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The Toxics Directory - Environmental Health Organizations

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Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry

1600 Clifton Road, N.E
Mail Stop E-57
Atlanta, Georgia 30333
(888) 422-8737
(888) 42ATSDR (Toll free)
(404) 639-6360 24-hour, Emergency Response
Fax: (404) 639-6363

http://www.atsdr.cdc.gov

Region IX Office (California)
75 Hawthorne Room 1, Mail Code (HHS1)
San Francisco, CA 94105
Phone: (415) 744-1771
Fax: (415) 744-1797

The Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR) coordinates those provisions of the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act of 1980 (CERCLA) which relate to the public health and worker safety and health and which are carried out through appropriate components of the Public Health Service. Specifically, the agency is charged with protecting the public health from exposure to hazardous substances. The agency arranges for program support to ensure adequate response to public health emergencies declared under the authority of CERCLA.

For incidents in California, contact the ATSDR Region 9 offices first; if you are unable to contact anyone at Region 9, then contact the Atlanta 24-Hour Emergency number.

The 24-hour number is used by both the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and ATSDR. It is therefore important for the caller to indicate that the incident involves hazardous materials and toxic wastes.

Birth Defects Monitoring Program, California

California Department of Health Services
3031 F Street, Suite 200
Sacramento, CA 95816-3844
(888) 898-2229
Fax: (916) 443-6657

http://www.cbdmp.org

The California Birth Defects Monitoring Program is a public health program devoted to finding causes of birth defects. The program monitors half the state's births - 300,000 every year - collecting data on more than 200 structural birth defects having medical significance. Data is actively ascertained from medical records review by trained program staff.

Registry coverage reflects the racial/ethic and environmental diversity of California and includes Fresno, Kern, Kings, Los Angeles, Madera, Merced, San Francisco, San Joaquin, Santa Clara, Stanislaus and Tulare Counties. The program tracks rates and trends and conducts large case-control studies to identify factors linked to birth defects. Many studies use interviews with mothers and take biologic samples to study gene-environment interactions. The program also disseminates registry and research findings through a variety of materials.

California Environmental Protection Agency, Office of the Secretary

1001 I Street, P.O. Box 4010
Sacramento, California 95814
(916) 445-3846 (General Information)
(916) 324-9670 (Communications Office)
(916) 324-9667 (Enforcement)
(916) 323-2520 (External Affairs)
(916) 322-7315 (Legislation)
(916) 322-5844 (Regulatory Reform)
(916) 327-1848 (Help Desk)
http://www.calepa.ca.gov

In July 1991, the California Environmental Protection Agency (Cal/EPA) was created to coordinate the state's environmental quality programs and assure that there is a cabinet level voice for environmental protection. As a result the reorganization process, Cal/EPA consists of:

Office of the Secretary
Air Resources Board
Pesticide Regulation, Department of
Toxic Substance Control, Department of
Integrated Waste Management Board (see Waste Information Service Hotline)
Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment
State Water Resources Control Board (and Regional Water Quality Control Boards)

These programs represent the basic components of the State's environmental protection efforts, but more programs may be included in the future. The Cal/EPA programs are individually described elsewhere in this section. See also, the Hazardous Materials Data Management Program, Cal/EPA. For the California Chemical Cross-Index, see http://www.dtsc.ca.gov/adccired.htm.

Cancer Surveillance Section

California Department of Health Services
1700 Tribute Road, Suite 100
Sacramento, California 95815-4402
(916) 779-0300
(916) 779-0264

http://www.ccrcal.org

The Cancer surveillance Section operates the California Cancer Registry (CCR), a joint project of the California Department of Health and Services (DHS) and the Public Health Institute, which is a statewide population-based cancer reporting and surveillance system. Data collected through ten regional registries will enable DHS to monitor the occurrence of cancer among the entire population of the state. Each year CCR collects data on an expected 132,000 cancer cases a year diagnosed throughout the state. Mandatory cancer reporting was initiated on a staggered basis, the first registries reporting data effective January 1, 1987, and the last registry effective January 1, 1988. Non-confidential data are made available on request of the universities, health departments, and the public on magnetic tape, which will be updated annually. Access to confidential data by qualified researchers is possible upon review and approval of a detailed study proposal by the Human Investigation Review Committee of the State of California or its designee. Reports produced for the public can be obtained through the Internet.

