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News Archive

Archive of news coverage from past years

2008 | 2007 | 2006 | 2005 | 2004 | 2003 | 2002 | 2001

Adjunct Assistant Professor Sheela Sathyanarayana, a pediatrician in our Pediatric Environmental Health Specialty Unit, answers questions about Bisphenol A on KUOW's The Conversation.

Congratulations to Jonathan Sharpe, Outreach and Education Manager, and DEOHS alumnus Katia Harb (BS, MS, Industrial Hygiene & Safety, 2002) who have been, nominated for 2010 UW Distinguished Staff Awards and will be honored at a reception on February 3.

Undergraduate students, Alyssa Vivas and Kendra Broadwater, received scholarships from the Washington State Environmental Health Association.

Julie Wagner, a master's student in the Occupational & Environmental Exposure Sciences program, received a Green Steward Award from the National Oceanic & Atmospheric Administration (NOAA).

Postdoctoral fellow David Cox received a Young Investigator Award from the Society for Free Radical Biology and Medicine for his research on cardiovascular effects of air pollution.

Alumnus Alma Cardenas Feldpausch (MS, Toxicology, 2000) is featured in MIRT News (p. 12), a newsletter published by the Multidisciplinary International Research Training (MIRT) Program.

Dr. Sheela Sathyanarayana, who works with the Northwest Pediatric Environmental Health Specialty Unit and is assistant professor in the Department of Pediatrics, comments on phthalates in a Business Week article.

Dr. Matthew Keifer, a professor in our department's Occupational and Environmental Medicine Program as well as in the Department of Internal Medicine, examined the Sigafoos family, who are pursuing a potential class-action lawsuit against Quadrant Homes. Seattle PI.com

Pollutants may increase bronchiolitis risk in infants, reports Adjunct Assistant Professor Catherine Karr.

Dr. Sheela Sathyanarayana, who works with the Northwest Pediatric Environmental Health Specialty Unit, explains how to protect children from environmental toxins in a recent King 5 News story.

Two DEOHS alumni were named to the American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists (ACGIH) 2010 Board of Directors: Bill R. McArthur (MSPH, Industrial Hygiene 1978) and Stephanie R. Carter (PhD, Industrial Hygiene 2008.

UW researchers to study impacts of climate change on health in the Pacific Northwest

MRSA discovered at five public beaches, reported Professor Marilyn Roberts.

Pesticides in your peaches: Chicago Tribune and USDA studies find pesticides, some in excess of EPA rules, in the fragrant fruit. Adjunct Assistant Professor Catherine Karr, who serves on the American Academy of Pediatrics National Committee on Environmental Health, and former postdoc Alex Lu, who now teaches at Harvard, quoted on children's exposure to pesticides.

Steve Hecker, Director of the Continuing Education and Outreach program, led study on fume-contaminated cabin air, cited in The Wall Street Journal article.

Report released by Institute of Medicine committee finds exposure to Agent Orange and other herbicides used during the Vietnam War may increase risk Vietnam Vet's risk for heart disease and Parkinson's disease. Professor Richard Fenske chaired the committee that produced the report.

Professor Thomas M. Burbacher quoted on thimerosal-free flu vaccine in article by Deborah Kotz, senior writer for US News & World Report, Dealing with the Swine Flu Threat During Pregnancy.

Professor Matt Keifer was an invited speaker at the UW's Mini Medical School. Keifer is also co-director of the Pacific Northwest Agricultural Safety and Health Center. In the video presentation, Keifer explains how workplace hazards are identified and what solutions are available to prevent or reduce injuries and health concerns.

Xylitol syrup found to curb childhood tooth decay. Co-author of study, Professor Marilyn Roberts, quoted in the Los Angeles Times article.

Got ear plugs? You may want to sport them on the subway, researchers say. Research scientist Richard Neitzel is lead author of a study that analyzed exposure to noise levels on mass transit in New York City. His study is featured in U.S. News & World Report, ABC Local News, Forbes, and United Press International.

