Collaborative on Health and the Environment :: Interview with CHE Partner, Steven G. Gilbert, PhD, DABT

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Interview with CHE Partner, Steven G. Gilbert, PhD, DABT

Steven Gilbert

Director, Institute of Neurotoxicology & Neurological Disorders (INND); Affiliate Associate Professor, Department of Environmental and Occupational Health Sciences, University of Washington; Chair, CHE-WA Precautionary Principle Working Group
www.asmalldoseof.org www.toxipedia.org

Steve Heilig: What first brought you into environmental health work?
As a toxicologist my initial research interest was on the neurobehavioral effects of low level exposure to lead and mercury. This work was motivated by a desire to see that all children have an environment in which they can reach and maintain their full potential, free from contaminants such as lead and mercury. More recently my work has focused entirely on policy related issues, in an effort to create more effective policy with the currently available knowledge.

What have been the most significant obstacles and successes you have encountered and achieved in this work to date?

The biggest obstacle is creating a motivated and informed public that advocates for public health. An informed public would help elect and encourage legislators to take a more active role in supporting sustainable practices and improved environmental health.

The greatest success is the growing interest in the precautionary principle as a decision-making approach to issues related to human and environmental health. The elements of the precautionary principle provide an ethical and scientific framework that if adapted would fundamentally alter our approach to the management of chemicals.

What is the number one change you would like to see for the future of environmental health?

Broader adoption of the precautionary principle as a decision-making approach is essential to ensure environmental and human health. There must be a fundamental change in the management of chemicals and environmental resources to enable children to reach their full potential. Adoption of the precautionary principle would allow us to manage the common wealth for the common good of our society and the environment.

What or who continues to inspire you in your work?

I am inspired by the many thoughtful, creative, and caring people that I have the privilege of working with. Ultimately I am motivated and inspired by the need to protect the most vulnerable of all our species, the children.

Do you have any comments/suggestions regarding CHE itself?

CHE has been an excellent resource in Seattle, Washington. I believe it is really important to continue to create more CHE groups throughout the US. CHE helps to capture people's creativity and energy to address local issues on environmental and human health. It is very important to continue the efforts to bring diverse people together that share a common interest in the environment and human health.

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Posted: 6 February 2007

The Collaborative on Health and the Environment
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