Bruce Lanphear
@blanphear.bsky.social
For over 30 years, I’ve been studying how invisible poisons—lead, air pollution, fluoride, pesticides—damage human health. I’ve helped shape policies, raise alarms, and remind people that when it comes to toxic chemicals, no dose is safe.
The Quiet Chemistry of Childhood
When you put all this together, the picture becomes clearer: one side of the ledger—the benefits—is thinner than we’ve long assumed. The other side—the risks—is thicker than many expected.
When you put all this together, the picture becomes clearer: one side of the ledger—the benefits—is thinner than we’ve long assumed. The other side—the risks—is thicker than many expected.
The Quiet Chemistry of Childhood
Every few months, a new fluoride study drops—another twist in a debate that has stretched across generations.
open.substack.com
November 25, 2025 at 1:01 PM
The Quiet Chemistry of Childhood
When you put all this together, the picture becomes clearer: one side of the ledger—the benefits—is thinner than we’ve long assumed. The other side—the risks—is thicker than many expected.
When you put all this together, the picture becomes clearer: one side of the ledger—the benefits—is thinner than we’ve long assumed. The other side—the risks—is thicker than many expected.
The Unfinished Phase-Out of Leaded Fuel
How did the United States allow leaded aviation fuel to persist for so long when its harms were so clear? Why did it take until 2023—50 years after the phase-out of leaded car fuel began—for EPA to determine that leaded avgas poses a danger to public health?
How did the United States allow leaded aviation fuel to persist for so long when its harms were so clear? Why did it take until 2023—50 years after the phase-out of leaded car fuel began—for EPA to determine that leaded avgas poses a danger to public health?
Fly the Leaded Skies
Why Aviation Fuel Still Poisons Our Communities
open.substack.com
November 18, 2025 at 12:48 PM
The Unfinished Phase-Out of Leaded Fuel
How did the United States allow leaded aviation fuel to persist for so long when its harms were so clear? Why did it take until 2023—50 years after the phase-out of leaded car fuel began—for EPA to determine that leaded avgas poses a danger to public health?
How did the United States allow leaded aviation fuel to persist for so long when its harms were so clear? Why did it take until 2023—50 years after the phase-out of leaded car fuel began—for EPA to determine that leaded avgas poses a danger to public health?
The Smallest Victims of Arsenic
At lower doses, arsenic works slowly, quietly increasing the risk of lung cancer, diabetes, and heart disease. These aren’t rare outcomes; they touch nearly every family, often without anyone realizing that a poison in the water may have helped set them in motion.
At lower doses, arsenic works slowly, quietly increasing the risk of lung cancer, diabetes, and heart disease. These aren’t rare outcomes; they touch nearly every family, often without anyone realizing that a poison in the water may have helped set them in motion.
The Smallest Victims of Arsenic
How a Poison in Our Water Reveals a Missed Opportunity
open.substack.com
November 11, 2025 at 1:12 PM
The Smallest Victims of Arsenic
At lower doses, arsenic works slowly, quietly increasing the risk of lung cancer, diabetes, and heart disease. These aren’t rare outcomes; they touch nearly every family, often without anyone realizing that a poison in the water may have helped set them in motion.
At lower doses, arsenic works slowly, quietly increasing the risk of lung cancer, diabetes, and heart disease. These aren’t rare outcomes; they touch nearly every family, often without anyone realizing that a poison in the water may have helped set them in motion.
Sweet Deception: The Framing of Fluoride
The Kellogg Foundation held a controlling share of Kellogg Company stock. Throughout the mid-20th century, Kellogg’s commercial success—and thus the Foundation’s endowment—depended heavily on the sale of sugar-sweetened breakfast cereals.
The Kellogg Foundation held a controlling share of Kellogg Company stock. Throughout the mid-20th century, Kellogg’s commercial success—and thus the Foundation’s endowment—depended heavily on the sale of sugar-sweetened breakfast cereals.
Sweet Deception: The Framing of Fluoride
How the Kellogg Foundation helped turn a dietary crisis into a chemical solution.
open.substack.com
November 4, 2025 at 11:22 AM
Sweet Deception: The Framing of Fluoride
The Kellogg Foundation held a controlling share of Kellogg Company stock. Throughout the mid-20th century, Kellogg’s commercial success—and thus the Foundation’s endowment—depended heavily on the sale of sugar-sweetened breakfast cereals.