The Northwest Center for Occupational Health and Safety and the Department of Environmental and Occupational Health Sciences released the results an extensive survey of nearly 400 department alumni. To read the report, visit: http://depts.washington.edu/envhlth/pdf/reportdeohs.pdf

In the May 26, The New York Times’ article, “Texting May Be Taking a Toll,” Associate Professor Peter Johnson comments on repetitive use of thumbs in texting messages.

The Spokane Regional Health Board offered Dr. Joel McCullough (MPH,Occupational Medicine, 1995) the health officer position in the Spokane Regional Health District. (The Spokesman-Review)

"Climate Change: Challenging Public Health" is the topic of the latest issue of Northwest Public Health, the magazine of the School of Public Health. The issue includes a story about research being done by the University of Washington’s Pacific Northwest Center for Human Health and Ocean Studies on how environmental factors trigger blooms of the marine algae that produce a type of marine biotoxin. The issue also includes an article by Professor Jane Koenig on the health effects of wildfires.

Dr. Sheela Sathyanarayana, who works with the Northwest Pediatric Environmental Health Specialty Unit, comments on children's exposure to formaldehyde exposures in a USA Today article. The article covers a new report on chemicals found in baby bath products released by the Campaign for Safe Cosmetics.

A 1994 wood smoke study by Professors Timothy Larson and Jane Koenig was cited in recent Seattle Times Q&A article: Striking an efficient balance in the wood-burning debate.

Associate Professor William Daniell is profiled in UW's The Daily.

Assistant Professor Catherine Karr, director of the Northwest Pediatric Environmental Health Specialty Unit, is quoted in P-I article: State not ready for climate refugees.

Dr. Sheela Sathyanarayana, who works with the Northwest Pediatric Environmental Health Specialty Unit, is quoted on the health effects of bisphenol A in an Associated Press report on a proposed Washington-state bill to ban the chemical in food or drink containers for children three and younger. Story appears in The Seattle Times, SeattlePost-Intelligencer, The Bellingham Herald, HeraldNet, KOMO News, and MSNBC.

Professor Joel Kaufman comments on a federally-funded study that showed cleaner air adds five months to the average life expectancy in the United States. Story appears in Time, MSNBC, ABC News, NPR, Seattle
Post-Intelligencer, KOMO News, among other news sources.

The Pacific Northwest Agricultural Safety and Health Center (PNASH) is teaming up with StoryCorps®, a national oral history project, to record and archive the rich oral history of farm life in the US as well as the
wisdom of farmers. PNASH Director of Outreach Helen Murphy is interviewed on KPBX in Spokane.

2008

Dr. Sheela Sathyanarayana, who works with the Northwest Pediatric Environmental Health Specialty Unit, is quoted on the health effects of bisphenol A in an Associated Press report on a proposed Washington-state
bill to ban the chemical in food or drink containers for children three and younger. Story appears in The Seattle Times, Seattle Post-Intelligencer, The Bellingham Herald, HeraldNet, KOMO News, and MSNBC.

Sales of Elk Grove girl's homemade pins go to the National Autism Association's Burbacher Study, named for the study’s lead researcher Professor Thomas Burbacher. Chicago Daily Herald

Professor Tom Burbacher was quoted in a US News article on thimerosal, a mercury preservative, in children’s vaccinations.

Bailouts create health pandemic, Professor Scott Barnhart and Acting Assistant Professor Amy Hagopian's op-ed on pandemic debt and its health effects. Seattle Post-Intelligencer

Clinical Professor Michael Silverstein's recent paper on OSHA, published in the American Journal of Public Health, is quoted in a recent Las Vegas Sun article on the OSHA administration under Obama. Las Vegas Sun / American Journal of Public Health

Despite dosing guidelines developed by Dr. Gary Franklin and other medical directors of state health agencies, the number of people dying from prescription painkillers continues to increase, especially in Washington State. Seattle Post-Intelligencer

Environmental Health & Safety's Karen VanDusen bids farewell to UW. University Week

Drug-resistant bacteria found on Washington beaches studied by Professor Marilyn Roberts. Bloomberg News

University of Washington, Washington State University, Oregon Health & Science University collaborate in landmark national study of children's health. UW News

At a Tacoma-Pierce County Health Department public-awareness campaign event, Chair Dave Kalman spoke about research that shows the risks from second-hand smoke in cars on children. Tacoma Weekly, Oct. 2.

