David Michaels
@drdavidmichaels.bsky.social
Epidemiologist, Professor GW School of Public Health; Longest serving OSHA head (2009-17); former Asst Secretary of Energy for Environment, Safety, & Health; Author: Triumph of Doubt: Dark Money and the Science of Deception. http://drdavidmichaels.com
Pinned
I'm new to Bluesky so a little about me: I teach at the George Washington University School of Public Health. My expertise and passion is worker safety.
I ran the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) 2009-2017, and was the longest serving administrator in OSHA's history. 1/
I ran the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) 2009-2017, and was the longest serving administrator in OSHA's history. 1/
Reposted by David Michaels
How Workers died last week: Snowplowing, falls, forklift, train, carbon monoxide, helicopter, drowning, trash compacter, vehicle incidents, carbon monoxide poisoning and shootings.
The Weekly Toll
jordanbarab.com/confinedspac...
The Weekly Toll
jordanbarab.com/confinedspac...
Workers Who Won't Be Coming Home: The Weekly Toll - Confined Space
On average, over 100 workers are killed every week in the United States due to traumatic injuries suffered at work. Here are how w few died last week.
jordanbarab.com
February 9, 2026 at 10:59 PM
How Workers died last week: Snowplowing, falls, forklift, train, carbon monoxide, helicopter, drowning, trash compacter, vehicle incidents, carbon monoxide poisoning and shootings.
The Weekly Toll
jordanbarab.com/confinedspac...
The Weekly Toll
jordanbarab.com/confinedspac...
Reposted by David Michaels
A 100-year archive of human hair shows exactly how leaded gasoline poisoned the public—then how lead levels plunged after it was phased out and banned for on-road use. Powerful evidence that environmental regulation works. Read more:
www.webpronews.com/how-a-centur...
#PublicHealth
www.webpronews.com/how-a-centur...
#PublicHealth
How a Century of Preserved Hair Strands Vindicated America’s Most Controversial Public Health Intervention
A groundbreaking analysis of hair samples spanning 100 years provides definitive proof that banning leaded gasoline dramatically reduced toxic exposure. The research validates one of history's most…
www.webpronews.com
February 3, 2026 at 3:50 PM
A 100-year archive of human hair shows exactly how leaded gasoline poisoned the public—then how lead levels plunged after it was phased out and banned for on-road use. Powerful evidence that environmental regulation works. Read more:
www.webpronews.com/how-a-centur...
#PublicHealth
www.webpronews.com/how-a-centur...
#PublicHealth
Reposted by David Michaels
Measures to control an incurable lung disease aren't enough
@kqednews.kqed.org @npr.org
- Lopez feels desperate sitting at home, unable to work ... His wife asked NPR not to use her name due to fears of deportation. She chokes back tears... The couple have four kids. www.npr.org/2026/02/01/n...
@kqednews.kqed.org @npr.org
- Lopez feels desperate sitting at home, unable to work ... His wife asked NPR not to use her name due to fears of deportation. She chokes back tears... The couple have four kids. www.npr.org/2026/02/01/n...
Doctors say measures to control an incurable lung disease aren't enough
Silicosis is an often deadly lung disease linked to inhaling toxic dust from cutting engineered stone. California has passed new safety measures for workers in the last few years, but doctors say they...
www.npr.org
February 2, 2026 at 7:04 PM
Measures to control an incurable lung disease aren't enough
@kqednews.kqed.org @npr.org
- Lopez feels desperate sitting at home, unable to work ... His wife asked NPR not to use her name due to fears of deportation. She chokes back tears... The couple have four kids. www.npr.org/2026/02/01/n...
@kqednews.kqed.org @npr.org
- Lopez feels desperate sitting at home, unable to work ... His wife asked NPR not to use her name due to fears of deportation. She chokes back tears... The couple have four kids. www.npr.org/2026/02/01/n...
Reposted by David Michaels
The regulatory czar was once a powerful figure using cost-benefit analysis to control agency regulations. But Trump disdaims cost-benefit analysis, there's no nominee for the position, and the stand-in faces possible disbarment.
legal-planet.org/2026/01/29/t...
legal-planet.org/2026/01/29/t...