The Kellogg Foundation held a controlling share of Kellogg Company stock. Throughout the mid-20th century, Kellogg’s commercial success—and thus the Foundation’s endowment—depended heavily on the sale of sugar-sweetened breakfast cereals.
For 50 years, heart disease has killed more Americans than anything else. Our film traces how a pervasive toxic element—quietly woven into daily life—helped drive a national epidemic, and how pulling that toxic element back helped save hundreds of millions of lives.
The Toxic Truth Behind Heart Attacks
How the Auto Industry Fueled the Heart Disease Epidemic
open.substack.com
October 20, 2025 at 1:38 PM
For 50 years, heart disease has killed more Americans than anything else. Our film traces how a pervasive toxic element—quietly woven into daily life—helped drive a national epidemic, and how pulling that toxic element back helped save hundreds of millions of lives.
In the 1940s, the sugar industry faced a crisis. Research was mounting that sugar was driving the epidemic of tooth decay, but reducing sugar consumption was unthinkable for an industry built on sales. So industry leaders pulled off a sleight of hand worthy of Big Tobacco.
How Big Sugar pushed fluoride — new study alleges a century of spin
The sugar industry and companies that make sweet drinks and foods have spent nearly a century downplaying sugar’s role in health problems and distorting the science around fluoride — and the practice ...
www.thenewlede.org
September 30, 2025 at 11:55 AM
In the 1940s, the sugar industry faced a crisis. Research was mounting that sugar was driving the epidemic of tooth decay, but reducing sugar consumption was unthinkable for an industry built on sales. So industry leaders pulled off a sleight of hand worthy of Big Tobacco.
The Fluoride Experiment
For decades, Americans have been told that adding fluoride to our drinking water prevents tooth decay. But what if there’s another side to the story—one that involves corporate money, manipulated science, and a policy that may be doing more harm than good?
For decades, Americans have been told that adding fluoride to our drinking water prevents tooth decay. But what if there’s another side to the story—one that involves corporate money, manipulated science, and a policy that may be doing more harm than good?
THE FLUORIDE EXPERIMENT
How the Sugar Industry Used Fluoridation as a Smokescreen
open.substack.com
September 30, 2025 at 11:13 AM
The Fluoride Experiment
For decades, Americans have been told that adding fluoride to our drinking water prevents tooth decay. But what if there’s another side to the story—one that involves corporate money, manipulated science, and a policy that may be doing more harm than good?
For decades, Americans have been told that adding fluoride to our drinking water prevents tooth decay. But what if there’s another side to the story—one that involves corporate money, manipulated science, and a policy that may be doing more harm than good?
Breakthroughs in Medicine
We often think of medical breakthroughs as new drugs, devices, or diagnostic tests—things we can hold, prescribe, or patent. But revolutions in medicine often begin not with a new molecule, but with a new mindset. It’s not just what we see; it’s how we see it.
We often think of medical breakthroughs as new drugs, devices, or diagnostic tests—things we can hold, prescribe, or patent. But revolutions in medicine often begin not with a new molecule, but with a new mindset. It’s not just what we see; it’s how we see it.
Breakthroughs in Medicine
Seeing the World through an Environmental Lens
open.substack.com
September 16, 2025 at 10:27 AM
Breakthroughs in Medicine
We often think of medical breakthroughs as new drugs, devices, or diagnostic tests—things we can hold, prescribe, or patent. But revolutions in medicine often begin not with a new molecule, but with a new mindset. It’s not just what we see; it’s how we see it.
We often think of medical breakthroughs as new drugs, devices, or diagnostic tests—things we can hold, prescribe, or patent. But revolutions in medicine often begin not with a new molecule, but with a new mindset. It’s not just what we see; it’s how we see it.
The Science of Delay
The lesson of PFAS is the same lesson we should have learned from lead, asbestos, and air pollution: if we wait until the evidence is definitive, we’ve waited too long.
The lesson of PFAS is the same lesson we should have learned from lead, asbestos, and air pollution: if we wait until the evidence is definitive, we’ve waited too long.
The Science of Delay
Why we wait until millions are harmed by toxic chemicals before we act
open.substack.com
September 9, 2025 at 10:58 AM
The Science of Delay
The lesson of PFAS is the same lesson we should have learned from lead, asbestos, and air pollution: if we wait until the evidence is definitive, we’ve waited too long.
