The Environmental Health Investigations Branch (EHIB), within the California Department of Health Services (CDHS), under a cooperative agreement with the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR), is conducting investigations of an on-the-job exposure to environmental contaminants at a sign construction site. This specific health consultation was requested by the United States En...

The law of toxic substances dates back to Medieval England, but the present comprehensive federal regulatory scheme was developed over the past two decades. This article presents a brief overview of the federal law of air and water pollution, solid waste control, and the regulation of chemicals.

Lead is a toxic substance that attacks many different body organs and systems. Unlike other metals such as zinc or iron, lead has no beneficial effects on the body. Lead is a ubiquitous environmental contaminant, largely due to the wide variety of past and present commercial uses. It is one of the best-studied toxic substances. Lead poisoning is considered by the Centers for Disease Control and...

Introduction: Today, with development of various industries, the adverse events originated from explosion and emission of toxic and chemical substances have increased. These events may cause serious environmental problems that threaten human health and safety. Therefore, knowledge about the risk of toxic substances from industrial facilities is essential. Although, chlorine is extensively uti...

As part of our continuing effort to highlight innovative approaches to improving the health and environment of communities, the Journal is pleased to publish a bimonthly column from the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR). ATSDR is a federal public health agency of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) and shares a common office of the Director with the Nat...