Press Releases

CalEnviroScreen 1.0 is a science-based tool that identifies the California communities most burdened by pollution from multiple sources and most vulnerable to its effects.

Guidelines for safe consumption of Striped Bass, White Sturgeon, and other fish advisories. This  advisory and guidelines balance the health benefits of eating wild-caught fish against the health risks from exposure to contaminants in them.

The PHG for chromium 6 reflects research documenting that young children and other sensitive subpopulations are more susceptible than the general population to health risks from exposure to carcinogens. The final PHG for hexavalent chromium, also known as chromium 6, is set at 0.02 parts per billion (ppb).

The 2011 advisory and guidelines for San Francisco Bay replace an earlier 1994 advisory, and draw on over a decade of more recent data showing San Francisco Bay fish contain mercury and polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs).  They also incorporate nutrition science showing that fish provide dietary protein and essential nutrients, including Omega-3 fatty acids that promote heart health.

Draft public health goal (PHG) of 1 part per billion (ppb) for perchlorate in drinking water.

Revised draft public health goal (PHG) for hexavalent chromium in drinking water. This document revises an earlier draft issued in August 2009 that proposed a PHG of 0.06 ppb. The PHG will serve as guidance for the California Department of Public Health (CDPH) in developing the nation’s first drinking water standard specifically for chromium 6.

Several studies have shown links between exposure to air pollution or traffic and low birth weight, premature birth and birth defects. Researchers examining health-care data on nearly 5,000 pregnant women in California found that African-Americans were about three times more likely to miscarry if they lived within a half-block of a freeway or busy boulevard than if they resided near lighter traffic.

Draft public health goal for hexavalent chromium in drinking water and announcement of public comment period and workshop.

This 2009 report identifies 27 indicators that measure the impact of climate change on the state’s temperatures, precipitation, land, water, people, plants, and animals. It concludes that changes in California are consistent with those occurring globally. The report is a meta-analysis of existing research.

OEHHA released updated fish advisories and safe eating guidelines for fish from dozens of California rivers, lakes and other water bodies.  The updated guidelines provide information to help consumers avoid health risks and choose the safest fish to eat.