The lesson of PFAS is the same lesson we should have learned from lead, asbestos, and air pollution: if we wait until the evidence is definitive, we’ve waited too long.
Which Side Are You On?
The line I draw is with scientists who pretend to be independent while secretly cashing checks from the industries they defend. They don’t just betray themselves—they corrode trust in science itself.
The line I draw is with scientists who pretend to be independent while secretly cashing checks from the industries they defend. They don’t just betray themselves—they corrode trust in science itself.
Which Side Are You On?
Finding Common Ground in an Age of Tribalism
open.substack.com
September 2, 2025 at 1:26 PM
Which Side Are You On?
The line I draw is with scientists who pretend to be independent while secretly cashing checks from the industries they defend. They don’t just betray themselves—they corrode trust in science itself.
The line I draw is with scientists who pretend to be independent while secretly cashing checks from the industries they defend. They don’t just betray themselves—they corrode trust in science itself.
The Chronicles of Lead Toxicity
We know what is typical in a world saturated with lead. But true normal—of health, behavior, intelligence—may have slipped away long ago, buried in the layers of ice, etched into tree rings, and written in our bones.
We know what is typical in a world saturated with lead. But true normal—of health, behavior, intelligence—may have slipped away long ago, buried in the layers of ice, etched into tree rings, and written in our bones.
The Chronicles of Lead Toxicity
A History Cast in Fire, Frozen in Ice
open.substack.com
August 26, 2025 at 11:23 AM
The Chronicles of Lead Toxicity
We know what is typical in a world saturated with lead. But true normal—of health, behavior, intelligence—may have slipped away long ago, buried in the layers of ice, etched into tree rings, and written in our bones.
We know what is typical in a world saturated with lead. But true normal—of health, behavior, intelligence—may have slipped away long ago, buried in the layers of ice, etched into tree rings, and written in our bones.
A Thousand Thanks
One of the unexpected thrills of Substack has been the conversations it sparks. Some of you write thoughtful comments, others send quiet emails, and some simply open and read each post. All of it matters. Writing can be solitary, but this space has never felt lonely.
One of the unexpected thrills of Substack has been the conversations it sparks. Some of you write thoughtful comments, others send quiet emails, and some simply open and read each post. All of it matters. Writing can be solitary, but this space has never felt lonely.
A Thousand Thanks
Six months, 1000 readers and a community that matters
open.substack.com
August 23, 2025 at 4:26 PM
A Thousand Thanks
One of the unexpected thrills of Substack has been the conversations it sparks. Some of you write thoughtful comments, others send quiet emails, and some simply open and read each post. All of it matters. Writing can be solitary, but this space has never felt lonely.
One of the unexpected thrills of Substack has been the conversations it sparks. Some of you write thoughtful comments, others send quiet emails, and some simply open and read each post. All of it matters. Writing can be solitary, but this space has never felt lonely.
Reposted by Bruce Lanphear
Things you might not know about chronic, low-level lead exposure and heart disease, including the lead-estrogen hypothesis
"In 2019, a total of 5.5 million deaths from cardiovascular disease were attributed to lead exposure"
Learn from @blanphear.bsky.social
erictopol.substack.com/p/is-chronic...
"In 2019, a total of 5.5 million deaths from cardiovascular disease were attributed to lead exposure"
Learn from @blanphear.bsky.social
erictopol.substack.com/p/is-chronic...
Chronic Lead Exposure, a Risk Factor for Heart Disease
Plus: My Recommendations for Reducing Risk of Heart Disease
erictopol.substack.com
August 17, 2025 at 4:38 PM
Things you might not know about chronic, low-level lead exposure and heart disease, including the lead-estrogen hypothesis
"In 2019, a total of 5.5 million deaths from cardiovascular disease were attributed to lead exposure"
Learn from @blanphear.bsky.social
erictopol.substack.com/p/is-chronic...
"In 2019, a total of 5.5 million deaths from cardiovascular disease were attributed to lead exposure"
Learn from @blanphear.bsky.social
erictopol.substack.com/p/is-chronic...
When science that threatens powerful interests is ignored, the public notices—even if they don’t know the details. The irony is that ignoring inconvenient science doesn’t just harm public health—it erodes the very trust needed to mobilize public health measures in the future.
“Follow the Science”— or Just the Convenient Parts?
