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

Each year the Children’s Environmental Health Program sponsors a symposium on key emerging issues relevant to state scientists and policy makers in the field of children’s environmental health.

Risk assessment support and toxicological consultation to state and local government on human health and ecological risks associated with exposures to environmental contaminants at sites undergoing regulatory or voluntary cleanup

Investigation of health risks to children from coloring markers

This rulemaking adds a new chapter and section to Title 27 of the California Code of Regulations: Chapter 3: Naturally Occurring Lead in Candy, section 28500. The new section  establishes a “naturally occurring level” of 0.02 ppm (parts per million) for lead in candies flavored with chili and/or tamarind.  Health and Safety Code Section 110552 required OEHHA to adopt this regulation.

The Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment (OEHHA) is providing notice of a change made to the proposed regulation, Title 27, California Code of Regulations, section 28500 and is requesting comments on the modification to the regulatory text.