Risk Assessment

Risk assessment is a scientific process of evaluating the adverse effects caused by a substance, activity, lifestyle, or natural phenomenon. OEHHA is responsible for developing and providing risk managers in state and local government agencies with toxicological and medical information relevant to decisions involving public health. State agency users of such information include all boards and departments within Cal/EPA, as well as the Department of Public Health, the Department of Food and Agriculture, the Office of Emergency Services, the Department of Fish and Wildlife, and the Department of Justice.

Several laws and regulations govern OEHHA's risk assessment work.

Reports, Notices, Documents

Dec 15, 2009: Workshop Series on California’s Toxics Information Clearinghouse: Scientific Approaches to Implementation

A workshop series on “California’s Toxics Information Clearinghouse: Scientific Approaches to Implementation” will be held in March and May of 2010. The series is being co-sponsored by the UCLA L

Dec 8, 2009: Higher Risk of Miscarriage Found Among African-Americans, Nonsmokers Living Near Busy Roads

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.

Dec 4, 2009: Comment Period- Draft Child-Specific Reference Dose (chRD) for School Site Risk Assessment: Paraquat

Request for public comment on the draft chRD for paraquat

Oct 14, 2009: OEHHA's Hazard Trait Research Update Presentation for the Green Ribbon Science Panel Meeting

On October 14, 2009, OEHHA presented a talk entitled “Update on OEHHA's Hazard Trait Research” for the Green Ribbon Science Panel Meeting. The presentation is attached.

Sep 17, 2009: Final Report: Revised California Human Health Screening Levels for Lead and Beryllium

For chemical-specific screening levels for use in assessing contaminated sites, please refer to HHRA Note 3 (DTSC HERO).