Doctors and legislators advocating for toxic-free consumer products in 2009.
PSR-LA is a physician and health advocate membership organization working to protect public health from nuclear threats and environmental toxins. Representing over 5,000 physicians, health professionals, and concerned residents in Southern California, we inform the medical community and policymakers about toxic threats, promote safer practices, and strengthen local community organizations to engage in meaningful public health and environmental advocacy.
We share a responsibility with other physicians, health advocates and policymakers to create solutions that improve the health and environment for all Californians. We combine our commitment to science, public health, advocacy and social justice to accomplish this.
Learn more about our issues, programs, campaigns, and coalition work.
Our Mission
Physicians for Social Responsibility-Los Angeles works to protect public health from nuclear threats and environmental toxins.
Our Organization
PSR-LA was founded in 1980 as a local affiliate of the national organization, Physicians for Social Responsibility. In the 1960’s, PSR helped end atmospheric nuclear testing by documenting the presence of strontium 90 — a radioactive by-product of nuclear tests — in children’s deciduous teeth. In the following two decades, our efforts to educate the public about the dangers of nuclear war and weapons grew into an international movement, with the founding of International Physicians for the Prevention of Nuclear War (IPPNW). PSR was the American recipient of the Nobel Peace Prize awarded to IPPNW in 1985.
PSR-LA member, Dr. Sam Sperling and Bea Sperling at the 1985 Nobel Ceremony in Oslo.
PSR-LA’s early work was guided by a singular mission to reduce threats to public health related to nuclear weapons. In 1989, the Los Angeles office was the first PSR office to branch out by deciding to address environmental health threats as well. In 1993, PSR-LA also added a program to reduce urban violence. Since then, PSR-LA has grown to be the largest chapter in the nation and has played a leading role in national, state, and local education and policy efforts.