RAM TRAC provides unbiased technical, scientifically objective consulting services in environmental toxicology, human health risk assessment, and toxicological risk management.

Our President



Robert A. Michaels, PhD, CEP

Dr. Robert Michaels is president of RAM TRAC Corporation, consulting in toxicology and health risk assessment to public interest, corporate, and government clients. Dr. Michaels has published extensively on toxic substance measurement, health risks, risk management, and policy. He has served as consultant to the U.S. Congressional Office of Technology Assessment, Chairperson of the State of Maine Scientific Advisory Panel, and staff toxicologist of the Natural Resources Defense Council. Dr. Michaels is an elected Life Member of the New York Academy of Sciences, Chairperson of the Certification Review Board of the Academy of Board Certified Environmental Professionals, Secretary of the NFPA Technical Committee on Classification and Properties of Hazardous Chemicals, Board Member of the National Association of Environmental Professionals, and has been admitted as a Member of the American Association for Aerosol Research, Society for Risk Analysis, Society of Toxicology, and other professional societies.

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Selected Publications

Michaels, RA. Legacy Contaminants of Emerging Concern: Lead (Pb), Flint (MI), and Human Health. Environmental Claims Journal, 31(4), DOI: 10.1080/10406026.2019.1661947, published online 12 September 2019; print expected January 2020;

Michaels, RA.; Richard A. Hammerman, and Heslley Machado Silva. Comment on “A rights revolution for nature.” Science, e-Letter, online: https://science.sciencemag.org/content/363/6434/1392/tab-e-letters, 2 July 2019;

Silva, Heslley Machado; Brenda Maria Oliveira Mendonça, Jayne Cristina Guimarães, Luciana Soares Rodrigues, and Robert A. Michaels. Geographic variation of public health data collection associated with health outcomes: elevated lung cancer mortality in a medium-sized city in Brazil. International Journal of Science and Healthcare Research (www.ijshr.com), 4(2):109-20, April-June 2019, doi: inrein.com/10.4444/ijshr.1003/269, online 4 June 2019;

Michaels, RA. Telecommunications, electromagnetic fields, and human health. Environmental Claims Journal, 31(2):93-132, doi: 10.1080/10406026.2019.1603442, online 17 May 2019;

Michaels, RA; Richard A. Hammerman, and Heslley Machado Silva. Emerging green synergy in the science/religion relationship: from conflict to potentially planet-saving cooperation. Environmental Claims Journal, 30(4):314-36, doi 10.1080/10406026.2018.1504381, 23 pages, published online 3 October 2018;

Michaels, RA. A more fundamental microplastics issue. Science, e-Letter, online: http://science.sciencemag.org/content/360/6384/28/tab-e-letters, 29 May 2018;

Michaels, RA. The emerging urgency of mitigating environmental impacts and potential public health risks of the United States Postal Service. Environmental Claims Journal, 30(2), 142-50, doi: 10.1080/10406026.2018.1442077, (https://doi.org/10.1080/10406026.2018.1442077), online 9 March 2018;

Michaels, RA. Protecting science and public health in communities – PFOA and possible cancer clusters in the Village of Hoosick Falls, Rensselaer County, New York. Environmental Claims Journal, 30(1):58-70, January-March 2018, doi: 10.1080/10406026.2017.1422660, (https://doi.org/10.1080/10406026.2017.1422660), published online 31 January 2018;

Michaels, RA; and Uriel M. Oko. Negative Hudson River Superfund remediation effectiveness: clamshell dredging massively mobilized sediments, increasing PCB contamination. In: Public Comments Received on Proposed Second Five-Year Report, EPA Index Number 374, pages 493-562 (69 pages including appendices), submitted 30 August 2017, https://www.epa.gov/sites/production/files/2018-01/documents/updated_11-30-17_2017_fyr_comments_-_individuals_reduced_1.pdf, published online 17 January 2018;

