Becky Underwood

I am a PhD student in Human Geography at Aberystwyth University, undertaking a critical analysis of risk, knowledge, and behaviour in relation to women's exposure to potentially toxic chemical ingredients commonly found in household and personal care products. My research focuses on peri-menopausal women and seeks to understand how risk can be communicated most effectively, alongside identifying strategies that may help reduce chemical exposures and support menopausal health and wellbeing.

My academic interest in this area has developed throughout my studies. During my undergraduate degree, I examined the intersectional dimensions of toxic chemical exposures and their impacts on women's bodies. Building on this work, my postgraduate research employed stakeholder interviews and document analysis to investigate how actors across policy, practice, and advocacy shape consumer behaviours aimed at reducing exposure to toxic chemicals in domestic environments. This research critically evaluated the mechanisms through which stakeholders influence public understanding, risk perception, and behavioural change regarding everyday chemical exposures.