Communicable Disease Control, Division of

California Department of Health Services
2151 Berkeley Way, Room 708
Berkeley, California 94704
(510) 540-3503 (days)
(510) 540-2308 (nights, weekends, holidays)
Fax: (510) 540-2570

http://www.dhs.ca.gov/ps/dcdc/dcdcindex.htm

The Division of Communicable Disease Control (DCDC) is responsible for the surveillance of infectious diseases of public health importance in California. DCDC also provides consultation and assistance to local health departments, other agencies, and physicians on the diagnosis and public health control and management of infectious disease problems. In addition, the Branch consults on public health aspects of food-borne diseases caused by natural biological toxins such as paralytic shellfish poisoning, possible mushroom poisoning, and botulism. DCDC collaborates with poison control centers in the management of these food-borne toxin diseases.

Cooperative Extension, University of California Davis
Division of Agriculture and Natural Resources

http://ucanr.org/index.shtml

The University of California Cooperative Extension serves each county in California, with offices in 57 of the counties. Sometimes called the Farm and Home Advisors Office, it is staffed by farm, home, marine, forest, and 4-H youth development advisors who are academic employees of the University. They bring together the resources of the University and apply them to the needs of local areas. The advisors are often able to help with information on the uses and hazards of pesticides for home, farm, and forest use. Cooperative Extension specialists and other University researchers support the advisors. Statewide specialists are located at the Berkeley, Davis, and Riverside campuses of the University of California and at the Kearney Agriculture Center in Parlier. Several special services should be mentioned:

The Office of Pesticide Information and Coordination provides liaison between the University of California Division of Agriculture and Natural Resources and the various state agencies that regulate pesticides. The Pesticide Impact Assessment Program generates benefit assessment data on registered pesticides. For both of these programs contact:

M.W. Stimmann
Statewide Pesticide Coordinator
Environmental Toxicology
University of California
Davis, California 95616
(530) 752-7011

The University of California Cooperative Extension also produces pesticide education and safety training materials in both the English and Spanish languages and has a full-time Extension Toxicologist who is available to provide information to members of the public:

A. Craigmill
Extension Toxicologist
Environmental Toxicology
University of California
Davis, California 95616
(530) 752-2936
Fax: (530) 752-0903

The Office of Pesticide Information and Coordination (OPIC), established in 1962, by the University of California’s Division of Agriculture and Natural Resources (UC DANR), coordinates and reviews DANR activities pertaining to pesticide research, experimentation and use.

Office of Pesticide Information and Coordination
http://www.envtox.ucdavis.edu/research/opic.html

The Statewide Integrated Pest Management Project was created by the California Legislature to develop and promote the use of integrated, ecologically sound pest management programs. A wide variety of information is available in publications and on-line data systems, also conducts extensive programs in pesticide applicator training.

IPM Project
F. Zalom, Director
University of California
Davis, California 95616
(530) 752-8350
Fax: (530) 752-6004
http://www.ipm.ucdavis.edu

Environmental Health Investigation Branch

California Department of Health Services
1515 Clay Street, 17th Floor
Oakland, California 94612
(510) 622-4500
Fax: (510) 622-4505

http://www.dhs.ca.gov/Ps/deodc/ehib/

The Environmental Health Investigations Branch (EHIB) assists local governments and regulatory agencies in investigating health problems that may be related to chemicals or other non-infectious agents in the environment. Most EHIB investigations have focused on endpoints of cancer, adverse reproductive outcomes, impaired reproductive function, neurotoxicity, and respiratory toxicity. EHIB also evaluates exposure concerns due to chemical spills, food contamination, electromagnetic fields, or new medical technologies. The staff, which includes physicians, scientists, and health educators, provides information to the public, and training and technical assistance on environmental health issues for local governments, regulatory agencies, health care providers, and non-governmental organizations.

Environmental Protection Agency, U.S.

U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (U.S. EPA) Headquarters
401 M Street, SW
Washington, DC 20460
(202) 260-2090 – U.S. EPA program locator number
(202) 260-5922 - Public Information Center
(919) 541-2777 - Library Services, North Carolina
(202) 260-5921 – U.S. EPA Headquarters Library
(800) 426-4791 - Safe Drinking Water Hotline
(800) 962-6215 - Environmental Justice
http://www.epa.gov
Concerned citizens page: http://www.epa.gov/epahome/Citizen.html

U.S. EPA has ten regional offices serving the country. The following phone numbers are for Region 9. Some other nationwide hotline services offered by U.S. EPA have been listed separately in this section.