Michaels, RA; and Randy W. Simon. Fracking in New York State: weighing risks and benefits. Environmental Claims Journal, 29(4), 253-68, Fall 2017; doi 10.1080/10406026.2017.1372392; published online 27 November 2017;

Michaels, RA; and Uriel M. Oko. Lessons learned from legacy contaminants of emerging concern: Hudson River PCB dredging. Albany, New York State Bar Association (NYSBA), The New York Environmental Lawyer, 37(2):58-74, Fall 2017;

Michaels, RA; and Uriel M. Oko. Negative Hudson River Superfund remediation effectiveness: clamshell dredging massively mobilized sediments, increasing PCB contamination. Comments on US EPA’s Proposed Second Five-Year Review. Collingswood, New Jersey, The Certified Environmental Professional (Newsletter of the Academy of Board Certified Environmental Professionals; ABCEP), pages 4-6, September 2017;

Michaels, RA. Confidence in courts: a delicate balance. Science, 357(6353):764, Letters, doi: 10.1126/science.aao3967, 25 August 2017;

Michaels, RA. Environmental Moisture, Molds, and Asthma - Emerging Fungal Risks in the Context of Climate Change. Environmental Claims Journal, 29(3):171-93, 2017; online: https://doi.org/10.1080/10406026.2017.1345521, 26 July 2017;

Michaels, RA; and Uriel M. Oko. Excessive PCBs in the Hudson River: attributable to incompleteness of dredging, or to seven years of dredging? Environmental Claims Journal, 29(2):115-40, 2017; online: http://dx.doi.org/10.1080/10406026.2017.1307007, 25 April 2017c;

Michaels, RA. Thirty‐eight years of the CEP credential and environmental professional certification. The Certified Environmental Professional, Academy of Board Certified Environmental Professionals Newsletter, http://www.abcep.org/images/Newsletters/ABCEP-Newsletter_FEB2017.pdf, ABCEP Newsletter, pages 8-13, February 2017b;

Michaels, RA. Lessons learned from legacy contaminants of emerging concern: perfluoroalkyl compounds (PFCs) in the Village of Hoosick Falls, Rensselaer County, New York. Environmental Claims Journal, 29(1):4-48, January-March 2017, https://dx.doi.org/10.1080/10406026.2016.1270666, published online 16 February 2017;

Michaels, RA. Perfluoroalkyl compounds (PFCs) in the Village of Hoosick Falls, Rensselaer County, New York: health risks and successive approximation toward enforceable national regulation. Albany, New York State Bar Association, NYSBA New York Environmental Lawyer, 36(2):88-111, Fall 2016;

Michaels, RA. Testimony before a joint New York State Assembly and Senate hearing on drinking water quality and contamination, Standing Committees on Health and Standing Committees on Environmental Conservation; Albany, New York State Assembly and Senate, 10.13140/RG.2.2.15054.46407, 6 pages, 7 September 2016;

Michaels, RA. Testimony on drinking water contamination with perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) before the New York State Senate Standing Committee on Health and Standing Committee on Environmental Conservation; Albany, New York State Senate, doi: 10.13140/RG.2.2.31831.68006, 5 pages, 30 August 2016;

Michaels, RA. Letter from the Guest Editor: Introduction to the Special Topic: Environmental and Public Health Risks Associated with Climate Change. Environmental Practice, 16(1):2-3, March 2014;

Michaels, RA; and Randy W. Simon. Fracking in New York State: weighing risks and benefits. Albany, New York State Bar Association, NYSBA Municipal Lawyer, 27(3):12-6, Fall 2013;

Michaels, RA; and Uriel M. Oko. Hudson River PCB dredging: mid-course assessment, and implications regarding possible project continuation vs. termination. Environmental Practice, 12(4):377-94, December 2010;

Michaels, RA. Gulf oil blowout: a lesson not to be learned by experience. Environmental Practice, 12(4):396-7, December 2010;

Michaels, RA. Three decades of the CEP credential and environmental professional certification. Environmental Practice, 11(1):52-6, March 2009;

