Harvard Professor Ronnie Levin Takes Top Spot on Time’s Inaugural 100 Health List for Groundbreaking Lead Research

Ronnie Levin, a professor 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 have had the most influence on global health in 2024. Her work on lead has made a significant impact and earned her a spot on the inaugural Time 100 Health list published on May 2.

Levin’s research on lead, which contributed to an Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) proposal requiring the replacement of all lead pipes in the U.S. within the next decade, was highlighted by Time as a key player in bringing about this change. In a collaborative effort with Joel Schwartz, a professor of environmental epidemiology and Levin’s husband, a 2023 cost-benefit analysis revealed that eliminating lead in drinking water could save the U.S. over $8 billion annually in health benefits and at least $2 billion in infrastructure costs. This figure significantly exceeded previous estimates by the EPA.

Levin expressed her excitement about the EPA’s proposed rule but emphasized the importance of good implementation and enforcement to ensure its success. Her work is a significant achievement for public health, and her contributions to the understanding and mitigation of lead exposure have been recognized on a global scale. Through her research and advocacy, she has played a crucial role in shaping policies that will ultimately protect the health and well-being of individuals across the United States.