REGION 9 (California, Nevada, Arizona, Hawaii, Guam, and Pacific Trust Territories)

75 Hawthorne Street
San Francisco, California 94105
General Information (415) 744-1500
Fax: (415) 744-1680
Fax: (415) 744-2499

U.S. EPA provides information on acute and chronic health effects of hazardous materials. The basic function is to provide information on Environmental Protection Agency regulations and programs. Publications available on a wide range of issues: air and water pollution, toxic substances including Polychlorinated Biphenyls (PCBs) and asbestos, pesticides, radiation, and so on.

Library-(415) 744-1510

Information on current spills:
Emergency Response Section
(415) 744-2000 (24-hour number)
Fax: (415) 744-3054

Information on situations in which legal action is pending:
Regional Counsel Office
(415) 744-1365
Fax: (415) 744-1041

Information on past incidents and responses by U.S. EPA in the agency's files:
Regional Freedom of Information Officer
U.S. EPA, Region 9
75 Hawthorne Street (CGR-3-1)
San Francisco, CA 94105
(415) 947-4251 FAX (415) 947-3591
Email: r9foia@epa.gov
URL Address: http://www.epa.gov/region09/foia/
(States: AZ, CA, HI, NV, AS, GU)

Asbestos information phone referral:
(415) 744-1690. See description under Asbestos Hotline (listed separately) for more asbestos numbers.

Exposure Assessment & Molecular Epidemiology Section

California Department of Health Services
Division of Environmental and Occupational Disease Control
1515 Clay Street, Suite 1701
Oakland, California 94612
(510) 622-4900
Fax (510) 622-4902

http://www.dhs.ca.gov/Ps/deodc/

This section assesses human exposure to environmental, chemical, and physical agents. Exposure assessment is needed for the toxicological characterization of risk or the interpretation of environmental epidemiological results. The National Priority List Health Assessments Unit of this section reviews existing historical, environmental, and epidemiological information about Superfund sites in the state. This unit assesses the potential health consequences, further needed information, and necessary public actions related to each site. The Exposure Field Investigation Team carries out exposure field investigations and provides technical guidance to laboratories and regulatory agencies. They also assess measurements taken by others to estimate human exposures and provide training to county personnel on exposure assessment.

International Agency for Research on Cancer

150 cours Albert Thomas
F-69372 Lyon cedex 08, France
Tel: +33 (0)4 72 73 84 85
Fax: +33 (0)4 72 73 85 75

http://www.iarc.fr/

The International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) is part of the World Health Organization. IARC’s mission is to coordinate and conduct research on the causes of human cancer, the mechanisms of carcinogenesis, and to develop scientific strategies for cancer control. The agency is involved in both epidemiological and laboratory research and disseminates scientific information through publications, meetings, courses, and fellowships.

Laboratory Accreditation Program, California Environmental

California Department of Health Services
2151 Berkeley Way, Annex 2
Berkeley, California 94704-1101
(510) 540-2800
Fax: (510) 849-5106

http://www.dhs.ca.gov/ps/ls/elap/default.htm

Accreditation as a certified environmental laboratory in California is provided to applicant private and public laboratory facilities in the areas of drinking water, wastewater, and hazardous waste testing, and for pesticide residues in food. Other areas of certification are available, such as bulk asbestos testing and shellfish sanitation. Lists of laboratories certified to conduct drinking water, wastewater, or hazardous waste testing are available from the program (see Web site). Lists are also available for bulk asbestos testing, bioassay testing (wastewater and hazardous waste), and radiochemistry. Special lists can be produced, but are charged for.

Local Government Commission

1414 K Street, Suite 250
Sacramento, California 95814
(916) 448-1198
Fax: (916) 448-8246

http://www.lgc.org.

The Local Government Commission, a nonprofit organization, serves both cities and counties and is directed toward promoting cooperative efforts among all levels of government. It is involved in developing and implementing local solutions to problems of state and national significance. In particular, the commission assists elected officials, government staff, and citizens in their efforts to design comprehensive local policies that prevent public exposure to hazardous and toxic materials. The commission can provide technical information, model policies, and strategic guidance on a wide variety of local programs to address the toxics problem (e.g., zoning ordinances; household hazardous waste collection; sanitary, building, and fire code amendments; and sewer use ordinances). Publications include: "Household Hazardous Waste: Solving the Disposal Dilemma" (a handbook); "Low Cost Ways to Promote Hazardous Waste Minimization: A Resource Guide for Local Governments"; "Reducing Industrial Toxic Wastes and Discharges: The Role of POSTW's (Publicly Owned Sewage Treatment Works)"; "Minimizing Hazardous Wastes: Regulatory Options for Local Governments"; and "Making the Switch, Alternatives to Using Toxic Chemicals in the Home."

