https://medicine.yale.edu/lab/deziel/news-rss/?title=Latest%20News&orgId=116140 A selection of the latest research, academic, and other newsworthy developments at Deziel Lab en-us Copyright 2026 Yale School of Medicine Wed, 11 Mar 2026 04:50:39 Z https://medicine.yale.edu/ysph/about-school-of-public-health/communications-public-relations/publications/public-health-magazine/article/school-news-feb-2026/ https://medicine.yale.edu/ysph/about-school-of-public-health/communications-public-relations/publications/public-health-magazine/article/school-news-feb-2026/ YSPH launches the Future of Health Innovation Hub, a Yale team leads water study in East Palestine, Ohio, what to know about the new childhood vaccination recommendations — and more. Tue, 24 Feb 2026 05:00:00 Z https://www.wtrf.com/local/were-running-out-of-time-east-palestine-community-shares-pain-seeks-progress-with-new-study-launched/ https://www.wtrf.com/local/were-running-out-of-time-east-palestine-community-shares-pain-seeks-progress-with-new-study-launched/ Yale researchers are investigating the potential health effects of a train derailment in East Palestine, Ohio, a year ago. Dr. Nicole Deziel, one of the study's leaders, says the goal is to help residents better understand the safety of their water and environment. Dr. Michelle Bell of the School of the Environment is also leading the project. Tue, 03 Feb 2026 05:00:00 Z https://www.statnews.com/2026/01/26/podcasters-why-should-i-trust-you-discuss-maha-shared-pain/ https://www.statnews.com/2026/01/26/podcasters-why-should-i-trust-you-discuss-maha-shared-pain/ Boosted by the open communication efforts of the “Why Should I Trust You?” podcast, a supporter of the Make America Healthy Again movement is working with Yale School of Public Health researchers to study drinking water safety in East Palestine, Ohio, where a train carrying toxic chemicals derailed in 2023. Mon, 26 Jan 2026 05:00:00 Z https://whyshoulditrustyou.substack.com/p/a-model-for-public-health-in-the https://whyshoulditrustyou.substack.com/p/a-model-for-public-health-in-the This episode of the "Why Should I Trust You?" podcast explores what happens when a Yale School of Public Health researcher joins forces with a MAHA organizer to support an American community. Could this serve as a model, a new way of doing public health - using research and advocacy and building relationships and trust - at a time of great division in our country today? Thu, 30 Oct 2025 04:00:00 Z https://www.washingtonpost.com/wellness/2025/08/19/plastic-water-bottles-microplastics/ https://www.washingtonpost.com/wellness/2025/08/19/plastic-water-bottles-microplastics/ Single-use plastic water bottles can release plastic particles, along with chemicals and metals, into the water under certain conditions. YSPH environmental epidemiologist Dr. Nicole Deziel explains the risks. Tue, 19 Aug 2025 04:00:00 Z https://news.yale.edu/2025/08/13/troubled-waters-future-drinking-water-us https://news.yale.edu/2025/08/13/troubled-waters-future-drinking-water-us From fluoride to “forever chemicals,” drinking water has been in the spotlight this year. In a QA, Yale School of Public Health epidemiologist Dr. Nicole Deziel discusses the water we drink today — and what’s on tap for the future. Wed, 13 Aug 2025 04:00:00 Z https://www.nytimes.com/2025/07/29/well/eat/plastic-water-bottle-health-microplastics.html https://www.nytimes.com/2025/07/29/well/eat/plastic-water-bottle-health-microplastics.html YSPH environmental epidemiologist Dr. Nicole Deziel explains how certain chemicals in plastic water bottles can be released when exposed to sunlight or heat, creating potential health risks. Tue, 29 Jul 2025 04:00:00 Z https://medicine.yale.edu/lab/deziel/news-article/new-ysph-pilot-grants-aim-to-support-innovative-interdisciplinary-research/ https://medicine.yale.edu/lab/deziel/news-article/new-ysph-pilot-grants-aim-to-support-innovative-interdisciplinary-research/ The Yale School of Public Health recently launched its inaugural Transformational Pilot Funding grants, providing internal seed money to empower faculty to pursue ambitious, cross-disciplinary studies that have the potential to transform health outcomes locally