Environmental Health

As a physician with a passion for science, social justice and patient care, Dr. Joel Kaufman gravitated to public health from his earliest days as a college student pursuing BA and MD degrees in a combined six-year program.

Exposure to the toxin cadmium, a known human carcinogen, leads to accelerated cognitive impairment, even at levels found in people who do not smoke cigarettes, according to a new animal study fro

Communities underneath and downwind of jets landing at Seattle-Tacoma International Airport are exposed to a type of ultrafine particle pollution that is distinctly associated with aircraft, according to a new University of Washington study that is the first to identify the unique "signature" of aircraft emissions in Washington state.

According to the analysis, “strategic investments in a coordinated global-pandemics initiative would likely have a return ratio of between $17 and $20 on every $1 spent.” Curbing pandemics might also address shared global challenges, such as gender and social inequalities, and support climate adaptation and mitigation.

We all expect the kitchen of our favorite eatery to be spotless. But cleaning chemicals used to combat foodborne illness can harm workers and the environment.

  Recent estimates in the Global Burden of Disease (GBD) study show that the combination of air pollution, poor water sanitation and exposure to lead and radon is responsible for 9 million premature deaths each year.

Could bacteria in your shower make you sick?

Scientists and health professionals are rushing to assess the health effects of vaping amid a multistate outbreak of lung injuries associated with the use of e-cigarettes. Teachers could play a critical role in helping youth understand the health risks, yet little formal guidance or training for educators currently exists.

  A group of air pollution researchers from the University of Washington, led by the Department of Environmental & Occupational Health Sciences (DEOHS), met with Chinese counterparts in Beijing earlier this month and returned enthusiastic about opportunities for future research collaborations.

  Editor’s note: This summer, 26 students in the UW Department of Environmental & Occupational Health Sciences (DEOHS) are getting hands-on experience as interns with government agencies and private companies. In our occasional “On the Job” series, we feature some of their stories.  

  Editor’s note: This summer, 26 students in the UW Department of Environmental & Occupational Health Sciences (DEOHS) are getting hands-on experience as interns with government agencies and private companies. In our occasional “On the Job” series, we feature some of their stories.  

More than two dozen faculty, staff and students from the UW Department of Environmental & Occupational Health Sciences (DEOHS) and our research partners will share their research at the International Society for Environmental Epidemiology conference next week.

  Editor’s note: This summer, 26 students in the UW Department of Environmental & Occupational Health Sciences (DEOHS) are getting hands-on experience as interns with government agencies and private companies. In our occasional “On the Job” series, we feature some of their stories.  

Adding flame retardants to consumer products was supposed to protect people from harm when manufacturers began the practice in the 1970s.

As wildfires spread across the Pacific Northwest last summer, the Seattle area briefly earned the dubious honor of being one of the most polluted cities on earth.

Two 2019 graduates of the UW Department of Environmental & Occupational Health Sciences (DEOHS) won awards this month at a student research competition held by the Association of Environmental Health Academic Programs.

  Researcher, lecturer, leader, mentor and global citizen-scientist. DEOHS Professor Elaine Faustman, PhD, is being recognized this week by scientists around the globe for the many roles she has played in advancing the science of toxicology over her nearly 40-year career.

The UW Department of Environmental & Occupational Health Sciences (DEOHS) is celebrating the 57 new graduates who received their degrees this weekend. DEOHS Chair Michael Yost presided over a Friday ceremony at Foege Auditorium honoring the students, who earned Bachelor of Science, Master of Public Health, Master of Science and PhD degrees.

Kori VanDerGeest MPH, Environmental Health Hometown Albuquerque, NM Future plans To conduct community-based public health research. “What really excites me about what I did in the last two years is being able to respond to a community need.” - Kori VanDerGeest

Research led by Environmental Health majors in the UW Department of Environmental & Occupational Health Sciences (DEOHS) was featured yesterday at the School of Public Health's Undergraduate Symposium.

Amanda Durkin BS, Environmental Health Hometown Hingham, MA Future plans A career in occupational health and an eventual MBA degree. “One thing I will miss about the UW is the opportunity for constant learning and growth.” - Amanda Durkin

Annie Doubleday MPH, Environmental and Occupational Health Hometown Shoreline, WA Future plans Working on air pollution and climate change issues at the state or local level.

Kholood Altassan PhD, Environmental and Occupational Hygiene Hometown Riyadh, Saudi Arabia Future plans Assistant professor at King Saud University, Saudi Arabia.

Editor's note: This study, which ended in 2019, found that communities underneath and downwind of jets landing at Sea-Tac Airport are exposed to a type of ultrafine particle pollution that is distinctly associated with aircraft.

Joseph Dempsey PhD, Environmental Toxicology Hometown: Fort Wayne, Indiana Future plans: Continue working on research to improve how we prevent disease and promote well-being.

The United Nations' most comprehensive report on the global environment since 2012 finds human activities are damaging the environment at a pace that is endangering the "ecological foundations of human society and natural systems."

“UW Global Health has had tremendous success conducting research on maternal and child health and infectious diseases in Kenya. Now we have the opportunity to incorporate environmental health and bring these two research communities together.” –Catherine Karr

David Eaton Professor, UW Department of Environmental & Occupational Health Sciences Proudest achievement: His election to the National Academy of Medicine in 2011. Joined DEOHS faculty: 1979

Our Environmental Health Seminar series for winter quarter is now under way. Join us Thursdays at 12:30 pm through March 14 to hear from speakers on the latest scientific insights into environmental and workplace health. The series includes 10 lectures by experts from a variety of local and national institutions.

I recently found leftovers in my fridge that were close to a week old—right on the line between acceptable and sketchy. I performed the tried-and-true smell test, made a judgment and popped them in the microwave.