Dr. Michael Silverstein, a University of Washington clinical professor and occupational health specialist, submitted a 29-page report signed by 87 of the nation's leading public health authorities. Seattle Post-Intelligencer, July 23

UW students find fecal coliform on campus keyboards Seattle Times - United States Seattle Public Library and Children's Hospital & Regional Medical Center say they are aware of the potential health risks keyboards pose.

The July 8 issue of The Daily had a front page story about Assistant Professor Gwy-Am Shin's students testing for pathogens on campus computers. It is titled "UW study finds dirty keyboards"

Nadia Moore, a PhD candidate from the Toxicology program in the Department of Environmental and Occupational Health Sciences, is featured in a career profile in the June 20 issue of the journal Science, titled "Opportunities Abound in Toxicology."

Help for Asthmatic Kids: Clinical Associate Professor Tim Takaro wrote a story for the June 7 issue of the Vancouver Sun titled "Home cure for asthmatics removes 'triggers: SFU prof co-organizes 'Breathe Easy' construction of subsidized housing in Seattle."

Professor Dan Luchtel looks back on his year as chair of the faculty senate. University Week, June 5, 2008.

Dr. Sheela Sathyanarayana of our Pediatric Environmental Health Specialty Unit (PEHSU) answered viewer questions about bisphenol A on ABC World News April 23. The plastic additive has been found in baby bottles.

The Sunday, March 30 issue of the Yakima Herald Republic had a story about Professor Rich Fenske's spray drift studies.

Chair Dave Kalman is quoted about the risks to children from second-hand smoke in cars.

The department's 2007 calendar won the Best of Show in the publications division of the Society for Technical Communication Puget Sound 2007-2008 competition. The calendar describes the range of the department's research, teaching and service activities. Request a copy.

The US Environmental Protection Agency released the 2006 Toxics Release Inventory (TRI) on Feb. 21. This state- and county-level inventory quantifies toxic chemicals used and released by utilities, refineries, chemical manufacturers, paper companies, and other facilities. Here is the Washington state fact sheet.

Baby products: Sheela Sathyanarayana and Catherine Karr of our Pediatric Environmental Health Specialty Unit published a study linking phthalates in baby shampoos and other products to reproductive problems. It was picked up by the news media.

Professor Scott Barnhart is stepping down after eight years as associate dean of the School of Medicine and medical director at Harborview Medical Center. He has a joint appointment in the departments of Medicine and Environmental and Occupational Health Sciences.

Pesticides in everyday food: Alex Lu, a former postdoctoral fellow in our department, was featured on the front page of the Seattle Post-Intelligencer Jan. 30 for his study of children and organic food.

The National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences has selected the UW as one of the first three research centers in the United States to define the role of environmental agents in human disease. The three new research centers called DISCOVER (Disease Investigation through Specialized Clinically-Oriented Ventures in Environmental Research) will receive $6.8 million for the first year of funding to bridge the gap between basic research and clinical diseases caused by the environment.

 

2007

Professor Joel Kaufman has received a grant from the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences (NIEHS) to establish a research center to study the effect of traffic-related air pollution on cardiovascular disease. His is one of three new research centers called DISCOVER — Disease Investigation Through Specialized Clinically-Oriented Ventures in Environmental Research. The others are at Johns Hopkins and Columbia University.

Fenske wins top environmental, occupational health awards, University Week Nov. 8, 2007

Professor Dan Luchtel leads the faculty senate this year.

