.
How to Protect Yourself from the Heat
Protect yourself by:
- Drinking water regularly
- Limiting strenuous outdoor activity during peak heat
- Wearing lightweight clothing
- Taking breaks in air-conditioned spaces
- Checking on friends, family, and neighbors during heat waves
Respiratory Health
Poor air quality, wildfire smoke, and pollution can worsen asthma and other respiratory conditions.
How to Protect Your Respiratory Health
Protect yourself by:
- Monitoring local air quality reports
- Limiting outdoor activity during poor air quality days
- Following treatment plans for asthma or chronic lung conditions
Additional Resources
Stay informed and take steps to protect your health and the environment. Small actions can support both personal well-being and a healthier future.
- Biodiversity and Health | World Health Organization
- Heat & Health | Global Heat Health Information Network
- Plastic People: The Hidden Crisis of Microplastics Documentary