Harvard Environmental Health Instructor Ronnie Levin Recognized as a Catalyst for Global Health on Time 100 List

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 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. 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 was specifically highlighted in the category of “Catalysts” for her contributions. Her research on lead played a crucial role in driving change within government policy and ultimately led to a proposed rule by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to replace all lead pipes in the U.S. within a ten-year timeframe. A cost-benefit analysis conducted by Levin and her colleague and husband, Joel Schwartz, 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., emphasizing her impact on public health policies nationwide.