Michaels, RA; and Uriel M. Oko. Bias in the US EPA baseline health risk assessment supporting the decision to require dredging of PCB-bearing sediments from the Hudson River. Environmental Practice, 9(2):96-111, June 2007;

Michaels, RA. Creationism, Intelligent Design, and the environmental professional. Environmental Practice, 7(4):210-1, December 2005;

Michaels, RA. The emperor’s new clothes and the US EPA’s decision to dredge Hudson River PCBs. Environmental Practice, 7(3), September 2005;

Michaels, RA. Perspective: The NAEP [National Association of Environmental Professionals] and the 2002 land mine resolution. Environmental Practice, 7(1):6-9, March 2005;

Michaels. RA. Particulate matter: the Marines, EPA, and air quality. Guest Perspective. Arlington, Virginia; Risk Policy Report, 11(10):33-5, 26 October 2004;

Michaels, RA. Environmental technology transfer synergism: health risk assessment and community rejection of commercial electronic chip fabrication in upstate New York. International Journal of Technology Transfer and Commercialisation, 1(4):424-52, doi: 10.1504/IJTTC.2002.001797, 2002;

Michaels, RA. EPA can no longer ignore risks potentially posed by hours-long PM excursions. Commentary. Risk Policy Report, 8(9):35-9, 18 September 2001;

Human Health Work Group, including RA Michaels. Final Report of the Human Health Work Group of the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation Comparative Risk Project. Albany, New York; NYS DEC, 308 pages, May 2001;

Michaels, RA; and Michael T. Kleinman. Effects exerted by PM in minutes to hours, involving immunological and electrophysiological mechanisms, can account for epidemiological associations of daily morbidity and mortality with 24-hour-average PM in air. Inhalation Toxicology, 12(Supplement 2):151(Abstract), 2000;

Michaels, RA; and Michael T. Kleinman. Incidence and apparent health-significance of brief airborne particle excursions. Aerosol Science & Technology, 32:93-105, Feb. 2000;

Keener, Tim C.; Ravi K. Jain, RA Michaels, and John W. Weber. Exposure and health risks potentially posed to petroleum storage tank cleaners by volatile organic compounds. Environmental Engineering and Policy, 1(4):235-48, December 1999;

Michaels, RA. Emergency planning and the acute toxic potency of inhaled ammonia. Environmental Health Perspectives, 107(8):617-27, August 1999;

Michaels, RA. Health effects of airborne particulate matter: role of short-term exposures in producing chronic effects. In: Current Asbestos Issues, Sourcebook on Asbestos Diseases; George A. Peters and Barbara J. Peters, Editors. Charlottesville, Virginia; Reed Elsevier, Inc.; Lexis Law Publishing Division; Volume 18, pp. 117-43, 1998;

Michaels, RA. Permissible daily airborne particle mass levels encompass brief excursions to the ‘London fog’ range, which may contribute to daily mortality and morbidity in communities. Applied Occupational and Environmental Hygiene, 13(6):385-94, June 1998;

Michaels, RA. Emergency planning: critical evaluation of AEGLs for ammonia. New York City, American Institute of Chemical Engineers; AIChE Technical Manual: Ammonia Plant Safety, 38:179-84, 1998.

Michaels, RA. Emergency planning: critical evaluation of proposed AEGLs for ammonia. Process Safety Progress, 17(2):134-7, 1998;

Michaels, RA. Particulate matter policy. Science, 278:1,696 (letter); 5 Dec. 1997;

Michaels, RA. Emergency planning: critical evaluation of proposed Acute Exposure Guideline Levels (AEGLs) for ammonia. Proceedings of the 42nd Annual Safety In Ammonia Plants and Related Facilities Symposium, American Institute of Chemical Engineers (AIChE), San Francisco, 8 pp., 22-25 September 1997;

Michaels, RA. Acute Exposure Guideline Level (AEGL) development for emergency planning: the ammonia example. Risk Policy Report, 4(8):34-6, 18 Aug. 1997;

Michaels, RA. Ammonia under the safety spotlight again. Nitrogen (London), 228:27-31, July/ August 1997.