Local Health Agencies, County and City

Local health agencies frequently serve as a good information or referral source especially on hazards particular to their jurisdictions. They may also provide help to local citizens. Their general duties in respect to toxic substances are as follows: Local directors of environmental health are frequently involved in emergency and regulatory actions relative to toxic substance control. These actions might include inspection programs for underground storage or generation of hazardous materials, emergency response, and implementation of community right-to-know ordinances. Local health officers have broad authority and responsibility to protect the health and safety of the public within their jurisdictions. This authority includes powers to take action in emergency and nonemergency situations involving toxic chemicals. A list of local health officers is available on the Internet at http://www.dhs.ca.gov/hisp/chs/vsreg.htm. You may also find these local offices listed in the county government section of the white pages of the telephone book.

National Center for Environmental Health

Mail Stop F-29
4770 Buford Highway, NE
Atlanta, Georgia 30341-3724
(888)-232-6789
24 hour hotline - (770) 488-7100

http://www.cdc.gov/nceh/

The National Center for Environmental Health (NCEH) is affiliated with CDC. It attempts to provide national leadership in environmental public health. As part of this leadership, it produces scientific research and collaborates with state and local health departments, state and local environmental departments, federal agencies, research institutes, private foundations, international groups, and foreign governments. NCEH’s Web site includes access to a large number of publications. These publications include fact sheets, brochures, and books. Searchable indices are provided for scientific articles by NCEH authors and for Morbidity Mortality Weekly Report articles. The site also has a programs and activities page that provides links to different programs and offices.

 

National Toxicology Program

P.O. Box 12233
MD: A3-01
Research Triangle Park, North Carolina 27709-2233
(919) 541-0530

http://ntp-server.niehs.nih.gov

The National Toxicology Program (NTP) was established in 1978 by the Secretary of Health and Human Services to coordinate toxicology research and testing activities within the department, to provide information about potentially toxic chemicals to regulatory and research agencies and the public, and to strengthen the science base in toxicology. The NTP has become the world's leader in designing, conducting, and interpreting animal assays for toxicity/carcinogenicity. Health and safety information has been collected on over 2000 chemicals studied by the NTP.

Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment

Main office:
1001 I Street, P.O. Box 4010
Sacramento, California 95814
(916) 324-7572
Fax: (916) 327-1097

http://www.oehha.ca.gov

Bay Area offices:
1515 Clay St., 16th Floor
Oakland, California 94612

OEHHA of the Cal/EPA is responsible for identifying the adverse effects of chemicals in the environment, and assessing the health risks associated with exposures to environmental contaminants. The department includes the sections and programs listed below, some which are also listed separately in the directory as indicated.

The Air Toxicology and Epidemiology Section (listed in Air section) assesses toxic air contaminants and pollutants for the development of regulatory standards and health advisories. This section also reviews risk assessments of air emissions from industrial facilities. For information, call (510) 622-3150.

The Art Hazards Program (listed in Children’s Environmental Health section) develops a list of art and crafts materials which cannot be purchased or ordered for use in kindergarten or grades one through six because they contain toxic substances. For information, call (916) 445-6900.

The Ecotoxicology Unit (listed in Ecotoxicology section) assesses ecological risks posed by chemicals and has developed the Cal/Ecotox Database (http://www.oehha.org/cal_ecotox/), an online searchable database containing exposure factor and toxicity information for select California wildlife species. For information, call (916) 327-1099.

The Integrated Risk Assessment Section (IRAS) has a variety of functions dealing with potential health threats from exposures to hazardous and solid wastes and assists local, state, and federal agencies in these areas. IRAS assists the Department of Toxic Substances Control in developing criteria and guidelines for assessing human health risks from exposure to hazardous substances. IRAS also provides risk assessment expertise to the California Regional Water Quality Control Boards on health risks from exposure to contaminants at sites where spills or leaks have occurred and threaten groundwater. The IRAS Multimedia Risk Assessment Project is working together with Cal/EPA boards and departments to develop a unified risk assessment model that can accommodate all Cal/EPA programs. The IRAS Emerging Environmental Challenges Program identifies possible future environmental challenges that might confront Cal/EPA programs. For information, call (916) 324-2829.

The Pesticide and Environmental Toxicology Section (listed in the Pesticides section) assesses the risks of environmental contaminants in food, water, and some consumer items, as well as the risks of community and worker exposure to pesticides. It issues sport fish consumption advisories for the state. For information, call (510) 622-3170.

Proposition 65 Implementation Office (listed in Hazardous Materials section) implements the Safe Drinking Water and Toxic Enforcement Act of 1986 (Proposition 65), which lists chemicals known to the state to cause cancer or reproductive toxicity. For information, call (916) 445-6900.

