Environmental Health Investigations Branch

About EHIB

We identify and address environmental hazards in partnership with others to protect human health.

Our key activities

Investigate possible health threats in our environment

Study human contact with harmful pollutants
Track environmental health data and make it available to the public
Respond to environmental emergencies and community concerns
Contribute to state public health policy and initiatives
Provide education, communications, capacity building and technical assistance

Spotlight on: Investigation

In 2024, we joined the investigation of a nationwide outbreak of illnesses and hospitalizations linked to Diamond Shruumz microdosing products, including chocolate bars. The products were associated with seizures, loss of consciousness, abnormal heart rate and more. We identified Californians affected by Diamond Shruumz products and alerted the public, medical professionals, and the news media.

How we do our work

We investigate when something in the environment harms health

EHIB investigates emerging environmental health problems, clusters of non-infectious disease, and disasters associated with environmental pollution or climate change.

We share health and environmental hazard data

EHIB monitors data trends and makes data understandable.

We provide technical assistance and capacity building for partners

State and local health agencies, the state legislature, and communities turn to EHIB when environmental health problems require training, consultation, advice on intervention, or evaluation of environmental evidence.

We rely on participation and partnerships

To ensure that we are responsive to public concerns and needs, EHIB invites community members, scientists and other involved groups to participate in all stages of activities, including selecting which issues to address and evaluating project success.

We contribute to policy, initiatives and recommendations

Using information from our investigations and programs, EHIB contributes to the development of public health policy, initiatives and recommendations.

We advance environmental health science and practice

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Spotlight on:

Contribution to policy, initiatives and recommendations

In 2022, the California Attorney General filed a lawsuit against the manufacturers of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, commonly referred to as PFASs or “forever chemicals.”

The lawsuit alleged that PFAS manufacturers knew or should have known that PFASs are toxic and harmful to human health and the environment.

The lawsuit pointed to data collected by the Biomonitoring California program showing that PFASs are present in the blood of nearly all people in California.

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Our staff members are developing research methods in the emerging field of environmental health and keep current with developments in relevant fields and the larger society.

We create health education and communications materials

We partner with local health jurisdictions, community groups and others to share information on how people can protect themselves from environmental hazards.

Spotlight on: Partnership

We worked with Tribal and community members to improve signs warning the public about harmful algal blooms in Clearlake, California.

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Jobs

EHIB currently has no job openings. Please check back here soon.

To find out more about how to get a job at the Environmental Health Investigations Branch or any other California state job, please visit the California State Jobs Website, or download How to Apply for Jobs in EHIB (PDF).