and globally. Mon, 21 Jul 2025 04:00:00 Z https://theconversation.com/children-living-near-oil-and-gas-wells-face-higher-risk-of-rare-leukemia-studies-show-252994 https://theconversation.com/children-living-near-oil-and-gas-wells-face-higher-risk-of-rare-leukemia-studies-show-252994 In this commentary, YSPH environmental epidemiologist Nicole Deziel and Lisa McKenzie from the University of Colorado discuss their research on the associations between children living near oil and gas wells and an increased risk of leukemia. Thu, 17 Jul 2025 04:00:00 Z https://medicine.yale.edu/lab/deziel/news-article/faculty-research-awards-showcase-ysph-strengths-in-science/ https://medicine.yale.edu/lab/deziel/news-article/faculty-research-awards-showcase-ysph-strengths-in-science/ Whether developing a new test for malaria, exposing health risks associated with climate change, or highlighting the impact of stigma on LGBTQ+ population well-being, Yale School of Public Health faculty advanced science in a variety of impactful ways over the past year. Wed, 14 May 2025 04:00:00 Z https://www.today.com/shop/what-you-should-shouldnt-disinfect-rcna197154 https://www.today.com/shop/what-you-should-shouldnt-disinfect-rcna197154 While disinfecting your space is always important, is there such thing as doing it too much? Dr. Nicole Deziel, an environmental health specialist at Yale University, offers insights and advice. Thu, 24 Apr 2025 04:00:00 Z https://www.theepochtimes.com/health/nighttime-pollution-and-artificial-light-may-increase-childrens-thyroid-cancer-risk-5843568?utm_source=ref_share&utm_campaign=copy https://www.theepochtimes.com/health/nighttime-pollution-and-artificial-light-may-increase-childrens-thyroid-cancer-risk-5843568?utm_source=ref_share&utm_campaign=copy While pediatric thyroid cancer is still rare, affecting approximately five children per million in the United States, the rates are increasing about 3 to 5 percent per year both in the United States and globally, Nicole Deziel, associate professor at the Yale School of Public Health, Yale Cancer Center researcher, and study author, told The Epoch Times. Mon, 21 Apr 2025 04:00:00 Z https://medicine.yale.edu/lab/deziel/news-article/early-life-exposure-to-air-and-light-pollution-linked-to-increased-risk-of-pediatric-thyroid-cancer/ https://medicine.yale.edu/lab/deziel/news-article/early-life-exposure-to-air-and-light-pollution-linked-to-increased-risk-of-pediatric-thyroid-cancer/ A new study led by researchers at Yale University suggests that early-life exposure to two widespread environmental pollutants— small particle air pollution and outdoor artificial light at night—could increase the risk of pediatric thyroid cancer. Tue, 15 Apr 2025 04:00:00 Z https://ysph.yale.edu/public-health-research-and-practice/fact-sheets/fluoride/ https://ysph.yale.edu/public-health-research-and-practice/fact-sheets/fluoride/ Fluoride is a naturally occurring mineral that is commonly added to drinking water and dental products to prevent cavities, a significant public health achievement. However, prolonged exposure to high levels of fluoride can damage teeth and bones, and recent evidence suggests that moderate levels of fluoride may be linked to lower IQ in children. Balancing fluoride’s profound oral health benefits while minimizing potential harms requires a careful examination of the latest data. Thu, 20 Feb 2025 05:00:00 Z https://www.goodhousekeeping.com/clothing/a63740155/pfas-bans-for-clothing/ https://www.goodhousekeeping.com/clothing/a63740155/pfas-bans-for-clothing/ Here's why experts are saying you should think twice before tossing your old raincoat. YSPH Associate Professor and environmental toxicologist Dr. Nicole Deziel shares her expertise. Sat, 15 Feb 2025 05:00:00 Z https://www.newsweek.com/cancer-survivor-kitchen-items-never-use-again-expert-2023436 https://www.newsweek.com/cancer-survivor-kitchen-items-never-use-again-expert-2023436 Newsweek spoke to Dr. Nicole Deziel, researcher at Yale Cancer Center and associate professor of epidemiology at the Yale School of Public Health. Tue, 11 Feb 2025 05:00:00 Z https://www.self.com/story/fluoride-in-drinking-water https://www.self.com/story/fluoride-in-drinking-water