Ronnie Levin: Making Global Health History with Her Pioneering Work on Lead Exposure

Ronnie Levin, an instructor in the Department of Environmental Health at Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, has been recognized by Time as one of the 100 individuals who had the most influence on global health in 2024. The Time 100 Health list, which was published on May 2, aims to honor individuals who have made significant impacts, innovations, and achievements in the field of health.

Levin’s research on lead was instrumental in driving change within the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and its proposal to replace all lead pipes in the U.S. within a ten-year timeframe. In a 2023 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.

In an interview with Time, Levin 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.

Levin’s work in environmental health has significantly contributed to global health discussions and initiatives, making her a deserving inclusion in the Time 100 Health list for 2024. Her research on lead has had far-reaching implications for public health and will continue to shape future policy decisions related to environmental protection and regulation.