Promote Healthy People, Healthy Planet and Improve Care for All

Study findings suggest some individuals are genetically more vulnerable to harm from air pollution

June 9, 2017 Findings from a study led by a doctoral student of epidemiology suggest that some individuals are genetically susceptible to experiencing especially negative effects from air pollution, even when pollution levels fall below current U.S. accepted standards.

New survey will determine whether and how Zika affects Americans’ travel

March 16, 2017 Dr. Jim Herrington is collaborating with RTI International to survey Americans about whether the threat of contracting Zika virus is affecting their spring and summer travel plans.

Legal marijuana sales creating escalating damage to the environment

February 20, 2017 By 2020, legal marijuana sales in the U.S. will generate more annual revenue than will the National Football League. However, growing the plant has serious repercussions for the environment, according to a new study by Dr. William Vizuete and a U.K. colleague.

Study investigates role of cadmium and microRNAs in preeclampsia

February 10, 2017
Drs. Rebecca Fry and Samira Brooks have explained an underlying biological mechanism by which exposure to cadmium may increase the risk of developing preeclampsia during pregnancy. Their study was published in Food and Chemical Toxicology.

Dr. Jason West welcomed the New Year with a candid talk on climate change

On January 4, more than 100 UNC students, faculty, staff, and community members joined Dr. Jason West, Associate Professor in the Department of Environmental Sciences and Engineering at UNC Chapel... Read more »

Doctoral student awarded fellowship to study water purification process

January 12, 2017
Kasia Grzebyk, doctoral student in environmental sciences and engineering, has received a generous fellowship award from the American Membrane Technology Association. She is one of four national recipients.

Study finds disparities in drinking water quality in Wake County, NC

In Wake County, some predominantly African-American neighborhoods in urban areas completely lack access to nearby municipal water systems. As a result, residents are exposed to notably higher quantities of microbial contaminants via well water.

Pollution emitted near equator has biggest impact on global ozone

Research led by Dr. Jason West confirms that the location of air pollutants has a big impact upon ozone levels. Because the interplay of pollutants with higher temperatures speeds up the chemical reactions that form ozone, the worst effects of pollution are seen near the equator. West suggests that effects of current pollution levels could be difficult to remedy without strategic policy planning.

Researchers identify new methodology for examining changes in lung cells after pollution exposure

Hang Nguyen, MS, doctoral student of environmental science and engineering in the Gillings School, is first author of a recent study that provided the initial test of a new methodology for examining the genomic response of lung cells to real-world mixtures of air pollutants.

UNC Gillings' Water Institute, World Vision partnership will improve clean water access in 10 African nations

A six-year grant from World Vision to The Water Institute at UNC will create a partnership to improve water, sanitation and hygiene interventions in several low- and middle-income countries, with a long-term goal of helping to solve the global water and sanitation crisis by 2030.