Contaminants

Tiny fragments of plastic that fail to break down have pervaded our water, food, ecosystems, and the human body. Experts explain impacts on our long-term health and what can be done to address the problem on a broader scale.

Stephen Luby and Jenna Forsyth have spent years examining the widespread presence of lead, including in some commonly consumed products. They discuss the prevalence of lead and share insights on food safety policies, education, and lead-free alternatives.

Stanford researchers are working to reveal secrets of a massive, intricate underground fungal network. The resulting knowledge could help scientists engineer fungi-plant interaction to store large amounts of carbon underground and break down toxins, such as plastics and pesticides, among other advances.

Planetary Health Postdoctoral Fellow Alandra Lopez investigates toxins in the environment that affect the health of people living or working nearby.

New research from Stanford University shows wildfires can transform a natural element in soils into a cancer-causing and readily airborne metal known as chromium 6.