The Reproductive and Cancer Hazard Assessment Section provides the scientific support for Proposition 65 activities (see Proposition 65 Implementation Office listing under Hazardous Materials section). It develops hazard reviews of chemicals before they are placed on the Proposition 65 list and provides numerical guidance levels ("no significant risk levels" for carcinogens and "maximum acceptable intake levels" for reproductive and development toxicants) on Proposition 65 chemicals. It also develops guidelines that the state uses in determining which chemicals should be treated as carcinogens and reproductive toxicants, in assessing their risks, and develops guidelines for assessing ecotoxicological risks. For information, call (510) 622-3193 or (916) 324-7572.

Radiologic Health Branch

California Department of Health Services
Radiologic Health Branch
P.O. Box 942732
601 N. 7th Street, MS-178
Sacramento, California 94234-7320
(916) 445-0931
24-hour emergency phone: (800)-852-7550

The Radiologic Health Branch provides information on radiologic health effects, industrial and medical x-ray machine inspection, certification or operators (other than dental and veterinary), industrial and medical licensing of radioactive materials. The branch offers assistance in emergency situations.

Nonprofits

Americans for Nonsmokers' Rights

2530 San Pablo Avenue, Suite J
Berkeley, California 94702
(510) 841-3032
FAX: (510) 841-3060

http://www.no-smoke.org

Information available on environmental tobacco smoke. Promotes rights of nonsmokers. Conducts lobbying nationally at all levels of government.

California Public Interest Research Group

926 J Street, Suite 523
Sacramento, CA 95814-2707
(916) 448-4516

http://www.calpirg.org

The California Public Interest Research Group (CALPIRG) conducts citizen-oriented campaigns on the environment, toxic issues, and other concerns.

Center for Environmental Health

528 61st Street, Suite A
Oakland, California 94609
Fax: (510) 594-9863
email: ceh@cehca.org

http://www.cehca.org

The Center for Environmental Health is a nonprofit organization dedicated to protecting the public from environmental health hazards and toxic exposure by directly influencing corporate behavior.

Communities for a Better Environment

500 Howard St., Suite 506
San Francisco, California 94105
(415) 243-8373
e-mail: ajnapolis@cbecal.org

Southern California Regional Office:
605 Olympic Boulevard, Suite 850
Los Angeles, CA 90015
(213) 486-5114
e-mail: msegura@cbecal.org

http://www.cbecal.org/

Communities for a Better Environment is a California organization that seeks to reduce human exposure to toxic chemicals in the urban environment. It works through technical research, watchdogging government agencies and industry, public information and participation, and responsible legal action. Current concerns in California include toxic chemicals in San Francisco Bay, state hazardous materials policy, and environmental racism.

Mesothelioma Web

Toll-Free 1-877-FOR MESO (367-6376)

Mesothelioma is a lung disease that is caused by exposure to asbestos. It's a serious occupational health risk for people who work with asbestos. This is a comprehensive site that consolidates research news and information on types of treatment.

Natural Resources Defense Council

71 Stevenson Street, Suite 1825
San Francisco, California 94105
(415) 777-0220
Fax: (415) 495-5996

http://www.nrdc.org

The Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC) is a nonprofit membership organization dedicated to the protection of public health and the environment. NRDC has worked extensively to protect children's health and to control a variety of environmental threats to health, including pesticides. Publications and reports are available on children, pesticides in food, selected individual compounds, and pesticide regulatory issues.

Sierra Club

85 Second Street, Second Floor
San Francisco, California 94105-3441
(415) 977-5500
FAX: (415) 977-5799

http://www.sierraclub.org/

Founded in 1892, the Sierra Club is one of the leading environmental protection organizations in the United States. Its goal is to prevent the exhaustion of our natural resources and assure that a decent quality of life is available to future generations. It also has interests in preventing toxic contamination of air, land, and water. Over the past few years, the Sierra Club has been part of a number of domestic and overseas hazardous waste and toxics management efforts. It has been extensively involved in the reauthorization of the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act. The club has many local chapters, and produces numerous publications.

White Lung Association

National Headquarters:
P.O. Box 1483
Baltimore, Maryland 21203-1483
(410) 243-5864

http://www.whitelung.org

The White Lung Association is a volunteer organization dedicated to the protection of the worker and general public from asbestos through legislation, procurement of compensation, education, and other efforts. Provides information including referrals to physicians and attorneys who are versed in the problems of asbestos. National headquarters are in Baltimore, Maryland.

 
 
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