Gerald Markowitz

About the Author

Gerald Markowitz is a distinguished historian and professor emeritus of history at John Jay College of Criminal Justice, CUNY, where he has dedicated his career to uncovering the human cost of industrial practices and advocating for workers' rights. With a focus on occupational health and environmental justice, Markowitz has authored numerous scholarly works that blend rigorous research with compelling narratives, shedding light on forgotten struggles in American labor history. His seminal book, Deadly Dust: Silicosis and the On-Going Struggle to Protect Workers' Health (Conversations In Medicine And Society), meticulously documents the devastating impact of silica dust exposure on miners and factory workers, exposing regulatory failures and the ongoing fight for safer workplaces. Through his writing, Markowitz not only chronicles past injustices but also inspires contemporary activism, making complex medical and social issues accessible to a broad audience. A recipient of prestigious awards in historical scholarship, he continues to lecture and consult on public health policy.