Here’s everything you need to know about the mineral and how it affects your body. YSPH Associate Professor Nicole Deziel comments. Mon, 13 Jan 2025 05:00:00 Z https://yaledailynews.com/blog/2024/11/22/how-the-lack-of-water-fluoridation-could-impact-communities-across-the-us/ https://yaledailynews.com/blog/2024/11/22/how-the-lack-of-water-fluoridation-could-impact-communities-across-the-us/ The benefits of water fluoridation have become the subject of much national debate. YSPH professors Nicole Deziel and Vasilis Vasiliou provide their expert perspectives. Fri, 22 Nov 2024 05:00:00 Z https://medicine.yale.edu/lab/deziel/news-article/deziel/ https://medicine.yale.edu/lab/deziel/news-article/deziel/ Yale School of Public Health Associate Professor Dr. Nicole Deziel, an expert on environmental contaminants, discusses the health concerns surrounding fracking in this report. Tue, 19 Nov 2024 05:00:00 Z https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c4gpmx7z0xno https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c4gpmx7z0xno With swaths of South Sudan submerged, a whistleblower warns water sources are being polluted by oil. YSPH's Dr. Nicole Deziel comments on the situation Mon, 11 Nov 2024 05:00:00 Z https://fortworthreport.org/2024/09/18/after-two-rejections-proposal-to-expand-natural-gas-drilling-near-arlington-day-care-returns/ https://fortworthreport.org/2024/09/18/after-two-rejections-proposal-to-expand-natural-gas-drilling-near-arlington-day-care-returns/ Approximately 18 million people in the U.S. live within a mile of active oil and gas wells that are known to release air pollutants and odors. Wed, 18 Sep 2024 04:00:00 Z https://abcnews.go.com/US/fracking-forced-ohio-property-owners-land-legal/story?id=113158873 https://abcnews.go.com/US/fracking-forced-ohio-property-owners-land-legal/story?id=113158873 Unitization, the pooling of parcels of land into a single unit for fracking purposes, has been legal in Ohio since 1965, however, the last decade has seen unitization orders surge to meet fracking demands. As fracking in Ohio surges, a Yale School of Public Health report has identified human health concerns associated with fracking. Thu, 29 Aug 2024 04:00:00 Z https://www.motherjones.com/environment/2024/08/climate-change-heat-pesticides-drift-farm-workers-epa/ https://www.motherjones.com/environment/2024/08/climate-change-heat-pesticides-drift-farm-workers-epa/ When it is hotter outside, pesticides tend to evaporate faster, explains Nicole Deziel, an environmental health scientist at the Yale School of Public Health. This, in turn, impacts how much of the pesticide actually reaches the crop. Any that doesn’t usually sticks around in the air—and can travel miles offsite. Pesticide drift means that the toxic chemicals spread further than ever intended, affecting farmworkers and adjacent communities. Thu, 08 Aug 2024 04:00:00 Z https://medicine.yale.edu/lab/deziel/news-article/ambient-heat-during-pregnancy-linked-to-increased-risk-of-childhood-cancer/ https://medicine.yale.edu/lab/deziel/news-article/ambient-heat-during-pregnancy-linked-to-increased-risk-of-childhood-cancer/ Yale School of Public Health researchers evaluate the association between exposure to hot temperatures during pregnancy and the risk of cancer in children. Wed, 03 Jul 2024 22:30:00 Z https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/article/2024/jun/13/pennsylvania-fracking-children-illnesses https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/article/2024/jun/13/pennsylvania-fracking-children-illnesses Pennsylvania families worry about rising cases of rare cancer with fracking well pads near their homes and stalled House bills. YSPH Associate Professor Nicole Deziel shares her insights. Thu, 13 Jun 2024 04:00:00 Z https://cen.acs.org/energy/Massive-potential-lithium-source-found/102/web/2024/06 https://cen.acs.org/energy/Massive-potential-lithium-source-found/102/web/2024/06 Reusing the lithium found in fracking wastewater as a component of longer-lasting batteries sounds like a worthy goal. However, it is important to ensure that the extraction process is done in a way that minimizes impact on the environment and public