Michaels, RA; and Michael T. Kleinman. Dose-dependent health risks support control of one-hour airborne particle levels. Proceedings, 90th Annual Meeting of the Air & Waste Management Association; Toronto, Ontario, Canada; 8-13 June 1997, 21 pp. 1997;

Michaels, RA. A technically supportable middle ground in the particulate matter debate. Commentary. Risk Policy Report, 4(4):35-7, 18 April 1997;

Michaels, RA. Airborne particle excursions contributing to daily average particle levels may be managed via a one-hour standard, with possible public health benefits. Aerosol Science and Technology, 25:437-44, November 1996;

Michaels, RA. Health risks support a one-hour airborne particle standard with data acquisition via rapid automated monitoring instrumentation. In: Measurement of Toxic and Related Air Pollutants, U. S. EPA and Air and Waste Management Association; Research Triangle Park, North Carolina; 7-9 May 1996; pp. 201-7, 1996;

AIA, including RA Michaels, et al. 1996-97 Guidelines for Design and Construction of Hospital and Health Care Facilities. Washington, DC; American Institute of Architects, AIA Press, ISBN 1-55835-151-5, doi 10.13140/RG.2.2.13903.07841, xi + 143 pages, 1996;

Michaels, RA. Health risks and particle monitoring: new technologies to meet emerging data needs. Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania; 14th Annual Meeting, American Association for Aerosol Research, Abstracts, page 338, 9-13 October 1995;

Watson, John G…. RA Michaels…, et al. Measurement methods to determine compliance with ambient air quality standards for suspended particles, 1995 Critical Review Discussion. Journal of the Air & Waste Management Association, 45:9, 666-84, doi: 10.1080/10473289.1995.10467395, September 1995;

Michaels, RA. Mass poisoning. Nature (London):346:505 (letter), 9 August 1990;

Michaels, RA. Introduction and Summary of Section 5: Radon and Health, pages 158-60 in: Makofske, William J.; and Michael R. Edelstein. Radon and the Environment. Proceedings of a conference sponsored by the Institute for Environmental Studies at Ramapo College of New Jersey on 8-10 May 1986. William Andrew, Inc.; ISBN 0815511612, 9780815511618, 465 pages, 1988;

Michaels, RA. Health risk assessment: WTE (waste-to-energy) vs. peanut butter. Solid Waste and Power, 2:5, 1988;

Michaels, RA. Letter of 1 October 1985, Michaels to David Cantor, regarding groundwater contamination arising from the Lakehurst [New Jersey] Naval Air Engineering Center. In: Trenton, New Jersey General Assembly Public Hearing before the Special Committee to Investigate Hazardous Waste Disposal at Military Institutions, on Potential Sources of Groundwater Contamination Posed by Hazardous Waste Disposal at the Lakehurst Naval Air Engineering Center, Appendix, pages 103-5, https://rucore.libraries.rutgers.edu/rutgers-lib/42617/PDF/1/play/, 114 pages including Appendices, 17 October 1985;

Michaels, RA. Testimony supporting the proposed Superfund Clean-Up Technologies Research and Demonstration Act of 1985 (H.R. 2802, 99th) before the U. S. House of Representatives, Committee on Science and Technology, Subcommittee on Natural Resources, Agriculture Research and Environment. Dr. Robert A Michaels, Senior Project Scientist, Toxic Substances Project, Natural Resources Defense Council (New York City), doi: 10.13140/RG.2.2.26025.19047, U. S. House of Representatives, 10 pages, 26 June 1985b;

Michaels, RA; DW Crawford, BA Campbell, FH Lawrence. Exposure and risk assessment, health monitoring, and risk management for herbicide applicators. National Academy of Sciences/ National Research Council, Transportation Research Record, 1016:21-7, 1985a;