The Decline and Fall of the “Regulatory Czar” - Legal Planet
The office of the regulatory czar has lost its main function as Trump has moved away from cost-benefit analysis, and its now adrift.
legal-planet.org
January 29, 2026 at 4:09 PM
The regulatory czar was once a powerful figure using cost-benefit analysis to control agency regulations. But Trump disdaims cost-benefit analysis, there's no nominee for the position, and the stand-in faces possible disbarment.
legal-planet.org/2026/01/29/t...
legal-planet.org/2026/01/29/t...
Reposted by David Michaels
Workplace Injuries and Illnesses decline in last Biden year in the private sector, but go up in public sector jordanbarab.com/confinedspac...
Reported Workplace Injuries and Illnesses decline in Last Biden Year - Confined Space
The number and rate of workplace injuries and illnesses in 2024 reached the lowest number since 2003 according to a report issued last week the Bureau of Labor Statistics.
jordanbarab.com
January 27, 2026 at 2:08 PM
Workplace Injuries and Illnesses decline in last Biden year in the private sector, but go up in public sector jordanbarab.com/confinedspac...
Reposted by David Michaels
Reposted by David Michaels
This wrecked me. Goodnight.
A video of Alex Pretti reading out the final salute of an unnamed veteran he cared for until the end of his life in the ICU, posted to Facebook by his son.
January 25, 2026 at 2:55 AM
This wrecked me. Goodnight.
Reposted by David Michaels
This action says it all about this administration: the value of reducing deaths in the workplace, community, and from exposure to risk? $0. Even the most conservative economists would say this is insane policy. www.nytimes.com/2026/01/21/c...
Trump’s E.P.A. Has Put a Value on Human Life: Zero Dollars
www.nytimes.com
January 24, 2026 at 3:16 PM
This action says it all about this administration: the value of reducing deaths in the workplace, community, and from exposure to risk? $0. Even the most conservative economists would say this is insane policy. www.nytimes.com/2026/01/21/c...
Not a milestone to celebrate.
California just reported its 500th silicosis case (including 28 deaths, & 54 lung tranplants) among artificial stone workers who make kitchen countertops.
Instead of moving to a safer product, the industry is asking Congress for total immunity from lawsuits.
California just reported its 500th silicosis case (including 28 deaths, & 54 lung tranplants) among artificial stone workers who make kitchen countertops.
Instead of moving to a safer product, the industry is asking Congress for total immunity from lawsuits.
California Department of Public Health
Welcome to the California Engineered Stone (ES) Silicosis Dashboard. Engineered stone refers to engineered stone countertops, popularly known as “artificial stone” or “quartz countertops.” This dashboard contains surveillance data for ES Silicosis cases reported to the state since surveillance began in 2019. Data are updated weekly.
www.cdph.ca.gov
January 23, 2026 at 9:47 PM
Not a milestone to celebrate.
California just reported its 500th silicosis case (including 28 deaths, & 54 lung tranplants) among artificial stone workers who make kitchen countertops.
Instead of moving to a safer product, the industry is asking Congress for total immunity from lawsuits.
California just reported its 500th silicosis case (including 28 deaths, & 54 lung tranplants) among artificial stone workers who make kitchen countertops.
Instead of moving to a safer product, the industry is asking Congress for total immunity from lawsuits.
Reposted by David Michaels
thanks @michaelpollan.bsky.social !
The NYT's Pro-Big Ag Pundit Gets It Right on Manure - But Misses the Mark on Herbicides - - Johns Hopkins Center for a Livable Future clf.jhsph.edu/viewpoints/n...
The NYT's Pro-Big Ag Pundit Gets It Right on Manure, But Misses the Mark on Herbicides
A high-profile journalist defends glyphosate, but CLF researchers methodically debunk his claims that growing crops with the chemical is not dangerous.
clf.jhsph.edu
January 23, 2026 at 1:12 AM
thanks @michaelpollan.bsky.social !