health, YSPH Associate Professor Nicole Deziel says in this news report. Tue, 04 Jun 2024 04:00:00 Z https://medicine.yale.edu/lab/deziel/news-article/cheung-receives-nih-grant-to-research-water-pollution-and-human-health/ https://medicine.yale.edu/lab/deziel/news-article/cheung-receives-nih-grant-to-research-water-pollution-and-human-health/ Kei-Hoi Cheung, PhD, has been awarded a grant by the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences (NIEHS) to research environmental health data and drinking water contamination using AI methods. Wed, 15 May 2024 14:00:00 Z https://medicine.yale.edu/lab/deziel/news-article/yale-school-of-public-health-professors-participate-in-emerging-leaders-forum/ https://medicine.yale.edu/lab/deziel/news-article/yale-school-of-public-health-professors-participate-in-emerging-leaders-forum/ Yale School of Public Health Associate Professor of Epidemiology (Environmental Health Sciences) Nicole Deziel and Assistant Professor of Epidemiology (Microbial Diseases) Amy Bei recently participated in the National Academy of Medicine’s (NAM) Emerging Leaders Forum in Washington D.C. Wed, 08 May 2024 04:00:00 Z https://www.cnn.com/2024/04/30/health/epa-methylene-chloride-paint-strippers/index.html https://www.cnn.com/2024/04/30/health/epa-methylene-chloride-paint-strippers/index.html “It then can be challenging to have regulations keep pace with the latest science,” said Dr. Nicole Deziel, a Yale Cancer Center researcher and associate professor of environmental health sciences at Yale School of Public Health. Tue, 30 Apr 2024 04:00:00 Z https://www.cancertherapyadvisor.com/home/cancer-topics/general-oncology/does-fracking-cause-cancer/ https://www.cancertherapyadvisor.com/home/cancer-topics/general-oncology/does-fracking-cause-cancer/ The process of fracking involves known carcinogens, and fracking has been linked to cancers in children and young adults, but it remains unclear whether fracking causes cancer. YSPH Associate Professor Nicole Deziel provides insight on the issue. Fri, 12 Apr 2024 04:00:00 Z https://medicine.yale.edu/lab/deziel/news-article/the-critical-need-to-address-chemical-contamination-in-drinking-water/ https://medicine.yale.edu/lab/deziel/news-article/the-critical-need-to-address-chemical-contamination-in-drinking-water/ Populations worldwide are exposed to a myriad of chemicals via drinking water, yet only a handful of chemicals have been thoroughly evaluated with regard to human exposures and health. Yale School of Public Health's Dr. Nicole Deziel discusses some of the core issues surrounding this pressing public health concern. Mon, 04 Mar 2024 05:00:00 Z https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/pfas-forever-chemicals-linked-to-higher-thyroid-cancer-risk https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/pfas-forever-chemicals-linked-to-higher-thyroid-cancer-risk A new study published in the Lancet journal eBioMedicine reports a link between PFAS exposure and increased risk of thyroid cancer. YSPH Associate Professor Nicole Deziel comments on the findings. Tue, 24 Oct 2023 04:00:00 Z https://www.courant.com/2023/10/16/does-your-ct-drinking-water-have-harmful-forever-chemicals-in-this-state-it-depends-where-you-live/ https://www.courant.com/2023/10/16/does-your-ct-drinking-water-have-harmful-forever-chemicals-in-this-state-it-depends-where-you-live/ PFAS chemicals are present in the drinking water in many, but not all, parts of Connecticut. And the state’s water companies are waiting for regulations from the Environmental Protection Agency that will force them to take action to treat their water if it test for too-high levels of PFAS. Mon, 16 Oct 2023 04:00:00 Z https://www.ctpublic.org/news/2023-09-25/pfas-and-phenols-linked-to-different-cancers-in-women-of-different-races https://www.ctpublic.org/news/2023-09-25/pfas-and-phenols-linked-to-different-cancers-in-women-of-different-races A new federally-funded study in the Journal of Exposure Science Environmental Epidemiology has found that compounds called phenols, and the synthetic chemicals PFAS, were linked to different kinds of cancer in white women and women of color. PFAS were linked to ovarian and uterine cancers