Jonas Environmental Health Education Project

Geographic Scope: United States (UCSF-based)

Focus Areas:

• Environmental Health Education
• Toxic Chemical Exposure Prevention
• Children's Environmental Health
• Medical Professional Education
• Community Health

Purpose: Explore risks of environment and toxic chemicals on individual and public health, advance awareness among medical professionals of their role in addressing environmental health issues, and support prevention efforts.

Award Details:

• Three-year grant: $435,000
• Grant period: 2016-2019
• Administered through UCSF School of Medicine

Project Components:

1. New environmental health course designed as model for health care institutions
2. Environmental Health Initiative (EHI) - university-wide undertaking to integrate environmental health across UCSF schools and departments
3. Technological tools development (e.g., SafetyNest app) for evidence-based information on reducing toxic chemical exposure
4. UCSF engagement with HRSA, ACOG, and government agencies to integrate environmental health into healthcare

Related Program: Jonas Toxins Scholars Program

• Supports nursing students pursuing doctoral degrees
• Focus on elimination of toxins in environment or education/awareness about toxins
• $10,000 scholarship over two years (2016-2018) matched by university
• Doctoral-level scholars from top universities

Key Issues Addressed:

• 5 trillion pounds of industrial chemicals produced in U.S. in 2012
• More than 80,000 chemicals in everyday items (furniture, cosmetics, household cleaners, toys, food) not adequately tested for health effects
• Chemicals linked to lower IQs, ADHD, autism spectrum disorders
• Primary chemicals of concern: pesticides, lead, flame retardants, mercury, phthalates, air pollution

Funder: Jonas Family Fund (granddaughter Lendri Purcell serves as vice president of environmental health and youth development programming)