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

December 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.

October 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.

September 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).

July 21, 2009: OEHHA Green Chemistry Meeting Report -Toxics Information Clearinghouse: A Preliminary Discussion of Hazard Traits, Endpoints, and Other Relevant Data

On January 29, 2009, the Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment (OEHHA) convened a panel of scientific experts to provide input on the Toxics Information Clearinghouse, established by SB

February 27, 2009: Development of a Reference Dose (RfD) for Methamphetamine and Assessment of Children’s Exposure to Surface Methamphetamine Residues in Former Clandestine Methamphetamine Labs, and Identification of a Risk-Based Cleanup Standard for Surface Methamphetamine

OEHHA released two documents that would form the basis for the standard that is intended to ensure safe human re-occupancy of a residence after use as an illegal drug lab.