Reposted by David Michaels
A hugely important and hopeful story out of Minnesota. 3M, which had been the world's largest manufacturer of toxic #PFAS since 1950s, has officially gotten out of the business.
www.startribune.com/3m-end-pfas-...
www.startribune.com/3m-end-pfas-...
3M ends PFAS manufacturing on schedule
The Maplewood-based company announced in 2022 it would cease producing using the “forever chemical” in the span of three years, though it still expects to use third-party PFAS in some products.
www.startribune.com
January 23, 2026 at 1:40 AM
A hugely important and hopeful story out of Minnesota. 3M, which had been the world's largest manufacturer of toxic #PFAS since 1950s, has officially gotten out of the business.
www.startribune.com/3m-end-pfas-...
www.startribune.com/3m-end-pfas-...
Reposted by David Michaels
"The purpose of TSCA is to protect people and the environment from harmful chemicals. The proposed changes to this law are alarming: they remove public health guardrails, undermine EPA’s ability to protect people from harmful chemicals, and will lead to more death and disease."
January 22, 2026 at 7:40 PM
"The purpose of TSCA is to protect people and the environment from harmful chemicals. The proposed changes to this law are alarming: they remove public health guardrails, undermine EPA’s ability to protect people from harmful chemicals, and will lead to more death and disease."
Reposted by David Michaels
Trump admin.: prosecutes peaceful MN protestors fully.
Also Trump admin.: stops decade-old, successful criminal prosecutions of corporations that violated Clean Air Act & spewed millions of pounds of illegal air pollution, calling criminal cases invalid?!
subscriber.politicopro.com/article/2026...
Also Trump admin.: stops decade-old, successful criminal prosecutions of corporations that violated Clean Air Act & spewed millions of pounds of illegal air pollution, calling criminal cases invalid?!
subscriber.politicopro.com/article/2026...
POLITICO Pro: DOJ ends criminal prosecutions of vehicle emissions ‘defeat devices’
A new policy has halted all criminal investigations and prosecutions of those who bypass vehicles' emissions control systems, although civil enforcement may continue.
subscriber.politicopro.com
January 22, 2026 at 7:50 PM
Trump admin.: prosecutes peaceful MN protestors fully.
Also Trump admin.: stops decade-old, successful criminal prosecutions of corporations that violated Clean Air Act & spewed millions of pounds of illegal air pollution, calling criminal cases invalid?!
subscriber.politicopro.com/article/2026...
Also Trump admin.: stops decade-old, successful criminal prosecutions of corporations that violated Clean Air Act & spewed millions of pounds of illegal air pollution, calling criminal cases invalid?!
subscriber.politicopro.com/article/2026...
Reposted by David Michaels
Last year of Biden administration showed record breaking declines in workplace injuries and Illnesses.
share.google/yrpDCgZWHDfS...
share.google/yrpDCgZWHDfS...
Employer-Reported Workplace Injuries and Illnesses, 2023-2024
- 2024 A01 Results
share.google
January 22, 2026 at 6:45 PM
Last year of Biden administration showed record breaking declines in workplace injuries and Illnesses.
share.google/yrpDCgZWHDfS...
share.google/yrpDCgZWHDfS...
Great to see @dianaforqueens.com proudly talking about workplace safety in her campaign for NYS Assembly.
I heard there’s a job opening in Astoria. I asked the Mayor if I have a shot.
January 22, 2026 at 6:12 PM
Great to see @dianaforqueens.com proudly talking about workplace safety in her campaign for NYS Assembly.
Reposted by David Michaels
Pleased to announce that John Barth has endowed a Democracy Innovation Prize at @smpagwu.bsky.social. Modeled on venture competitions, the prize will reward GW students who come up with ways to strengthen our democracy. I hope other schools follow John's lead.
mediarelations.gwu.edu/school-media...
mediarelations.gwu.edu/school-media...