mainly in white women, and phenols were linked more to breast cancer in non-white women. Phenols and PFAS are found in hundreds of daily consumer products. The researchers stated that the racial differences are particularly impactful because of racial disparities in exposure to these chemicals. Nicole Deziel, member of the Yale Cancer Center and associate professor of epidemiology (environmental sciences) at Yale School of Public Health, who is not associated with the study, said the findings “provided a lot of new information suggesting that exposure to PFAS could be associated with a variety of hormonally related cancers, particularly in women.” Mon, 25 Sep 2023 04:00:00 Z https://rdcu.be/dJsDR https://rdcu.be/dJsDR US drinking water quality: exposure risk profiles for seven legacy and emerging contaminants Fri, 22 Sep 2023 04:00:00 Z https://medicine.yale.edu/lab/deziel/news-article/metabolomic-research-links-diet-to-paraben-food-preservatives-in-urine-findings-important-for-women-trying-to-conceive/ https://medicine.yale.edu/lab/deziel/news-article/metabolomic-research-links-diet-to-paraben-food-preservatives-in-urine-findings-important-for-women-trying-to-conceive/ Yale researchers identify diet-related metabolites associated with paraben concentrations in the urine of pregnant women. Parabens can disrupt endocrine activity in the body and they have been associated with changes in fertility in women. Wed, 13 Sep 2023 18:00:00 Z https://medicine.yale.edu/lab/deziel/news-article/orientation-session-introduces-ysph-students-to-diverse-community-public-health-initiatives/ https://medicine.yale.edu/lab/deziel/news-article/orientation-session-introduces-ysph-students-to-diverse-community-public-health-initiatives/ The Office of Public Health Practice recently held its inaugural New Student Orientation Session, a schoolwide event intended to introduce students to some of the focus areas of the public health sector and provide them with important insights on working with community partners. Thu, 07 Sep 2023 04:00:00 Z https://ajph.aphapublications.org/doi/abs/10.2105/AJPH.2023.307422 https://ajph.aphapublications.org/doi/abs/10.2105/AJPH.2023.307422 Residential proximity to oil and gas wells has been increasingly recognized to threaten the health and environmental quality of nearby communities. Thu, 07 Sep 2023 04:00:00 Z https://www.alleghenyfront.org/pennsylvania-fracking-waste-radioactive-radium-wastewater-landfill-leachate/ https://www.alleghenyfront.org/pennsylvania-fracking-waste-radioactive-radium-wastewater-landfill-leachate/ A new study found higher levels of radioactive materials in rivers and streams near municipal wastewater treatment plants that handled runoff from landfills that accept fracking waste from Pennsylvania. Thu, 20 Jul 2023 04:00:00 Z https://medicine.yale.edu/lab/deziel/news-article/studies-on-cancer-climate-change-and-covid-19-among-the-top-ysph-research-honored-in-2023/ https://medicine.yale.edu/lab/deziel/news-article/studies-on-cancer-climate-change-and-covid-19-among-the-top-ysph-research-honored-in-2023/ Research studies focused on cancer, climate change, COVID-19, and Medicaid spending took top honors this year at the Yale School of Public Health. Thu, 08 Jun 2023 04:00:00 Z https://medicine.yale.edu/lab/deziel/news-article/nicole-deziel-named-co-director-of-the-yale-center-for-perinatal-pediatric-and-environmental-epidemiology/ https://medicine.yale.edu/lab/deziel/news-article/nicole-deziel-named-co-director-of-the-yale-center-for-perinatal-pediatric-and-environmental-epidemiology/ Nicole Deziel, associate professor of epidemiology (environmental health sciences), has been named a co-director of the Yale Center for Perinatal, Pediatric, and Environmental Epidemiology, starting July 1. She will share co-directing duties with current director Andrew DeWan, associate professor of epidemiology (chronic diseases). Tue, 16 May 2023 04:00:00 Z https://journalnow.com/lifestyles/health-med-fit/lead-contamination-surfaces-in-affluent-atlanta-neighborhood/article_5994aa4a-26cc-5d83-b6ec-ec3f9c6bd434.html https://journalnow.com/lifestyles/health-med-fit/lead-contamination-surfaces-in-affluent-atlanta-neighborhood/article_5994aa4a-26cc-5d83-b6ec-ec3f9c6bd434.html