UR Environmental Health Community Engagement

06/24/2026

widget-6490d1e0-18a In Photo L-R Martha Susiarjo, Rick Woychik, Deborah Cory-Slechta, Pam Lein, Lee Murray and Paige Lawrence The EHSC has funds to support a limited number of meritorious Pilot Projects Apply for a pilot project

06/24/2026

06/22/2026

06/15/2026

What's the big deal about microplastics? Check out WXXI Connections to learn about microplastics from EHSC Center Member Katrina Korfmacher, PhD!

Listen here:

In the first hour of "Connections with Evan Dawson" on 6/15/26, did you know that Rochester is a hotbed for microplastics research? Our experts tell us what they've learned to help us protect our health.

06/12/2026

Summer is here and so is spending more time outside! Some dependable ways to protect yourself against the sun is covering up with clothes, spending time in the shade, and wearing sunscreen.
Using a broad spectrum, SPF 30 or higher, water resistant, mineral-based sunscreen can offer protection when spending time outside.
Learn more about sunscreens here: https://www.urmc.rochester.edu/institute-for-human-health-and-the-environment/engagement/engagement-projects/sun-safety

06/10/2026

Extreme heat is impacting most of New York State, with "feels-like" temperatures in the high 90s, low 100s Thursday and Friday. Be sure to plan your hikes accordingly.

Hikers should:
💧 Bring at least 2 liters of water (1+ liters of water for every two hours of planned hiking), and ideally, a water filter for longer hikes
💦 Be aware of sources of water along your planned route
🥨 Take breaks and eat salty snacks to keep electrolytes in check
😅 Wear moisture-wicking (non-cotton) base layers and water-resistant shell layers
🐶 Consider leaving pets home this time
⛅ Keep an eye on the weather and change your plans if needed. Rain can lead to high and impassable water crossings, and being above the treeline is extremely dangerous when lightning is near
🥾 Many trails are still muddy. Wear proper footwear so you can walk THROUGH puddles rather than around them to avoid damaging trails

Even if the weather is forecast to be high heat all day, there’s always a chance of hypothermia due to a sudden storm or drop in temperatures. This can increase dramatically if you’re sweating and not wearing sweat-wicking clothing (made of fabrics like wool or polyester). Many cases of hypothermia are in the summer when people least expect it.

You can always hike another day-the mountains will still be there. If you're heading out, have fun, stay cool, and be safe.

For more information, visit the links in the comments!

06/09/2026

We're taking action to educate on radon! ☢️

Cait Fallone Sharma (right), a research project manager at Wilmot who works with the UR Institute for Human Health and the Environment (IHHE), stopped by Caledonia Medical Center in Livingston County to drop off radon test kits to Dr. Catherine Przystal.

Each kit contains: a one-time radon testing kit, county-specific radon education materials, smoking cessation materials, and radon mitigation resources.

The Primary Care team will hand these out to patients who may be at risk of having radon in their home. This is important because long-term exposure to radon can increase a person's chance of getting lung cancer.

06/05/2026

Discover how air pollution affects brain health in children and adults. URochester Medicine researchers reveal links to learning difficulties, dementia, and Parkinson's—plus steps you can take to protect yourself and your family.

06/02/2026

What if pregnancy could help predict health decades later?

As the number of women with metabolic and neurological diseases rises, our researchers are furthering our understanding of how environmental exposures during pregnancy (like chemicals found in plastics) may influence long-term maternal health.

This work is part of a broader shift in medicine ➡️ recognizing pregnancy as a window into future health, with implications for prevention, early detection, and public health policy.

05/28/2026

The new department combines nationally recognized strengths in toxicology, epidemiology, policy, and community health research and will build upon decades of leadership in environmental health, prevention science, and community engagement.