ACS Welcomes *Environmental Health Perspectives*: A Sign of Growing Focus on Environmental Health Research
The American Chemical Society (ACS) has recently added *Environmental Health Perspectives* (EHP) to its publishing portfolio, a move signaling a heightened emphasis on the critical intersection of environmental factors and human well-being. This isn’t just a journal transfer; it’s a strategic alignment reflecting a growing global concern – and research investment – in understanding how our surroundings impact our health.
Why This Matters: The Rise of Environmental Health Sciences
For decades, *EHP*, originally established by the National Institutes of Health (NIH) in 1972, has been a cornerstone for researchers investigating the links between pollution, climate change, and human disease. The NIH’s decision to transfer ownership to ACS, a non-governmental organization, highlights a shift towards broader collaboration and sustained support for this vital field. The transfer, completed at the end of 2025, ensures the journal’s continued operation and accessibility.
This comes at a time when environmental health concerns are escalating. Consider the increasing frequency of extreme weather events – hurricanes, wildfires, droughts – all demonstrably linked to climate change and contributing to respiratory illnesses, displacement, and mental health challenges. According to the World Health Organization, approximately 12.6 million deaths each year are attributable to unhealthy environments.
Open Access and the Future of Research Dissemination
A key aspect of this transition is ACS’ commitment to maintaining *EHP* as a fully open-access journal, with publishing charges waived through the end of 2026. This is a significant development. Open access removes paywalls, making research findings available to a wider audience – policymakers, public health officials, and the general public – who can then use this information to inform decisions and advocate for change.
Pro Tip: Researchers should take advantage of the waived publishing fees to submit their work to *EHP* in the coming months. This is an excellent opportunity to contribute to a highly respected, widely accessible journal.
The move towards open access is part of a larger trend in scientific publishing. Funders, like the NIH and the European Commission, are increasingly mandating open access for research they support, recognizing that maximizing the impact of scientific discoveries requires broad dissemination.
Expanding the Scope: Emerging Trends in Environmental Health
The addition of *EHP* to the ACS portfolio positions the organization to play a leading role in several emerging areas of environmental health research:
- The Exposome: Moving beyond single pollutant studies, the exposome concept considers the totality of environmental exposures – from air and water pollution to diet and lifestyle factors – and their cumulative impact on health.
- Microplastics and Nanomaterials: The pervasive presence of microplastics and engineered nanomaterials in the environment is raising concerns about their potential toxicity and bioaccumulation in the food chain.
- Climate Change and Infectious Diseases: Shifting climate patterns are altering the geographic distribution of vector-borne diseases like malaria and dengue fever, creating new public health challenges.
- Environmental Justice: Recognizing that environmental hazards disproportionately affect marginalized communities, research is increasingly focused on addressing environmental inequities and promoting environmental justice.
For example, a recent study published in The Lancet Public Health found a strong correlation between air pollution and increased rates of neurodevelopmental disorders in children.
What to Expect from ACS and *EHP*
ACS plans to resume manuscript submissions to *EHP* in early 2026, with previously published content integrated into the ACS Publications platform. This integration will provide researchers with seamless access to a vast collection of scientific literature.
Did you know? ACS is one of the world’s largest scientific societies, with over 151,000 members. Its publications are consistently ranked among the most influential in the chemical and related sciences.
FAQ
- Will *EHP*’s editorial independence be maintained? Yes, ACS has committed to preserving the journal’s editorial independence.
- What are the benefits of open access publishing? Open access makes research freely available to anyone with an internet connection, increasing its reach and impact.
- When will manuscript submissions reopen? Submissions are expected to reopen in early 2026.
- Are there any costs associated with publishing in *EHP*? Publishing charges are waived through the end of 2026.
This transition represents a positive step forward for environmental health research. By combining the expertise of ACS with the legacy of *EHP*, the scientific community is better equipped to address the complex environmental challenges facing our planet and protect human health for generations to come.
Explore further: Visit the *Environmental Health Perspectives* website to learn more about the journal and its research.