Goldman, Benjamin A.; and RA Michaels. The Importance of Access to Information on Hazardous Waste. Testimony before the Joint Public Hearing on the Need for Community Health Information on Toxic Substances and Hazardous Waste; Office of Assistant Majority Leader, New York State Assembly Standing Committee on Health, and Standing Committee on Environmental Conservation, doi 10.13140/RG.2.2.14165.22249, 5 April 1984;

Lawrence, Frank H.; and RA Michaels. Ethylene Dibromide (EDB) – A Guide for Decision Makers. Portland, Maine, EnviroLogic Data, 122 pages, March 1984;

Michaels, RA; et al. Habitability of the Love Canal Area: An Analysis of the Technical Basis for the Decision on the Habitability of the Emergency Declaration Area. Washington, DC; US Congress, Office of Technology Assessment, OTA-TM-M-13, NTIS #PB84-114917, LoC #83-600552, doi 10.13140/RG.2.2.30680.29440, 62 pages, 6 January 1983;

Michaels, RA; R. George Rowland, and Charles F. Wurster. Polychlorinated biphenyls (PCB) inhibit photosynthesis per cell in the diatom Thalassiosira pseudonana. Environmental Pollution (Series A), 27(1):9-14, 1982;

Michaels, RA. Changing the guard in Dominica – elections and a hostage crisis. Caribbean Review, 10(2):pages 18, 19, and 48; 1981;

Michaels, Robert Alan. Polychlorinated Biphenyl Toxicity to Two Phytoplankters as a Function of Environmental Conditions. Stony Brook, New York, USA; State University of New York at Stony Brook, Department of Ecology and Evolution, Marine Sciences Research Center (MSRC), Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Biology Degree, George C. Williams, Dissertation Committee Chairperson (Department of Ecology & Evolution); work performed in the laboratory of Charles F. Wurster, Marine Sciences Research Center, 182 pages including Front Matter, August 1979;

Michaels, Robert Alan. Effect of DDT On Growth Rate and Photosynthesis in Pediastrum boryanum (Chlorococcales). Athens, Georgia, USA; University of Georgia, Institute of Ecology, Department of Zoology; Master of Science (MS) Degree, James E. Schindler, Major Professor; Donald C. Scott, Reading Committee Chairperson; 89 pages plus Appendices, August 1971.


American Institute of Architects Hospital Constuction Guidelines Report

AIA, including RA Michaels, et al. 1996-97 Guidelines for Design and Construction of Hospital and Health Care Facilities. Washington, DC; American Institute of Architects, AIA Press, ISBN 1-55835-151-5, doi 10.13140/RG.2.2.13903.07841, xi + 143 pages, 1996;


National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) Technical Committee Reports

Member, (Former) Technical Committee on Hazardous Chemicals Secretary, Technical Committee on Classification and Properties of Hazardous Chemicals Data, 1991-present

NFPA. Standard System for the Identification of the Hazards of Materials for Emergency Response; NFPA 704, 2017 Edition. Quincy, Massachusetts; National Fire Protection Association, Technical Committee on Classification and Properties of Hazardous Chemicals Data, 2016;

NFPA. Standard System for the Identification of the Hazards of Materials for Emergency Response; NFPA 704, 2007 Edition. Quincy, Massachusetts; National Fire Protection Association, Technical Committee on Classification and Properties of Hazardous Chemicals Data, doi 10.13140/RG.2.2.32358.01608, 21 pages, 28 July 2006;

NFPA. Code for the Storage of Pyroxylin Plastic; NFPA 42, 2002 Edition. Quincy, Massachusetts; National Fire Protection Association, Technical Committee on Hazardous Chemicals, 10.13140/RG.2.2.12225.35682, 15 pages, 19 July 2002;

NFPA. Code for the Storage of Organic Peroxide Formulations; NFPA 432, 2002 Edition. Quincy, Massachusetts; National Fire Protection Association, Technical Committee on Hazardous Chemicals, doi 10.13140/RG.2.2.34035.73768, 23 pages, 19 July 2002;

