On March 13, 2016, Dr. Gary Ginsberg, a Senior Toxicologist with the Connecticut Department of Public Health (DPH) was awarded the “Public Communications Award” at the annual meeting of the Society of Toxicology in New Orleans, LA. The Society of Toxicology is an international organization dedicated to enhancing the impact and relevance of toxicology.
Dr. Ginsberg was recognized by Society of Toxicology for his efforts in explaining complex toxicology issues to the public. Dr. Ginsberg has appeared on television shows such as the Dr. Oz Show and had his own radio program covering environmental issues of the day. At DPH, Dr. Ginsberg regularly prepares educational material for citizens on emerging contaminant issues, such as arsenic in pressure treated wood, the hazards to children from mothballs, and chemicals in children’s products and toys. He has represented DPH in the media on numerous topics ranging from mercury in fish to chemical spill emergencies.
Dr. Ginsberg has been employed by DPH for over 20 years and regularly communicates with the legislature, local health departments, the general public and other state agencies on a wide variety of toxic exposure issues. Dr. Ginsberg was featured in a recent “Wastebusters” video produced by the CT Department of Energy and Environmental Protection and CT DPH on the importance of selecting green cleaning products in schools and homes. He has drafted numerous fact sheets on chemical hazards in consumer products, such as sun screen and chemicals in hand sanitizers.
“We are extremely proud of Dr. Ginsberg and congratulate him on this prestigious and well deserved award,” said Ellen Blaschinski, DPH’s Regulatory Services Branch Chief. “His expertise in toxic exposures and ability to consolidate vast amounts of science into easily digestible, useful information helps protect and inform Connecticut’s citizens.”
Dr. Ginsberg received his PhD from UConn in 1986. In addition to working at DPH, Dr. Ginsberg is an assistant clinical professor at the UConn School of Community Medicine, an adjunct faculty member at Yale University and has served on a number of US EPA advisory committees and on the National Academy of Sciences. In 2006, Dr. Ginsberg co-authored a book called “What’s Toxic What’s Not” (Berkeley Books, 2006). Dr. Ginsberg resides in East Granby with his wife and children.
The Society of Toxicology is a professional and scholarly organization of scientists from academic institutions, government, and industry representing the great variety of scientists who practice toxicology in the US and abroad. The Society’s mission is to create a safer and healthier world by advancing the science and increasing the impact of toxicology.