In west-side Atlanta, tests have shown almost 500 properties have lead levels higher than the threshold of 400 parts per million requiring removal. Fri, 05 May 2023 04:00:00 Z https://medicine.yale.edu/lab/deziel/news-article/nicole-deziel-testifies-to-the-health-risks-of-oil-and-gas-exploration/ https://medicine.yale.edu/lab/deziel/news-article/nicole-deziel-testifies-to-the-health-risks-of-oil-and-gas-exploration/ The health impacts of living near an oil or gas well include increased adverse pregnancy outcomes, childhood cancers, hospitalizations, asthma exacerbations, mental health issues, and mortality among the elderly. Thu, 04 May 2023 04:00:00 Z https://riverheadlocal.com/2023/04/25/yale-superfund-research-center-will-launch-study-of-exposure-to-likely-cancer-causing-chemical-commonly-found-in-long-island-drinking-water/ https://riverheadlocal.com/2023/04/25/yale-superfund-research-center-will-launch-study-of-exposure-to-likely-cancer-causing-chemical-commonly-found-in-long-island-drinking-water/ Yale University scientists are preparing to launch a study on Long Island to determine the health effects of the chemical 1,4 dioxane, a contaminant likely to cause cancer in people, according to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. The Yale Superfund Research Center is looking for volunteers who live on Long Island, where the chemical is being detected in private wells and public water supply systems at higher levels than most of the rest of the country, to participate in the study. Tue, 25 Apr 2023 04:00:00 Z https://medicalxpress.com/news/2023-04-elderly-low-income-residents-vulnerable-groundwater.html https://medicalxpress.com/news/2023-04-elderly-low-income-residents-vulnerable-groundwater.html Communities with high proportions of lower-income and elderly people in rural areas are the most vulnerable to groundwater pollution from hydraulic fracturing in the Appalachian Basin, according to a new study in GeoHealth, AGU’s journal for investigating the intersection of human and planetary health for a sustainable future. Thu, 13 Apr 2023 04:00:00 Z https://insideclimatenews.org/news/05042023/california-race-oil-gas-drilling/ https://insideclimatenews.org/news/05042023/california-race-oil-gas-drilling/ Even as fossil fuel extraction declined in California, low-income, Black and Hispanic residents continued to face disproportionate risks from living near wells, and Black residents were exposed to the most intensive operations. Wed, 05 Apr 2023 04:00:00 Z https://medicine.yale.edu/lab/deziel/news-article/higher-lithium-levels-in-drinking-water-may-raise-autism-risk/ https://medicine.yale.edu/lab/deziel/news-article/higher-lithium-levels-in-drinking-water-may-raise-autism-risk/ Pregnant women whose household tap water had higher levels of lithium had a moderately higher risk of their offspring being diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder, according to a new study led by researchers at the Yale School of Public Health and UCLA Health. Mon, 03 Apr 2023 04:00:00 Z https://medicine.yale.edu/lab/deziel/news-article/yale-cancer-center-awards-for-mentorship-presented/ https://medicine.yale.edu/lab/deziel/news-article/yale-cancer-center-awards-for-mentorship-presented/ The Yale Cancer Center Award for Mentorship Excellence was presented to Xiaomei Ma, PhD, Professor of Epidemiology (Chronic Diseases) and Co-Leader of the Cancer Prevention and Control Research Program at the annual Yale Cancer Center Conclave on January 5, 2023. Wed, 11 Jan 2023 04:00:00 Z https://www.dailyclimate.org/oil-and-gas-pollution-california-2659087277.html https://www.dailyclimate.org/oil-and-gas-pollution-california-2659087277.html California will soon have the largest oil drilling setbacks in the U.S. Experts say other states can learn from this move. Mon, 09 Jan 2023 04:00:00 Z https://www.huffpost.com/entry/chemical-hair-products-cancer_l_63500ffae4b08e0e6089dd1a?vp6 https://www.huffpost.com/entry/chemical-hair-products-cancer_l_63500ffae4b08e0e6089dd1a?vp6 A new study adds more alarm to how straighteners, relaxers and dyes may affect your health — particularly for Black women. Wed, 19 Oct 2022 04:00:00 Z