Center for Chemically Related Illness
The Center for Chemically Related Illness opened on August 31, 1995. It is based at the Occupational and Environmental Medicine Clinic at Harborview Medical Center in Seattle, Washington with affiliated clinics in Spokane and Toppenish.
What is a chemically related illness?
Chemically related illness, or CRI, refers to a variety of health problems caused by exposure to occupational and environmental chemicals. Examples of potentially harmful chemicals include solvents such as those found in paints, metals such as lead, and irritants such as formaldehyde.
What are the goals of the Center for Chemically Related Illness?
- To provide the best possible diagnosis and treatment for patients with CRI
- To improve public understanding of CRI through educational programs
- To create a research base for medical issues involving exposure to chemicals
What can I expect from my evaluation at the Center?
- Occupational and health history
- Physical examination
- Appropriate diagnostic testing
- Plan of evaluation and treatment
- Patient education
- Assistance with filing of workers’ compensation claims when appropriate
- Opportunities to participate in clinical research on a voluntary basis when eligible
Is the only clinic in Seattle?
The Center has affiliated with other clinics to provide care throughout the state of Washington. Occupational Medicine Associates in Spokane and the Yakima Valley Farm Workers Clinic in Toppenish will provide service to eastern and central Washington.
What is the history of the Center?
The Center is the result of Washington State legislation in 1994 addressing the issue of CRI. The Department of Labor and Industries, with the participation of the Department of Health, contracted with the University of Washington’s Occupational & Environmental Medicine Program at Harborview to establish and operate the Center of Excellence. The Department of Labor and Industries refers selected workers with possible CRI to the Center. The Center also welcomes patients from the general community and industry with occupational and environmental chemical exposures.
What other services are available at the Center?
The Occupational & Environmental Medicine Program at Harborview Medical Center has been in existence since 1984. In addition to our full range of clinical services, the Center offers:
- Industrial hygiene services including workplace evaluations
- Medical monitoring/surveillance evaluations and review
- Medical toxicology consultations
- Clinic & Services
Where do I call for more information?
For more information contact:
The Occupational & Environmental Medicine ProgramHarborview Medical Center
325 9th Ave., Box 359739
Seattle, WA 98104
(206) 744-9380