NFPA. Code for the Storage of Pesticides; NFPA 434, 2002 Edition. Quincy, Massachusetts; National Fire Protection Association, Technical Committee on Hazardous Chemicals, doi 10.13140/RG.2.2.25647.12964, 14 pages, 19 July 2002;

NFPA. Code for the Storage of Ammonium Nitrate; NFPA 490, 2002 Edition. Quincy, Massachusetts; National Fire Protection Association, Technical Committee on Hazardous Chemicals, doi 10.13140/RG.2.2.18936.24328, 11 pages, 19 July 2002;

NFPA. Standard for the Storage and Handling of Cellulose Nitrate Film; NFPA 40, 2001 Edition. Quincy, Massachusetts; National Fire Protection Association, Technical Committee on Hazardous Chemicals, doi 10.13140/RG.2.2.27324.85122, 18 pages, 13 July 2001;

NFPA. Hazardous Chemicals Data; NFPA 49, 1994 Edition, Revised 2001. Quincy, Massachusetts; National Fire Protection Association, Technical Committee on Classification and Properties of Hazardous Chemicals Data, 163 pages (1994), doi 10.13140/RG.2.2.20613.96487, 170 pages, 2001;

NFPA. Guide To Hazardous Chemical Reactions; NFPA 491, 1997 Edition. Quincy, Massachusetts; National Fire Protection Association, Technical Committee on Classification and Properties of Hazardous Chemicals Data, doi 10.13140/RG.2.2.23969.40805, 226 pages, 24 July 1997;

NFPA. Fire Hazard Properties of Flammable Liquids, Gases, and Volatile Solids; NFPA 325, 1994 Edition. Quincy, Massachusetts; National Fire Protection Association, Technical Committee on Classification and Properties of Hazardous Chemicals Data, doi 10.13140/RG.2.2.17258.52169, 94 pages, 14 July 1994.

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Public Testimony

Michaels, Robert A. Testimony before a joint New York State Assembly and Senate hearing on drinking water quality and contamination, Standing Committees on Health and Standing Committees on Environmental Conservation; Albany, 6 pages; oral testimony: http://assembly.state.ny.us/av/hearings/, 7 September 2016.

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Experience

ABCEP Board Certified Environmental Assessor Chairperson, ABCEP Certification Review Board Elected Life Member, New York Academy of Sciences Admitted Member, American Industrial Hygiene Association Admitted Member, International Union of Toxicology Admitted Member, American College of Toxicology Admitted Member, Society for Risk Analysis Admitted Member, Society of Toxicology Recipient of the Kramer Medal

As RAM TRAC President, Dr. Michaels consults in toxicology and health risk assessment to many types of clients, from public interest organizations to major corporations, such as to companies in the energy, pharmaceutical, telecommunications, insurance, and hospital sectors; as well as to trade associations, municipalities, regulatory agencies, product manufacturers, engineering firms, and law firms, including (recently) the Office of the New York State Attorney General. Dr. Michaels has earned credibility within the public interest sector, for example as former Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC) toxicologist, and within the business sector, for example as consultant to companies such as FMC, GE, and Monsanto, trade associations such as The National Coal Association, and The Fertilizer Institute; and the U.S. Military (for example involving clean-up of an Army firing range connected with closure of the Plattsburgh Air Force Base in New York). Dr. Michaels recently concluded seven years of work as Plaintiffs’ toxicologist in a major (hundreds of plaintiffs) case against the duPont de Nemours Company involving contamination from World War II-era explosives testing at its Pompton Lakes, New Jersey facility.

A recent (2004) recipient of the Kramer Medal for excellence in his field, Dr. Michaels has published extensively on airborne, waterborne, and soilborne hazards; health risks, risk management, and policy. He has extensive experience in projects of diverse types. Dr. Michaels also has teaching experience, most recently accepting an invitation to join the Adjunct Faculty of Sage College, where he taught Energy and the Environment for the Physics Department and Environmental Biology for the Biology Department.

