Sandra Steingraber was in college, studying biology when she was diagnosed with bladder cancer. Her background in biology allowed her to understand the circumstances of her condition, leading her to discover that she was among several people in her area with the same cancer linked to contaminated drinking water from industrial pollutants. Toxic chemicals in the water and air are severe health concerns that disproportionately impact elderly and pregnant individuals. Notably, anyone exposed to high quantities of these toxins faces an increased risk of health issues. Steingraber has since spent decades conducting research and advocating for the end to fracking in communities. Her non-violent protests alongside her community led to her arrests on two separate occasions, but she has not let that stop her work. Her contribution to the movement represents the intersection between climate change, environmental health, sustainable economies, food justice, and health equity, as they should not be studied in silos. Closing out the interview, Dr. Steingraber emphasizes that scientists have an obligation to share their findings with greater communities and speak out when their findings suggest a problem, and each of us has a responsibility to advocate for change in any way we can.
