Leading Change: How Ronnie Levin’s Research on Lead Pipes Helped Drive Environmental Policy and Improve Public Health

Ronnie Levin, a researcher in the Department of Environmental Health at Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, has been named one of Time’s 100 most influential people in global health for 2024. The Time 100 Health list, which was published on May 2nd, recognized individuals who have made significant contributions, innovations and achievements in the field of health.

Levin was specifically highlighted for her research on lead, which played a crucial role in driving change with the Environmental Protection Agency’s proposal to replace all lead pipes in the U.S within ten years. In a cost-benefit analysis conducted by Levin and her colleague and husband Joel Schwartz, it was found that reducing lead in drinking water could result in over $8 billion in health benefits and at least $2 billion in infrastructure savings each year in the U.S.

In an interview with Time, Levin expressed her excitement about the proposed rule but emphasized the importance of effective implementation and enforcement for desired outcomes to be achieved. She noted that without proper follow-through, changes may not have the intended impact on public health as much as they can potentially bring positive changes to society when implemented correctly.

Levin’s work has significantly contributed to global health discussions and initiatives; she is a deserving inclusion to this prestigious list for her efforts towards bettering our environment and public health through research and advocacy.