Susan Goldhaber, M.P.H., is an environmental toxicologist with over 40 years’ experience working at Federal and State agencies and in the private sector, emphasizing issues concerning chemicals in drinking water, air, and hazardous waste. Her current focus is on translating scientific data into usable information for the public.
Topics
Appearances (2)
2026-09-22
As Washington State Regulates Nonstick Cookware, Toxicologist Says Fear Outpaces EvidenceIn the latest episode of the Health Policy Podcast, host Bryan Hyde interviews Susan Goldhaber, an environmental toxicologist with the American Council on Science and Health. They discuss Washington State's regulatory efforts regarding nonstick cookware and PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances), highlighting the complexities of the chemicals involved and the ongoing debate over health risks associated with these substances. Goldhaber emphasizes that while PFAS are often labeled as "forever chemicals," the evidence linking them to serious health issues remains inconclusive.
2026-03-31
Susan Goldhaber Discusses the Fluoride Controversy and Public HealthIn the latest episode of the Health Policy Podcast, host Brian Hyde interviews Susan Goldhaber, a writer for the American Council on Science and Health, about the ongoing fluoride controversy. Goldhaber discusses the Environmental Protection Agency's new toxicity assessment of fluoride in drinking water, its historical context, and the implications of recent studies linking fluoride to potential neurological effects in children. The episode highlights the contrasting views of public health advocates and organizations like the American Dental Association regarding the safety and necessity of water fluoridation.
Notable quotes
“Fluoride has a really interesting history... It started back in 1909 when there was a doctor named Frederick McKay.”
“In 1945, Grand Rapids, Michigan became the first city in the world to add fluoride to their drinking water.”
“Fluoride, like all chemicals, has different effects at different levels.”
“One of their main persuasive arguments is we don't need it anymore because people get enough fluoride from other sources now.”
“It's very difficult to throw out a whole, particularly when the National Toxicology Program says that you need to be concerned about this.”
“I think the ADA will be a big part of the ones defending, not lowering it.”
“The term 'forever chemicals' is not a scientific or regulatory term. It came out in 2018 in a Washington Post editorial, and it was just trying to get people upset.”
“When you look at the animal studies and then you look at the human studies, very few human studies confirm the things in animal studies.”
“The evidence for an association between cancer and PFAS remains sparse.”
“What you can see is that when you look at the way PFAS levels have been going down, they have vastly declined.”
“I won't even use the term 'forever chemicals' because, number one, it's not correct, and number two, they don't last forever.”
“If there was more evidence of harm, it would say they have been known to cause it.”