The School of Media and Public Affairs at the George Washington University Announces Endowed Democracy Innovation Prize | Media Relations | The George Washington University
The School of Media and Public Affairs (SMPA) at the George Washington University announced the creation of an endowed Democracy Innovation Prize.
mediarelations.gwu.edu
January 20, 2026 at 8:36 PM
Pleased to announce that John Barth has endowed a Democracy Innovation Prize at @smpagwu.bsky.social. Modeled on venture competitions, the prize will reward GW students who come up with ways to strengthen our democracy. I hope other schools follow John's lead.
mediarelations.gwu.edu/school-media...
mediarelations.gwu.edu/school-media...
It would be very powerful if Powell were joined at the SCOTUS hearing by former Fed chairs Janet Yellen, Ben Bernanke and Alan Greenspan, along with the former Treasury Department officials who signed the statement decrying the investigation of Powell.
January 19, 2026 at 7:17 PM
It would be very powerful if Powell were joined at the SCOTUS hearing by former Fed chairs Janet Yellen, Ben Bernanke and Alan Greenspan, along with the former Treasury Department officials who signed the statement decrying the investigation of Powell.
"We should not allow this carnage to continue"
Congress shouldn’t give the artificial stone industry immunity from litigation.
Instead, congress should ban the product to so its stops killing workers.
That would protect the manufacturers and the distributors from lawsuits, as well.
Congress shouldn’t give the artificial stone industry immunity from litigation.
Instead, congress should ban the product to so its stops killing workers.
That would protect the manufacturers and the distributors from lawsuits, as well.
As California Silicosis Cases Rise, Engineered Stone Industry Seeks Immunity in DC | KQED
Artificial stone manufacturers, facing hundreds of silicosis lawsuits in California, urged lawmakers in Washington, D.C., to pass a bill shielding the industry from liability as cases rise nationwide ...
www.kqed.org
January 16, 2026 at 2:53 PM
"We should not allow this carnage to continue"
Congress shouldn’t give the artificial stone industry immunity from litigation.
Instead, congress should ban the product to so its stops killing workers.
That would protect the manufacturers and the distributors from lawsuits, as well.
Congress shouldn’t give the artificial stone industry immunity from litigation.
Instead, congress should ban the product to so its stops killing workers.
That would protect the manufacturers and the distributors from lawsuits, as well.
Reposted by David Michaels
Trump EPA head, Lee Zeldin: I mean, sure, formaldehyde is known to cause cancer, but the previous amount of formaldehyde the government allowed was so small, we’re just doubling that amount, it’s not like we’re doubling cancer risk, ‘cause the small number was close to zero, so double zero = zero.
EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin has proposed to double the amount of formaldehyde acceptable for our families to breathe. 😡😡😡 #momsky
actnow.momscleanairforce.org/a/toxic-form....
actnow.momscleanairforce.org/a/toxic-form....
Tell EPA: Protect Our Children From Toxic Formaldehyde
EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin has proposed to double the amount of formaldehyde acceptable for our families to breathe. Formaldehyde causes more cancer than many other substances. Join Moms in soundin...
actnow.momscleanairforce.org
January 15, 2026 at 2:05 AM
Trump EPA head, Lee Zeldin: I mean, sure, formaldehyde is known to cause cancer, but the previous amount of formaldehyde the government allowed was so small, we’re just doubling that amount, it’s not like we’re doubling cancer risk, ‘cause the small number was close to zero, so double zero = zero.
Reposted by David Michaels
Aftter devastating #NIOSH last April, the Trump administration retreats in the face of resistance by unions, public health advocates and Democratic politicians. We fight, we win. jordanbarab.com/confinedspac...
Trump Administration Retreats on NIOSH Destruction - Confined Space
The Department of Health and Human Services announced the restoration of NIOSH funding and services.
jordanbarab.com
January 14, 2026 at 10:41 PM
Aftter devastating #NIOSH last April, the Trump administration retreats in the face of resistance by unions, public health advocates and Democratic politicians. We fight, we win. jordanbarab.com/confinedspac...
