Who We Are
Environmental Health Trust is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization focused on environmental health research, policy advice and support, and public education on emerging environmental health hazards and their impact on the health of humans and all living things. We are supported by a global network of scientific, business, and legal advisors, a leadership team of industry leaders and experts (public health professionals, clinicians, scientists, engineers), and community outreach professionals. Examples of our work include:
- Advancing clinical research on biomarkers of non-ionizing radiation exposure
- Providing independent research data to policymakers for government and industry regulations
- Supplying experts on the science and legal matters related to radiation exposure
- Persuading regulatory agencies to adopt safer cell phone standards
- Advocating for stronger local rules on cell tower deployment
- Offering public health resources, training programs, and outreach materials
Our Vision
We envision a world where consideration of the environment and the health of all living things is at the forefront of technological advancements.
Our Mission
Our mission is to champion the identification of emerging environmental hazards, advance research on their health effects, and formulate proactive preventative solutions.
Our Approach
Scientific Research
We conduct scientific, engineering, and clinical research to advance our understanding of environmental factors impacting human health.
- We identify where scientific study and practical applications intersect, by supporting independent research, free of any commercial bias.
- We work with world-class experts to conduct cutting-edge research that can help inform improved safety standards for sources of pollution, including devices that emit microwave radiation.
- We author articles in peer-reviewed journals about controllable environmental health hazards.
- We sponsor technical conferences with leaders from multiple disciplines to confer on unified approaches to developing safer standards.
Legal and Public Policy
We work with local, national, and international public policy and legislators to ensure protective measures are taken to promote health safety and to prevent harm.
- We brief governments and decision-makers to promote constructive policy changes in support of public and environmental health.
- We work with decision-makers at local, state, national, and international levels to develop and promote sound public health policies based on peer-reviewed research and input from experts.
- We research, document, and summarize worldwide policies to raise awareness of environmental risks, both among policymakers and the public.
- We provide expert opinions to qualified parties in legal disputes at the state, federal, and international levels.
- We provide advisory and professional outreach to groups and individuals working on EMF-related standards.
Education and Public Outreach
We help parents, individuals, and communities access cutting-edge environmental health research and support their efforts to advance environmental health in their homes, schools, places of work, and neighborhoods.
- We develop science-based multimedia tools to educate individuals, families, health and education professionals, and communities about public health threats.
- We build community outreach programs to support citizens concerned about wireless radiation exposures.
- We offer solutions for the safer use of technology in homes, schools, and public spaces.
- We distribute groundbreaking scientific research on environmental health.
- We make available and translate scientific research into practical solutions to be adopted by the public, policy, and decision makers.
- We work with local, national, and international nonprofits to create public awareness campaigns.
History
The Environmental Health Trust was founded in 2007 to identify and reduce environmental health hazards and promote a healthier environment by advancing critical research, education, and policy. EHT is the only nonprofit organization in the world that carries out cutting-edge research on environmental health hazards in addition to working directly with communities, health and education professionals, and policymakers to understand and mitigate these hazards. Past multi-media projects include local and national campaigns to ban smoking and asbestos; exploring high rates of fibroid tumors, breast cancer, and endometriosis in young African American women; and building environmental wellness programs to address the environmental impacts of energy development. EHT’s first decade of accomplishments featured expert appearances on CNN, citations in print news, and hearings before Congress.
Founded by author and researcher Devra Davis PhD, and Dr. Ronald Herberman of the University of Pittsburgh Cancer Institute (UPCI), EHT has grown to include a leadership team and scientific advisory board of respected researchers, doctors, engineers, and other pioneering scientists from around the globe, including:
- EHT President Joe Sandri, JD, who is a former co-president of FiberTower Corporation, which was a key player in 5G infrastructure development, and a legal and regulatory expert with over 30 years of experience in telecommunications, spectrum management, environmental research, and development and advocacy
- Vice President of Scientific Research and Clinical Affairs Robert R. Brown, MD, FACR, a board-certified diagnostic radiologist with a sub-specialization in musculoskeletal imaging
- Chairman of the Board, Hugh Taylor, MD, the Anita O’Keeffe Young Professor and Chair, Department of Obstetrics Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences at Yale School of Medicine and Chief of Obstetrics and Gynecology at Yale-New Haven Hospital and Professor of Molecular, Cellular and Developmental biology at Yale University.