The Northwest Pediatric Environmental Health Specialty Unit (PEHSU) received the Children’s Environmental Health Excellence Award from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), recognizing its leadership in protecting children from environmental health risks.

Our department is part of the new National Children's Study, a first-of-its kind U.S. study tracking children's health from womb to adulthood. The $3.2 billion study will explore links between environmental, social, psychological and genetic factors and chronic health problems including asthma, obesity, autism, diabetes, injuries, and schizophrenia. Professor Elaine Faustman is head of the study's Pacific Northwest Center.

The Field Research and Consultation Group's work with glassblowers and metal sculptors is the subject of a story in the Aug. 16, 2007 issue of University Week

The UW School of Public Health and Community Medicine presented its first Community Service Award for Community Partners to Ofelio Borges and Flor Servin. They are pesticide educators from the Washington State Department of Agriculture and partners of our Pacific Northwest Agricultural Safety and Health Center.

Professor Elaine Faustman received the 2007 Alternatives Award from the Humane Society of the United States and Procter & Gamble. The award, which carries a $25,000 grant, is in recognition of her contributions to the research and development of alternative research methods that reduce the use of laboratory animals.

Professor Harvey Checkoway was quoted in an Aug. 9, 2007 story in the Seattle Post-Intelligencer on human effects of the chemical bisphenol A, found in some water bottles and other plastic products. He is studying workers exposed to bisphenol A in China and its effect on fertility and the development of their children.

A clean house could be a health hazard: Report tracks risky chemicals in products, Seattle Post-Intelligencer, July 24, 2007, quotes Senior Lecturer Janice Camp.

Research Professor James Woods' study of the safety of dental fillings was featured in "Tooth and Consequences," a story in the March 2007 issue of Columns, the UW alumni magazine. The study, in the Journal of the American Medical Association, concluded that mercury fillings are safe.

Three of our occupational medicine faculty were among 296 "Top Doctors" listed in the March issue of Seattle Metropolitan Magazine. Scott Barnhart, Jordan Firestone, and Joel Kaufman were honored, based on votes by approximately 1,300 area medical professionals.

Rich Fenske had an Editorial Opinion piece published in the Seattle P-I, Feb. 2, 2007: "Misuse of science serves no one"

Professor Joel Kaufman's work is profiled in an article appearing in the Seattle Times, Feb. 1, 2007: "An unpleasant 'surprise': higher risks from pollution".

2006

Assistant Professor Peter Johnson authored a story in the Nov. 24 issue of Puget Sound Business Journal entitled Building Partnerships: How the UW helped Microsoft build a better mouse. The subscription-only article can be downloaded.

University Week ran a Nov. 2 story about a research expedition by to explore the Pacific Northwest Center for Human Health and Ocean Sciences to explore toxic blooms in Puget Sound. Professor Elaine Faustman is pictured.

Our undergraduate summer research program is described in the Oct. 26 2006, issue of University Week. The feature story opens with a description of Araceli Vasquez, who in previous summers worked with her family in the beet fields of southern Idaho. This summer, she worked in a community based research project in the Yakima Valley.

Keeping Workers Healthy and Safe is the theme of the fall/winter 2006 issue of Northwest Public Health, the magazine of the School of Public Health and Community Medicine. The issue includes stories about Barbara Silverstein's research on patient lifting, Pete Johnson's work on back strain, Darren Linker's outreach with working teens, and the Child Health Center's work on children's pesticide exposures.

Dr. Sally Liu's research team has pinpointed crankcase emissions as the source of most pollution on school buses. See Aug/ 22. 2006 stories from KING 5 News

EPA supports UW pesticide research with $750,000 grant, University Week, July 20, 2006

Tom Burbacher's work in the infant primary research laboratory was featured in a front-page story of The Daily, May 31.

Dave Eaton is quoted in a March 12, 2006, New York Times story about chemicals in students' lunch boxes.