We Keep Ignoring the Warnings at the Cost of Lives—and Trust
open.substack.com
August 19, 2025 at 12:14 PM
When science that threatens powerful interests is ignored, the public notices—even if they don’t know the details. The irony is that ignoring inconvenient science doesn’t just harm public health—it erodes the very trust needed to mobilize public health measures in the future.
Reposted by Bruce Lanphear
🔥HUGE 🔥🔥 interview with @blanphear.bsky.social public health physician & paediatric epidemiologist.
Chemical Exposures & the Toxic Risks. Making Sense of Science, Public Health, & Economic Benefit.
#DoHaD #lead #pesticides #fluoride #pollution #babies #brains
www.youtube.com/watch?v=VgB9...
Chemical Exposures & the Toxic Risks. Making Sense of Science, Public Health, & Economic Benefit.
#DoHaD #lead #pesticides #fluoride #pollution #babies #brains
www.youtube.com/watch?v=VgB9...
Bruce Lanphear Chemical Exposures & Risks. Making Sense of Science, Public Health & Economic Benefit
YouTube video by Physicians & Scientists for Global Responsibility
www.youtube.com
August 16, 2025 at 12:55 AM
🔥HUGE 🔥🔥 interview with @blanphear.bsky.social public health physician & paediatric epidemiologist.
Chemical Exposures & the Toxic Risks. Making Sense of Science, Public Health, & Economic Benefit.
#DoHaD #lead #pesticides #fluoride #pollution #babies #brains
www.youtube.com/watch?v=VgB9...
Chemical Exposures & the Toxic Risks. Making Sense of Science, Public Health, & Economic Benefit.
#DoHaD #lead #pesticides #fluoride #pollution #babies #brains
www.youtube.com/watch?v=VgB9...
Industry loves to say, ‘The dose makes the poison.’ But what if that’s a lie that’s been poisoning policy for decades?
Industry loves to say, ‘The dose makes the poison.’ But what if that’s a lie that’s been poisoning policy for decades?
Ken Cook talks with Dr. Bruce Lanphear about how a 500-year-old mantra still shields polluters—and why tiny doses can cause massive harm."
open.substack.com
August 16, 2025 at 11:59 AM
Industry loves to say, ‘The dose makes the poison.’ But what if that’s a lie that’s been poisoning policy for decades?
Bruce talks with EWG's Ken Cook to take apart the lingering myth that “the dose makes the poison” – a chemical industry claim that there can be safe levels of toxic exposure. www.youtube.com/watch?v=zIGF...
EWG's Ken Cook interviews Dr. Bruce Lanphear
YouTube video by Plagues, Pollution & Poverty
www.youtube.com
August 14, 2025 at 11:49 AM
Bruce talks with EWG's Ken Cook to take apart the lingering myth that “the dose makes the poison” – a chemical industry claim that there can be safe levels of toxic exposure. www.youtube.com/watch?v=zIGF...
The ADHD Epidemic We Choose to Ignore
We found that 8.7% of children had ADHD in a national study. That was striking enough. We also attributed one in three cases of ADHD in US children to two toxic chemicals. These weren’t obscure exposures, this was everyday life in America.
We found that 8.7% of children had ADHD in a national study. That was striking enough. We also attributed one in three cases of ADHD in US children to two toxic chemicals. These weren’t obscure exposures, this was everyday life in America.
The ADHD Epidemic We Choose to Ignore
A Preventable Epidemic of Staggering Proportions
open.substack.com
August 12, 2025 at 7:46 PM
The ADHD Epidemic We Choose to Ignore
We found that 8.7% of children had ADHD in a national study. That was striking enough. We also attributed one in three cases of ADHD in US children to two toxic chemicals. These weren’t obscure exposures, this was everyday life in America.
We found that 8.7% of children had ADHD in a national study. That was striking enough. We also attributed one in three cases of ADHD in US children to two toxic chemicals. These weren’t obscure exposures, this was everyday life in America.
I thoroughly enjoyed my conversation with Ken Cook of EWG. Few people have done more to expose the dangers of toxic chemicals. We dug into the old adage “the dose makes the poison”—and why it doesn’t always hold up. Please listen while you walk around the park or enjoy a beverage before dinner.