For the past several years, EHT has worked to increase focus on the issue of the harmful effects of wireless radiation and other electromagnetic fields. EHT scientists testified in congressional hearings on cell phone radiation in 2008 and 2009—the last hearings ever held at the federal level. Thousands of pages of evidence submitted to the FCC by the EHT team helped lead to a historic 2021 court decision in a lawsuit brought against the FCC by EHT and other groups. The court ruled that the FCC’s decision to retain its 1996 safety limits for human exposure to wireless radiation was “arbitrary and capricious.” EHT continues to conduct its own research into the effects of wireless technology on the environment and on human health, to shine a light on other consequential research, to assist policymakers in accessing key information to effect legislative change, and to support individuals and communities in their goals to improve human and environmental health.
Past Accomplishments
Environmental Health Trust has been at the forefront of the environmental health issue of cell phone radiation for years. We are proud of our accomplishments and are working every day to ensure that the public and decision-makers have the latest science and information.
Protecting Children
It is our responsibility as a society to enable all children to grow up in a safe and healthy environment. EHT educates policymakers about children’s unique vulnerability to cell phone radiation and the impacts of electromagnetic fields (EMFs) on pregnancy, including research on increases in asthma, obesity, and miscarriage. We support parents with practical tools so they can set up safe technology in their homes and advocate for meaningful policy change in their communities. See our Healthy Tech at Home Project and EHT Factsheets.
Holding Governments Accountable
In 2019 we sued the U.S. federal government for failing to properly review its laws on wireless radiation exposure. We won. Now that the US FCC has been mandated to respond to the court decision, we continue to advocate for a proper review of the scientific evidence—because the FCC has still not responded to the court! We have also released reports on the US Food and Drug Administration’s failure to protect. We regularly testify in person and with written comments to U.S. agencies such as the EPA and FDA and also internationally. For example, we submitted to the French ANSES review on 5G, and commented on various proposed laws internationally.
Publishing and Promoting Science
EHT scientists regularly publish research in peer reviewed journals. We organize expert technical conferences and proceedings at top universities and institutions. EHT president Dr. Devra Davis has been invited to present to the American Academy of Pediatrics, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, George Washington University and Melbourne University.
Impacting Policy
EHT experts have testified in U.S. Senate and House hearings on cell phone health effects. EHT co-founder Dr. Ronald B. Heberman, then Director of the University of Pittsburgh Cancer Institute, issued the first US recommendations by a medical institution for staff to reduce cell phone radiation. He sent a memo to about 3,000 faculty and staff saying there was sufficient data to warrant issuing an advisory about cell phone radiation. EHT has worked toward long-lasting meaningful policy changes for over a decade. We provided critical expertise that supported the Berkeley Cell Phone Ordinance, the Maryland State Advice, the San Francisco Recommendations, Massachusetts EMF Legislation and the California Department of Health Cell Phone Recommendations.
Credible Resources for Policymakers
EHT scientists are among the leading scientists in the world who work on cell phone radiation and electromagnetic fields. EHT submitted extensive scientific comments on the US National Toxicology Program study and presented oral comments in person. EHT regularly provides expert policy briefings to officials in the USA and internationally. Some examples include Massachusetts legislators, North Carolina Governor’s office, and the Government of Mexico. We also write letters to legislators and submit comments for the record on the issue of electromagnetic radiation and health.
Databases
EHT maintains the largest database of international local/state/federal policy on wireless and cell phone regulations. For example, France and Belgium have banned the sale of cell phones made for young children, and Cyprus and Croatia have public service videos about how to reduce cell phone radiation. We also have compiled a list of medical organization recommendations regarding cell phones and EMFs. We maintain a list of fine print warnings on cell phones and Wi-Fi devices. These resources are critical in promoting protective public health policy.
Raising Solutions-Oriented Awareness
Our posters, infographics and materials are used worldwide to educate and inspire. We have created factsheets about 5G, cell phone radiation, wireless and how to use safer technology. EHT has developed colorful postcards for parents about the American Academy of Pediatrics recommendations, for young adults who sleep with their phones, for men regarding phones in pockets and for women to make the bra a no-phone zone.
Our YouTube playlists feature 30-second public service announcements and a music video about cell phone radiation—all resources sponsored by EHT. We translate PSAs from other countries that are implementing awareness campaigns (such as Cyprus and French Polynesia).
Media Appearances
Dr. Devra Davis and EHT scientists are key sources for journalists and investigative reporters working on environmental health issues. We also regularly publish opinion pieces in media and newspapers in the USA and internationally. EHT scientists are featured in the Wall Street Journal, CNN, NPR, CBC, Fox 5, San Francisco Chronicle, the Today Show and more.
