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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 during and evaluation at the Center?
- Occupational and health
history
- Physical examination
- Appropriate diagnostic
testing
- Plan of evaluation and
treatment
- Patient education
- Assistance, when
appropriate, with filing of workers’ compensation claims
- 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. The Center also has a mobile
laboratory to provide on-site medical and environmental evaluations.
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
Where do I call
for more information?
For more information
contact:
The Occupational & Environmental Medicine Program
Harborview Medical Center
325 9th Ave., Box 359739
Seattle, WA 98104
(206) 744-9372
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