The mission of the Environmental Health Investigations Branch is to
identify and work toward controlling harmful environmental factors, and to promote those
that are healthful. To accomplish this, the Branch:
Conducts health and exposure investigations
EHIB responds to emerging environmental health problems, clusters of
non-infectious disease, and disasters associated with environmental agents by conducting
preliminary investigations and follow-up studies.
Undertakes health and exposure surveillance
When health concerns suggest the need for surveillance, EHIB monitors
trends in the distribution of environmental exposures and health indicators in California.
Provides public health oversight, technical assistance and training
State and local health agencies and the Legislature turn to EHIB when
environ-mental health problems require training, consultation, advice on environmental
health intervention, or evaluation of epidemiologic and toxicologic evidence.
Facilitates public participation and effective community relations
EHIB ensures that studies and evaluations are responsive to public
concerns and needs by inviting the participation of community members, scientists and
other involved groups in all stages of its activities, in-cluding: selection of issues to
be addressed, gathering of information, interpretation of findings, development of
informed consent, and evaluation of interventions. EHIB also works collaboratively with
health and environmental groups, the business community, health professionals, and other
public agencies.
Develops policy initiatives and recommendations
Using information obtained from our investigations, EHIB assists in the
develop-ment of public health policy, initiatives and recommendations.
Maintains scientific preparedness
EHIB staff are actively involved in devel-oping research methods in the
emerging field of environmental health. EHIB is committed to providing the support
necessary to ensure that its staff remain current with developments in their fields and
the larger society. |
