By Charlotte Annan

In the realm of invisible threats, few are as globally underestimated as radon—a radioactive gas that seeps silently through soil, remaining undetected until its effects become deadly. Across continents, from rural towns to modern cities, radon exposure continues to cause tens of thousands of lung cancer cases annually, often in homes and schools that lack warning systems.

But one scientist is working to change that.

Charlotte A. Annan, a rising environmental geochemist with academic roots spanning Africa, Europe, and North America, is leading innovative research that could reshape global understanding, detection, and management of radon and soil-based contamination.

Currently pursuing a Ph. D. in Chemistry with a focus on Geology, Charlotte’s work bridges cutting-edge laboratory science with practical environmental solutions. Her research examines how radon gas and heavy metals move through different soil types and how they impact the air we breathe and the food we grow.

“Radon isn’ t just a local problem,” Charlotte explains. “It’ s a global health issue that transcends borders. And yet, many regions still lack the infrastructure to monitor or manage it effectively.”

Using a combination of field sensors, laboratory tools like ICP—MS and XRF, and advanced soil modeling software, Charlotte has mapped radon diffusion rates in various environments. Her findings can inform new strategies for urban planning, agriculture, and indoor air safety. They also lay the groundwork for predictive tools that help communities identify high-risk areas before they become public health emergencies.

But her impact doesn’t stop at research. Charlotte actively mentors young scientists engages in science education outreach and contributes to international environmental conferences. Her goal is clear: to build a globally inclusive scientific network equipped to tackle 21st-century environmental challenges head-on.

Experts in environmental policy and public health have praised her interdisciplinary approach. “Charlotte’s work exemplifies what the future of ecological science should look like—data-driven, globally minded, and rooted in public service,” said a senior environmental consultant based in Brussels.

With climate change exacerbating soil degradation and pollution, Charlotte’s work couldn’t be more timely. Her research contributes to the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals, particularly those related to health, clean water, sustainable cities, and responsible consumption.

As governments worldwide seek solutions to manage environmental risks, voices like Charlotte’s are essential. From Ghana to Belgium to Georgia, she has followed the science wherever it leads—and now, she’s helping the world listen to what the soil has to say.

*Charlotte Annan, an Environmental Geochemist, wrote from the United States.