Environmental Health Investigations Branch

Email:

russell.bartlett@cdph.ca.gov

Phone:

510-620-3610

Short URL:

go.cdph.ca.gov/exposure_investigations

Investigations Unit

Who we are

Our team investigates incidents that involve potential exposures to chemicals and toxins that may be harmful to human health. Exposures can occur by breathing, eating, drinking, or handling something that is contaminated with a toxic substance. Examples of toxic substances include heavy metals, pesticides, chemical gases or vapors, and toxins. We have expertise in toxicology, environmental health, epidemiology, and health education.

What we do

We provide rapid technical assistance and expertise on exposure incidents to local health jurisdictions, state agencies, communities, and tribal governments when requested or as needed. Our Toxicological Outbreak Program is also housed in this unit.

Our investigations have identified emerging public health threats, informed health-protective policies, and advanced environmental health science and practice. See our investigation spotlights below.

Please reach out to us with any questions, requests for assistance, or to learn more about our work.

Email: russell.bartlett@cdph.ca.gov
Call: 510-620-3610

Health Alert: In March 2024, a woman in Sacramento developed severe lead poisoning and died after using a hemorrhoid ointment from Vietnam called, Cao Bôi Trĩ Cây Thầu Dầu. Testing of the hemorrhoid ointment found a highly dangerous amount of lead. Lead is toxic. Exposure to any amount of lead can harm health. Please view our health alert on this hemorrhoid ointment from Vietnam.

Investigation spotlights

	Fiberglass and Mattresses In 2021, CDPH investigated fiberglass in mattresses after receiving reports of fiberglass leaking out of some mattresses and causing health problems.
	Thallium and a Commercial Brand of Kale Chips In 2022, CDPH investigated a family’s illness as a result of exposure to thallium. CDPH identified a commercial brand of kale chips as the potential source of their exposure to thallium.
	Water Tower Lead-based Paint Removal In 2023, CDPH investigated potential risks to the public from exposure to a mixture of sand and lead-based paint that was released into the air while contractors were abrasive-blasting old paint off a water tower.
	Fumigation Tenting for Pests In 2021, CDPH evaluated reports of deaths and illness from fumigation tenting for termites and pests.
	Cure-in-Place Piping (pipeline repair) Starting in 2020, CDPH evaluated reports of illness from exposure to toxic vapors moving into buildings from Cure-In-Place Pipe (CIPP) installations. CIPP is a method that is used to repair existing pipelines without having to replace the pipes.
	Electronic Vaping Associated Lung Injury (EVALI) Outbreak Starting in 2019, CDPH responded to a nationwide outbreak of illness and death among people who had a history of vaping. CDPH conducted investigations with its partners to identify patient cases, understand why vaping was causing illness and death, and stop the outbreak.
	Acute Liver Disease and “Real Water” Brand of Alkaline Water In 2021, CDPH responded to an outbreak of acute liver disease from non-viral hepatitis among children and adults who consumed the “Real Water” brand of alkaline water.