Environmental Health

Your environment can impact your health. Learn about how things like chemicals, the weather, and and air quality can affect you.

Environmental health A-Z

Browse the complete alphabetical index of all environmental health topics.

Browse environmental health topics A-Z

Environmental exposures

Common diseases and conditions that evidence shows may be strongly linked to environmental exposure.
Air Pollution
A mix of substances in the air from human-made and natural sources that can affect human health.
Endocrine Disrupters
Chemicals that interfere with the body’s hormones.
Radon
Radon is a radioactive gas you cannot see, smell, or taste. It comes from the ground and can build up inside homes and buildings, raising the risk of lung cancer and other health conditions.
Weather Extremes
Severe heat and cold, wildfires, storms, hurricanes, droughts, and floods can have adverse effects on human health.

 

Chemicals and contaminants

Chemicals and contaminants can build up in your body and affect your health.
Flame Retardants
While they may offer some safety benefits, many of these chemicals may harm human health and the environment.
Lead
Lead is a naturally occurring metal that has been used in many products and industries. If taken into the body, it is hazardous to health.
Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS)
PFAS are a large group of synthetic chemicals. Found in many everyday products, they are linked to health concerns.
Pesticides
Pesticides can control pests but may pose risks for a variety of health problems.