Harvard Healthy Buildings Program

NEW: We are collaborating with wonderful partners at Northeastern University, University of Puerto Rico at Mayagüez, University of Puerto Rico Medical Sciences Campus, and local community members in Puerto Rico on a research agenda aimed at understanding, and improving, indoor air quality in schools in Puerto Rico. #HealthyBuildingsForAll https://lnkd.in/e-qkXcm2

In a recent issue of Harvard Chan Magazine, we asked five Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health researchers—Caroline Buckee, Yonatan Grad, Joseph Allen, Sarah Fortune, and Bill Hanage—to weigh in on what we learned (or didn’t learn) from the COVID-19 pandemic, what their main worries are regarding current and future infectious disease risks, and what steps we should be taking to minimize risks going forward. Read what they have to say about recognizing, preparing for, and managing future outbreaks: https://lnkd.in/gbTdZfqz.

Open Access to Maui Wind Data Maps:    As part of our indoor air quality study in Lahaina, Maui, we generated wind speed and direction data for the region during the wildfires in August 2023. We’re committed to making this data accessible to the public to promote further research and protect communities and the environment.   Access to the Maui Wind Data Maps:  https://lnkd.in/eU9AuRFZ   More about our air quality study:  https://lnkd.in/ecFyPu4R

For several years, the Healthy Buildings Program has collaborated with Dr. Peggy Lai and local community members in Uganda to conduct research focused on improving indoor air quality and developing sustainable solutions.   After identifying high levels of pollutants from kerosene-based lighting, our team designed an affordable, in-country sourced, solar-powered lighting alternative that significantly reduced pollutants in the homes. A follow-up randomized-control trial documented sustained benefits for the 12-month study period.    It’s been our privilege to support Dr. Lai and the team in Uganda on this research and to identify practical, cost-effective approaches for improved health among community members. Read more about our work in Uganda in our latest blog post.

This week, the Harvard Healthy Buildings Program participated in NYC Climate Week, engaging in climate conversations with international leaders, sustainability experts, and change-makers across a variety of critical topics. Drs. Joseph Allen and Lauren Ferguson joined the Executive Series 2024 and shared insights on “Building Resilience: Putting People First Using a Holistic Approach to Renovation.” The team also attended The Salata Institute for Climate and Sustainability at Harvard University's climate event, featuring a lineup of inspiring speakers discussing vital issues such as solar geoengineering, methane reduction, and heat stress for workers. Thanks for the insightful conversations!

We are excited to share that Parham Azimi from our team will present our Maui air quality study at the Occupational Safety and Health (OSH) Seminar: Title: "Exposure to Maui Wildfires: Insights and Strategies." Date: Friday, 09/27 Time: 1:10 - 1:50 PM (ET) Location: Online Don't miss this opportunity and register below.

Our study on the effect of portable air cleaner placement on airborne infection control in a classroom is featured in ESPI with a new back cover art from our team! The paper will be open-access for the next 6 weeks： https://lnkd.in/eCe5ffMQ

We are thrilled to welcome our newest students to the Healthy Buildings Program! Their diverse backgrounds and research interests bring a unique perspective and enthusiasm to our team.    Welcome aboard, Gadea Aguado Sierra, Analise Hober, Keith Acosta, and Emily Xing! We hope you have an excellent start to the semester, and we can’t wait to see the incredible contributions you will make. Meet the Healthy Buildings team: https://lnkd.in/epWQB_PM

We find ourselves at a pivotal moment. The World Health Organization has declared clean indoor air a fundamental human right, underscoring the importance of proper ventilation. However, existing standards governing our ventilation rates have failed to prioritize health for decades.   In the October issue of the American Journal of Public Health (AJPH), Dr. Joseph Allen discusses the lessons we have learned from the past and what we can do to usher in a new healthy building era for all.   Have a read: https://lnkd.in/e_cU_rQM