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

January 27, 2009: Materials for Public Meeting on Toxics Information Clearinghouse, January 29, 2009

The Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment (OEHHA) is hosting a public meeting on Thursday, January 29 in Sacramento. The purpose of the meeting is to brainstorm on hazard traits, toxicological and environmental endpoints, and other relevant data to be included in the Toxics Information Clearinghouse, which was established by SB 509 (Simitian, Chapter 560, Statutes of 2008). Follow the link to download a copy of the meeting materials (agenda, discussion questions, and list of panelists).

January 27, 2009: Public Meeting on Toxics Information Clearinghouse Scheduled for January 29, 2009

The Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment (OEHHA) will be hosting a public meeting on Thursday, January 29 in Sacramento. The purpose of the meeting is to brainstorm on hazard traits, toxicological and environmental endpoints, and other relevant data to be included in the Toxics Information Clearinghouse, which was established by SB 509 (Simitian, Chapter 560, Statutes of 2008).

July 23, 2008: Distinguished Lecture Series on Advances in Toxicology and Risk Assessment

OEHHA hosted a Distinguished Lecture Series on Advances in Toxicology and Risk Assessment to promote a better understanding of key emerging scientific issues and improve risk assessment.

January 17, 2008: Green Chemistry Initiative Update Presentation to the San Francisco Bay Regional Water Quality Control Board

On January 17, 2008, OEHHA and the Department of Toxic Substances Control presented a talk entitled “Green Chemistry Initiative Update” to the San Francisco Bay Regional Water Quality Control Board In-House Training on Emerging Contaminants. The presentation “Green Chemistry Initiative Update” is attached.

November 30, 2007: Evaluation Report for School Site Risk Assessment: Dieldrin

Evaluation of dieldrin as a contaminant of concern for risk assessments at school sites