EWG scientists work to identify potential health harms from chemical exposure in everyday products so that consumers can make safer choices—and to debunk the myth that “the dose makes the poison.” Dr. Bruce Lanphear and I discuss why even low-level exposures can be harmful. @blanphear.bsky.social
“The dose makes the poison” is outdated
YouTube video by Environmental Working Group (EWG)
www.youtube.com
August 12, 2025 at 7:30 PM
I thoroughly enjoyed my conversation with Ken Cook of EWG. Few people have done more to expose the dangers of toxic chemicals. We dug into the old adage “the dose makes the poison”—and why it doesn’t always hold up. Please listen while you walk around the park or enjoy a beverage before dinner.
Reposted by Bruce Lanphear
EWG scientists work to identify potential health harms from chemical exposure in everyday products so that consumers can make safer choices—and to debunk the myth that “the dose makes the poison.” Dr. Bruce Lanphear and I discuss why even low-level exposures can be harmful. @blanphear.bsky.social
“The dose makes the poison” is outdated
YouTube video by Environmental Working Group (EWG)
www.youtube.com
August 12, 2025 at 6:03 PM
EWG scientists work to identify potential health harms from chemical exposure in everyday products so that consumers can make safer choices—and to debunk the myth that “the dose makes the poison.” Dr. Bruce Lanphear and I discuss why even low-level exposures can be harmful. @blanphear.bsky.social
I won't be able to attend Indivisible Georgia Coalition's event, “Rally: Sound Science Saves Lives” in Atlanta, Goergia—but I wholeheartedly support it.
Rally: Sound Science Saves Lives · Mobilize
Science and public research are under attack in this country. Indiscriminate cuts to federal research agencies and political interference are causing research studies to be paused, programs halted, an...
www.mobilize.us
August 7, 2025 at 4:00 AM
I won't be able to attend Indivisible Georgia Coalition's event, “Rally: Sound Science Saves Lives” in Atlanta, Goergia—but I wholeheartedly support it.
THE CANCER EXPRESS
They are not going to New Delhi to visit family or conduct business. They are going to the All India Institute of Medical Sciences—to be treated for cancer. This train has a name. The locals call it the Cancer Express.
They are not going to New Delhi to visit family or conduct business. They are going to the All India Institute of Medical Sciences—to be treated for cancer. This train has a name. The locals call it the Cancer Express.
THE CANCER EXPRESS
The Hidden Cost of India’s Green Revolution
open.substack.com
August 5, 2025 at 11:44 AM
THE CANCER EXPRESS
They are not going to New Delhi to visit family or conduct business. They are going to the All India Institute of Medical Sciences—to be treated for cancer. This train has a name. The locals call it the Cancer Express.
They are not going to New Delhi to visit family or conduct business. They are going to the All India Institute of Medical Sciences—to be treated for cancer. This train has a name. The locals call it the Cancer Express.
The Most Honorable Kind of Work
The most honorable contributions are those offered without the expectation of recognition, status, or repayment. They are made for the sake of truth, justice, or human progress—regardless of whether anyone notices.
The most honorable contributions are those offered without the expectation of recognition, status, or repayment. They are made for the sake of truth, justice, or human progress—regardless of whether anyone notices.
The Most Honorable Kind of Work
On legacy, humility, and the quiet power of doing good work
open.substack.com
June 24, 2025 at 1:54 PM
The Most Honorable Kind of Work
The most honorable contributions are those offered without the expectation of recognition, status, or repayment. They are made for the sake of truth, justice, or human progress—regardless of whether anyone notices.
The most honorable contributions are those offered without the expectation of recognition, status, or repayment. They are made for the sake of truth, justice, or human progress—regardless of whether anyone notices.
Lead by Mary Oliver
Here is a story
to break your heart.
Are you willing?
Here is a story
to break your heart.
Are you willing?
Lead by Mary Oliver
Here is a story to break your heart. Are you willing?
open.substack.com
June 21, 2025 at 12:09 PM
Lead by Mary Oliver
Here is a story
to break your heart.
Are you willing?
Here is a story
to break your heart.
Are you willing?
We need a story that reminds us our lives are stitched to the soil, the air, and the water—that every breath, every bite, every sip binds us to the earth and to one another.
The Smelter Next Door
How Stories Brings Science to Life
open.substack.com
June 17, 2025 at 1:09 PM
We need a story that reminds us our lives are stitched to the soil, the air, and the water—that every breath, every bite, every sip binds us to the earth and to one another.