Hearing Report: This legislation is a death sentence for workers in this industry. If there is no obligation of manufacturers to ensure that downstream users of their products are safe, we will continue to see more silicosis cases, more lung transplants & more deaths. @ngreenfieldboyce.bsky.social
January 14, 2026 at 11:22 PM
Hearing Report: This legislation is a death sentence for workers in this industry. If there is no obligation of manufacturers to ensure that downstream users of their products are safe, we will continue to see more silicosis cases, more lung transplants & more deaths. @ngreenfieldboyce.bsky.social
Reposted by David Michaels
You often hear that Americans don't want to do back-breaking jobs like roofing. Ronda Kaysen and Rob Gebeloff have a great piece explaining how the jobs actually became lousy and low-paying first, *then* Americans no longer wanted to do them. www.nytimes.com/2026/01/14/u...
Where Did All the American-Born Roofers Go?
www.nytimes.com
January 14, 2026 at 4:48 PM
You often hear that Americans don't want to do back-breaking jobs like roofing. Ronda Kaysen and Rob Gebeloff have a great piece explaining how the jobs actually became lousy and low-paying first, *then* Americans no longer wanted to do them. www.nytimes.com/2026/01/14/u...
Today’s hearing featuring @raskin.house.gov and Jim Jordan should be well worth watching.
I will testify that rather than ban lawsuits by workers with silicosis, we should ban the product that is causing the disease.
Tune in at 10 AM ET at the link below.
I will testify that rather than ban lawsuits by workers with silicosis, we should ban the product that is causing the disease.
Tune in at 10 AM ET at the link below.
Hundreds of workers who fabricate artificial stone countertops have developed silicosis. Dozens have died. Manufacturers of the product have known for years about the risk but have done nothing.
Tomorrow, I will be testifying against legislation prohibiting lawsuits by workers with silicosis. 1/ 🧵
Tomorrow, I will be testifying against legislation prohibiting lawsuits by workers with silicosis. 1/ 🧵
Between a Rock and a Hard Place: Protecting the American Stone Slab Industry from Lawfare
judiciary.house.gov
January 14, 2026 at 1:43 PM
Today’s hearing featuring @raskin.house.gov and Jim Jordan should be well worth watching.
I will testify that rather than ban lawsuits by workers with silicosis, we should ban the product that is causing the disease.
Tune in at 10 AM ET at the link below.
I will testify that rather than ban lawsuits by workers with silicosis, we should ban the product that is causing the disease.
Tune in at 10 AM ET at the link below.
Hundreds of workers who fabricate artificial stone countertops have developed silicosis. Dozens have died. Manufacturers of the product have known for years about the risk but have done nothing.
Tomorrow, I will be testifying against legislation prohibiting lawsuits by workers with silicosis. 1/ 🧵
Tomorrow, I will be testifying against legislation prohibiting lawsuits by workers with silicosis. 1/ 🧵
Between a Rock and a Hard Place: Protecting the American Stone Slab Industry from Lawfare
judiciary.house.gov
January 13, 2026 at 11:47 PM
Hundreds of workers who fabricate artificial stone countertops have developed silicosis. Dozens have died. Manufacturers of the product have known for years about the risk but have done nothing.
Tomorrow, I will be testifying against legislation prohibiting lawsuits by workers with silicosis. 1/ 🧵
Tomorrow, I will be testifying against legislation prohibiting lawsuits by workers with silicosis. 1/ 🧵
Reposted by David Michaels
How Workers Died Last Week: Three dead from electrocutions, 5 workers crushed under vehicles, construction, confined space, welding explosion, falls, machete attack, shootings and vehicle incidents: The Weekly Toll jordanbarab.com/confinedspac...
Weekly Toll: Killed on the Job - Confined Space
On average, over 100 workers are killed every week in the United States due to traumatic injuries suffered at work. Here are how a few died last week.
jordanbarab.com
January 12, 2026 at 10:40 PM
How Workers Died Last Week: Three dead from electrocutions, 5 workers crushed under vehicles, construction, confined space, welding explosion, falls, machete attack, shootings and vehicle incidents: The Weekly Toll jordanbarab.com/confinedspac...