How One Professor’s Research on Lead in Drinking Water is Driving a Major Change in US Environmental Policy

In 2024, Ronnie Levin, an instructor in the Department of Environmental Health at the Harvard TH Chan School of Public Health, was recognized by Time as one of the 100 individuals who had the greatest impact on global health. Levine’s contributions were highlighted in the Catalysts category.

Levine’s research played a key role in driving a significant change in US environmental policy. She and her colleague and husband, Joel Schwartz, a professor of environmental epidemiology at Harvard, conducted a cost-benefit analysis in 2023 that found reducing lead in drinking water could lead to more than $8 billion in health benefits and at least $2 billion in infrastructure savings each year. This research helped to influence the Environmental Protection Agency’s proposal to replace all lead pipes in the US within ten years.

In an interview with Time, Levine expressed her excitement about this proposed rule but stressed the importance of effective implementation and enforcement to achieve the desired results. She pointed out that without proper monitoring, the changes may not have the intended impact.

Overall, Levine’s work on environmental health and her research on lead have significantly contributed to global health discussions and initiatives, making her a deserving inclusion on the 2024 Time 100 Health list.