Environmental Health Fellow, Natasha Zimmerman, addresses Health Effects of Carbon Capture, Utilization, and Storage (CCUS)

Fossil fuel emissions include pollutants such as carbon dioxide, commonly abbreviated as CO₂, which is bad for the environment because it traps heat and warms the planet. Carbon capture, utilization, and storage (CCUS) has been touted as a strategy for mitigating fossil fuel emissions and curbing the effects of climate change, but evidence shows that it can cause more harm than good.

The CCUS process involves capturing CO₂ directly at the source of emission, such as power plants, factories, and oil refineries, and thus preventing CO₂ from entering the atmosphere. After capturing the CO₂, it can be transported for other purposes or stored deep underground within pore spaces, which refers to cavities or openings in rock beneath the surface.

Although some proponents cite CCUS as processes that will mitigate climate change by reducing CO₂ emissions, CCUS has not been proven to effectively capture CO₂ at a rate that would make a difference. In fact, evidence suggests that implementing CCUS may actually increase both the U.S. energy system’s reliance on fossil fuels and emissions that contribute to climate change. Nevertheless, both federal and state laws are expanding options for CCUS uptake, further facilitating this emerging practice in the United States.

The health and safety risks associated with CCUS have not been formally assessed. Nevertheless, some communities with CCUS projects in proximity are experiencing negative impacts, suggesting there may be serious health risks linked to CCUS development. For example, pressurized CO₂ may leak, potentially contaminating drinking water. In Satartia, Mississippi, a CCUS transport pipeline ruptured, spewing CO₂ for over four hours. Some people lost consciousness from lack of oxygen; many couldn’t escape when internal combustion vehicles stopped working. Others experienced breathing difficulties that persisted for several months after the incident.

Accidents and health impacts related to CCUS are some of the most compelling reasons why there needs to be more research into the health and safety risks posed by this industry. To better examine and highlight the emerging science and lived experience around the dangers of CCUS, the Environmental Health Project hosted public health student Natasha Zimmerman as our Environmental Health Fellow during the summer of 2025. For several years, the Environmental Health Fellowship has been an opportunity for public health students to further develop their professional skills and networks within southwestern Pennsylvania, while meaningfully adding to the public health expertise in the region.

Zimmerman joined the EHP team as a Master of Public Health candidate at the Yale School of Public Health with experience in multidisciplinary analysis and community-based research. She expressed an interest in environmental law and policy and how they can affect regulations on oil and gas development, underground injection, and carbon capture and storage. “When I started at EHP, I wanted to make something useful,” reflects Zimmerman, “resources that will help people to be more aware of what is going on in their communities and to use this data to advocate for themselves.”

In fact, Zimmerman’s research culminated in two resources: a compendium of the health effects related to CCUS and a risk assessment map, which allows users to see nearby hazards that might increase their risk of health effects from CCUS. A video introduction to CCUS and the risk assessment map may be viewed here.

Natasha Zimmerman presented her research and the resources she built on August 5, 2025.

EHP recognizes the value of investing in emerging professionals who will continue this important work into the future. “The need for capable public health professionals is greater than ever—and growing,” says Alison L. Steele, EHP’s Executive Director. “Education opportunities, such as this fellowship program, help bright, young, public health professionals like Natasha apply their coursework in real-world situations and explore how they want to contribute to the field after graduation.”

During her fellowship, Zimmerman worked closely with her project supervisor, Nathan Deron, EHP’s Program Manager. Despite the limited epidemiological literature about CCUS, EHP now has resources to communicate the nuances of CCUS development, including the possible impacts to drinking water, interactions with existing infrastructure, and potential issues around pipeline leaks — all thanks to Zimmerman’s contributions. “We’re really happy to have had Natasha here for the fellowship,” said Deron. “We wish her all the best in her future endeavors and studies, and we can’t wait to see what she does in the future.”

Natasha Zimmerman and Nathan Deron present the risk assessment map they built for identifying nearby oil and gas industry hazards to an audience.

Reflecting on her experience, Zimmerman beamed: “I want to thank everyone at EHP for their feedback, support, and mentorship. I have met some of the most amazing people this summer. I’ve learned so much. I keep telling my Mom that this summer has changed my life and that is thanks to EHP. Thank you for being the best fellowship host ever!”

View Natasha Zimmerman’s

• Risk Assessment Tool: Locate Potential Hazards Near Proposed Underground Carbon Dioxide Storage Sites (interactive map),

• Report: Health Risks of Carbon Capture, Utilization, and Storage (CCUS), and

• Video Presentation.

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