We at Toxic-Free Future are mourning the loss of one of Washington’s greatest environmental health heroes—Dr. Steven Gilbert, whose passion for children’s health and science shaped not only our work at Toxic-Free Future but the environmental health field as a whole.
Steve lived his life with purpose, generosity, and love. He passed away on July 15, 2025 after living courageously with Parkinson’s disease.
Steve was a beloved TFF board member and brilliant toxicologist who dedicated his life to tackling dangerous substances like lead so that all children could reach their full potential. Steve never wavered from his passionate belief in the importance of precaution and always stayed true to his scientific understanding. For decades, Steve stood with us and our partners to fight against the lobbying power of the chemical industry.
“Steve was an important mentor for many scientists, including me, showing us how to apply our scientific expertise to supporting policy change to protect health. He led his life with passion and kindness, and I could always count on him to answer my phone calls and help in any way he could, whether it was testifying in the legislature, reviewing a report, or providing a quote for a news release. He continues to inspire me to contribute to a healthier and more compassionate world in all aspects of my life. “ – Erika Schreder, former TFF science director and friend
He was a beloved and valued member of our board of directors and served on our finance committee. He brought not only his scientific expertise, but also his financial rigor to guide us.
“Steve fearlessly used his exceptional skills for uncompromising good in the world, advocating so that all children can meet their potential, that budgets are balanced, that art touches the soul and changes hearts and minds, and that the company of friends is time well spent. Steve was a mentor, a colleague, and most importantly, a dear friend. I miss him.” – Janna Rolland, former TFF board member and friend
“Steve’s steadfast conviction in the importance of educating not only advocates and lawmakers, but also students and the lay public, about toxicology and environmental health resulted in three seminal and influential publications: A Small Dose of Toxicology, an introductory textbook; Toxipedia, a Wiki-style website; and Lessons Learned: Milestones of Toxicology, an interactive poster. The book and poster are available in multiple languages, and all the publications address the ethical issues that were so close to his heart.” – Maria Mergel, former information specialist at TFF and friend
Steve was particularly passionate about addressing lead and other neurotoxics and applying the precautionary principle. The laws he helped pass in Washington have resulted in:
- Children being able to play with toys free of lead and hormone-disrupting phthalates
- Access to products, from light-up sneakers to thermometers, made without brain-harming mercury
- Safe drinking water standards for PFAS, known as forever chemicals, and a lot less flowing into water and our homes from products
“Steve was generous, curious, and relentless. He had a vision and he pursued it. Thanks to his motivation and expertise, he was able to move our state towards policies based on protecting the most vulnerable populations. It was a pleasure to be his friend and colleague.” –Philip Dickey, former science director at TFF and longtime friend
Steve and his wife, Janice Camp, have been enormously generous with TFF. We always loved having events in their warm and loving home, raising glasses of red wine (even some Steve made!) to celebrate our wins and prepare for the next fight. It helped us create a lasting community of amazing people fighting for a healthier future.
“I will never forget waiting in Olympia for a legislative hearing and the snow was coming down hard. I was worried no one would show up at 8 a.m., but out of the snow emerged Steve with a huge smile on his face—so proud to have made it SO FAST from Seattle! I will always treasure Steve’s incredible contributions to the health of Washingtonians and people around the nation and for Toxic-Free Future. He showed up time and time again—that’s what it takes to make a difference in the world.” Laurie Valeriano, executive director, Toxic-Free Future
Steve’s legacy will continue on at Toxic-Free Future and in the countless lives touched by his work and his friendship. He was instrumental in making Toxic-Free Future and Washington state what we are today. Thank you Steve, we love you and we miss you dearly.
Executive Director
Laurie Valeriano is Toxic-Free Future's Executive Director. Laurie has worked at Toxic-Free Future for over 25 years, working to advance precedent-setting state environmental health policies that protect people and the environment.