A recognized scientist in the U.S. and internationally, Dr. Michaels was appointed to a three-year term on the Editorial Board of the journal Environmental Practice (Cambridge University Press, UK), and previously had served on the Editorial Board of Environmental Engineering and Policy (Springer-Verlag, Germany). He also has served as technical project director for many projects, including assessments of chemical exposure pathways, industrial sites, and other environments (such as a petroleum storage ‘tank farm’); evaluating toxic hazards (for example, petroleum hydrocarbon vapors), peer review, permit acquisition, and litigation support. Corporation and non-corporation clients often call upon him to evaluate citizen or public agency concerns about controversial facilities or proposed facilities, such as incinerators, landfills, power plants, mines, or industrial plants; or exposures to substances, such as pesticides, PCBs, dioxins, airborne particles or gases (such as benzene), and soil or groundwater contaminants (such as pesticides, metals, and organics). The U.S. EPA invited Dr. Michaels to join a team of experts available for consultation to its Science Advisory Board (SAB) including its Clean Air Science Advisory Committee and its Homeland Security Advisory Committee.

Dr. Michaels has received many invitations, appointments, and service requests from agencies of the Federal Government (such as the U.S. Congressional Office of Technology Assessment and U.S. Army) as well as governments of states (including California, Connecticut, Massachusetts, Maine, New York, and Rhode Island), professional societies (such as The New York Academy of Sciences and National Association of Environmental Professionals), trade associations (such as The Fertilizer Institute, the National Coal Association, International Institute of Ammonia Refrigeration, and American Institute of Architects), academic institutions, conference organizers, and radio and television stations (most recently, WAMC Northeast Public Radio). Dr. Michaels has published numerous professional articles and given congressional testimony, by congressional invitation. He attended the US National Laboratories’ and US EPA’s Tech Transfer 2000 Conference on the Big Island of Hawaii as an invited speaker. Dr. Michaels’ experience has spanned numerous issues in risk assessment, for example the following:

  • airborne gases and bioaerosols, including molds,
  • ammonia and other ‘war gases’,
  • benzene and leukemia causation,
  • carbon monoxide poisoning,
  • chip fabrication and nanotechnology,
  • chlorine releases and emergency response,
  • dioxins, including garbage, hazardous/medical waste incineration,
  • electromagnetic fields and cell phone towers,
  • emergency planning and response,
  • energy: biodiesel, ‘clean coal’, municipal refuse, natural gas, oil;
  • formaldehyde, cigarette smoking, and ‘secondhand smoke’,
  • homeland security, land mines, (bio)terrorism risks,
  • military bases, landmines, and base closings;
  • occupational safety and risks,
  • PCBs and dredging the Hudson River,
  • numerous metals and pesticides,
  • petrochemicals and organic solvents,
  • sewage and other biological risks,

Formerly a toxicology consultant to the U.S. Congress and the California Governor, Dr. Michaels has for over a decade served the Academy of Board Certified Environmental Professionals (ABCEP) as Certification Review Board Chairperson, the National Association of Environmental Professionals as a Member of the Board of Directors, and the National Fire Protection Association International as Secretary of its Committee on Classification and Properties of Hazardous Chemicals, which is engaged in revising guidelines for response to industrial emergencies. Dr. Michaels also has served on the American Institute of Architects Committee to Revise Health Care Facility Construction Guidelines, the New York State Scientific Review Group, and on New York’s Comparative Risk Project in the Human Health Work Group. Dr. Michaels is a former long-time Chairperson of the State of Maine Scientific Advisory Panel. He is Board Certified by ABCEP in Environmental Assessment (accredited by CESB, the Council on Engineering and Scientific Specialty Boards), and has been a Registered Environmental Assessor in California. Dr. Michaels received his doctorate from the State University of New York at Stony Brook in 1979, was admitted as a Member of the American College of Toxicology, Member of the Society of Toxicology and, in 1986, was elected as a Life Member of the New York Academy of Sciences.

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Contact Us

RAM TRAC Corporation
Schenectady, NY
518.785.0976
ram@ramtrac.com