Harvard Professor Ronnie Levin recognized as a ‘Catalyst’ in global health for her lead research and contributions to environmental epidemiology

In 2024, Ronnie Levin was recognized by Time as one of the 100 individuals who had the most influence on global health. Levin is an instructor in the Department of Environmental Health at Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health and has made significant contributions to the field of health through her research on lead.

In a cost-benefit analysis conducted by Levin and her colleague and husband, Joel Schwartz, a professor of environmental epidemiology, 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. This research played a crucial role in driving the Environmental Protection Agency’s proposal to replace all lead pipes in the U.S. within a ten-year timeframe.

Levin was specifically highlighted on the Time 100 Health list for her contributions as a “Catalyst.” In an interview with Time, she expressed her excitement about the EPA’s proposed rule but emphasized the importance of effective implementation and enforcement for the desired outcomes to be achieved. She highlighted that without proper follow-through, the proposed changes may not have the intended impact.

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