Ask a tox doc: What’s the big deal with plastic?

March 19, 2026.Reading time 7 minutes.

It’s hard to avoid plastic. So many common objects that we use regularly have plastic, from toothbrushes and soap bottles to juice cartons and kids’ toys.

I sat down with Dr. Shirlee Tan, a toxicologist with Public Health, to chat about plastic and find out: Is it a concern for our health? And if so, how can we protect ourselves?

What I learned from Duwamish River fishers: Portraits of Public Health

February 25, 2026.Reading time 7 minutes.

Hand drawn portrait of woman with long black hair, smiling

In this Portrait of Public Health, Khanh talks about the meaning she’s found working alongside people who fish in the Duwamish River and why fishers make such good outreach workers. Together, they’ve educated local fishers and residents who live near the Duwamish about the dangers of contaminated seafood.

What can we do to limit PFAS? A comic explains (part 3).

November 26, 2024.Reading time 3 minutes.

Mom reading a label on a bottle. She pushes a shopping cart with a preschooler sitting in it.

Leer en español In this final comic in a series about a group of chemicals known as “Forever Chemicals” or PFAS, we share ways that Public Health – Seattle & King County, King County residents, and organizations are mobilizing for legislation and regulations to protect our communities from PFAS. Comic by the Lead and Toxics […]

How can we reduce exposure to PFAS? A comic strip explains (part 2).

November 19, 2024.Reading time 6 minutes.

Two women shopping for cast iron pans at a thrift shop.

In a comic strip, we explain what concrete actions you can take to protect your family from PFAS, or “forever chemicals.”

What are PFAS and why are they harmful? A comic strip explains.

November 12, 2024.Reading time 4 minutes.

A toxicologist talking to a father holding the toddler

PFAS are a group of chemicals commonly referred to as “forever chemicals” that are common in a wide variety of every-day products. In this comic strip, our toxicologist explains how they can have serious health issues.

How I learned to harvest shellfish (starting with checking the shellfish safety map!)

June 11, 2024.Reading time 8 minutes.

A person’s legs in waterproof boots in shallow water at a rocky beach

While recreational shellfish harvesting is a year-round activity, it is especially popular in the summer when warmer weather and mid-day low tides make it easier. However, warmer temperatures can also create conditions for marine (saltwater) biotoxins. Learn what you can do to reduce your risk.