Arnold J. Schecter

I was a student of Dr. Schecter's at UT Southwestern in 2006-2007. He was a captivating lecturer, introducing me to the concept of BPA and dioxin exposure for the first time. His passion for public health inspired my own, and his positive impact on the world rippled out in ways he probably wasn't even aware of. RIP, Doc.

I was hanging New Year's card in the sukkah here in Jerusalem and found one from Martha Jean and Arnold, who spent a year in Israel in the 90's. We were so glad to get together then, as Martha Jean and I were friends from Marblehead High School! Arnold certainly had a brave and creative life. We send love to the whole family. Judith (Rubinstein) and Jeff Green

I just learned about Arnold's passing just now, May 7. I am so sorry, Martha Jean and family. Will send a paper note.
Maggie Kast

So sad to hear of Arnie`s passing. We spent a great deal of time together in the 90`s working on documenting and addressing the health and environmental impacts of dioxins in Vietnam. He was a valued colleague and will be missed by those of us who knew him.

Dr. Schecter was a hero to all of us at Greenpeace working to eliminate toxic substances such as dioxins and PCBs. He participated in EPA's scientific endless reassessments of dioxin sources and health effects. He took the initiative in testing for those very pollutants here in the US. He was the first to test the blood of the Vietnamese for dioxin and found high levels where it was stored in preparation for spraying the defoliant Agent Orange (which contained dioxin) and contaminated much of the country side with devastating health effects. I'm going there next month to meet with those serving victims and engaged in the cleanup (it's the 50th anniversary of the end of the war). Dr. Schecter's work also contributed to 2000 UN treaty to phase out dioxin, PCBs and other priority toxic pollutants. He was a force of nature for a healthier planet and a true gentleman. He will be sorely missed but always remembered.

Arnold and Martha Jean spent a period of time in Jerusalem and other parts of Israel in the 90s. I believe Arnold was researching Dioxin (and perhaps the relationship to pregnant women), and Martha Jean was coordinating a program for the Open University. We had young children at the time and all of us loved getting to know them while eating a meal in the Succah over the holiday of Succot and then touring. I´m traveling now and don´t have access to my photo albums to post pics of our time together! I send my deepest condolences to Martha Jean and the entire family on Arnold´s passing. May his memory be for a blessing.