Final Public Health Goal for 2,4-Dichlorophenoxyacetic Acid (2,4-D) In Drinking Water

Jan 2, 2009

The Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment (OEHHA) of the California Environmental Protection Agency announces the publication of the final technical support document and responses to comments for the Public Health Goal (PHG) for the herbicide 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4-D) in drinking water. The initial draft document was posted on the OEHHA Web site (www.oehha.ca.gov) on June 22, 2007, and a public workshop was held on July 16, 2007 to discuss the scientific basis and recommendations in the draft technical support document. OEHHA follows the requirements set forth in Health and Safety Code, Sections 57003(a) and 116365, for conducting the workshop and obtaining public input. Following the workshop, OEHHA revised the document and made it available on July 4, 2008 for a 30-day public review and scientific comment period. After further revisions in response to comments, OEHHA is posting the final version and responses to the major comments on the OEHHA Web site (www.oehha.ca.gov/water/phg/index.html).

The PHG technical support documents provide information on the health effects of contaminants in drinking water. The PHG is a level of drinking water contaminant at which adverse health effects are not expected to occur from a lifetime of exposure. The California Safe Drinking Water Act of 1996 (Health and Safety Code Section 116365), amended 1999, requires OEHHA to develop PHGs based exclusively on public health considerations. PHGs published by OEHHA will be considered by the California Department of Health Services in setting drinking water standards (Maximum Contaminant Levels, or MCLs).

If you would like to receive further information on this announcement or have questions, please contact our office at (510) 622-3200 or the address below.

Hermelinda Jimenez (Hermelinda.Jimenez@oehha.ca.gov)
Pesticide and Environmental Toxicology Branch
Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment
California Environmental Protection Agency
1515 Clay St., 16th floor
Oakland, California 94612
Attn: PHG project.