Research Scientist Rick Neitzel was quoted in a Feb. 8, 2006, KOMO TV piece, "What's that? Can't hear you, my iPod's too loud."

Scott Meschke was quoted in a Jan. 4, 2006, Seattle Post-Intelligencer story, "Plan calls for new pipes at schools."

Are organic fruit, veggies worth the extra cost? Seattle Post-Intelligencer, January 19, 2006, quotes Professor Richard Fenske.

2005

On Oct. 6, 2005, the Seattle Times printed a story on the Environmental Health Laboratory's collaboration with the Burke Museum to test tribal cultural objects for lead, arsenic and mercury. Read more about our department's contribution.

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2004

Lead, complacency are lousy mixture, Seattle Post-Intelligencer editorial, July 27, 2004, quotes Catherine Karr, director of our Pediatric Environmental Health Specialty Unit

Seattle schools' lead danger disputed, Seattle Times, July 16, 2004, quotes Dr. Catherine Karr

Lack of information fuels fear over lead in school drinking water, By Catherine Karr Guest Columnist, Seattle Post-Intelligencer, July 14, 2004

State ignores law requiring lead testing for all Medicaid children, Seattle Post-Intelligencer, July 10, 2004, quotes Joel Kaufman and Catherine Karr of our faculty.

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2003

Study Uncovers Troubling Chemical In Mothers' Milk, KIRO 7 Eyewitness News Sept. 23, 2003

Departmental researchers have found high consumption of iron and manganese can increase the risk of getting Parkinson's disease. While not recommending dietary changes, the authors caution against taking too many vitamin and mineral supplements.

Big cuts proposed in emissions from diesel engines, Seattle Post-Intelligencer, April 16, 2003, quotes Professor Jane Koenig

Cynthia Curl, Richard Fenske and Kai Elgethun's study on pesticide exposures among children who consume organic or conventional foods appears in the March 2003 issue of Environmental Health Perspectives and in the March 25 New York Times

A 'safe' career choice: Industrial hygienists use science to reduce risks was the title of a feature in the Seattle Times' career section Sunday, Jan. 5, 2003.

Departmental researchers' novel use of global positioning systems (GPS) to track children's exposures to pesticides is featured in the January 2003 issue of Environmental Health Perspectives. Kai Elgethun, Richard Fenske, Michael Yost and Gary Palcisko are the authors.

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2002

Departmental research on take-home pesticide exposure among agricultural workers and their children appears in the December issue of Environmental Health Perspectives (Vol. 110, No. 12, p. 787).

Dr. Jane Koenig's research on the health effects of wood smoke was featured in the Nov. 7, 2002, issue of University Week

Faculty member Peter Johnson was quoted in a Seattle Times story June 17 about an elementary school ergonomics program. The cable news network CNN picked up the story on June 28.

The Community Outreach and Education Program's project with the Shoalwater Tribe was mentioned in a Seattle Post-Intelligencer story June 18.

Graduate student Amanda Zych was quoted in a July 8, 2002, Seattle Post-Intelligencer story

The current issue of Environmental Health Perspectives has an editorial by the Pacific Northwest Agricultural Safety and Health center's Dr. Richard Fenske, Incorporating Health and Ecologic Costs into Agricultural Production and a story about his team's study of farm children and the pesticide chlorpyrifos.

Tim Takaro's work on beryllium exposure at Hanford was covered by the Tri-Cities Herald April 24, 2002

Hanford's unfinished business, Seattle Post-Intelligencer, April 18, 2002, quotes Dr. Tim Takaro

Dark cloud of illness lingers over many: Thousands of workers, residents have developed cancers, Seattle Post-Intelligencer, April 19, 2002, quotes Dr. Tim Takaro

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2001

State environmental sleuths on mercury's trail, Seattle Post-Intelligencer, October 30, 2001, quotes Professor James Woods

Richard Fenske and Alex Lu's work on children's pesticide exposure in the Seattle metropolitan was covered in the August 10, 2001 issue of the Seattle Times

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