Toxicology and Risk Assessment

This group is the Risk Assessment unit for all state agencies. Risk assessment is a scientific process in which we estimate the amount of chemical exposure possible and combine that with the toxicity of the chemical(s) to estimate the risks to the general public. We use this technique to identify levels of contaminants in the environment (air, water, soil, food) that may be a health risk. In this manner, we help set cleanup standards. We also apply this to toxic chemical incidents that may involve spills and releases to the air, soil and water (e.g., chemical fires, tanker car accidents).

Selected Topics

Arsenic in Playground Soil and Landscape Materials from Pressure-Treated Wood
Artificial Turf Fields
Bisphenol-A (BPA) - Warning for Pregnant Women and Children
Cell Phone Towers
Connecticut Siting Council Best Management Practices for the Construction of Electric Transmission Lines in Connecticut
Consumer Products
Driveway Sealant
Electromagnetic Fields (Questions and Answers)
Ethanol Report to the Legislature: DPH issued a joint report with CTDEP at the end of 2006 that described the environmental and public health implications of using 10% ethanol in gasoline.
Fish Consumption
Groundwater and Well Contamination
Local Health Response to Hazardous Release
Methylmercury Risks and Omega-3 Fatty Acid Benefits in Developing Species: Quantitative Approach for Incorporating - Specific Fish Consumption Advice
Moth Balls Fact Sheet
PCB's (Polychlorinated Biphenyls)
Plastics Primer
Resmethrin Fact Sheet
Scourge Fact Sheet
TCE Trichloroethylene

Lead in Wild Game

Lead in venison may be a health concern for some. Venison is a valuable source of locally harvested protein for hunters and their families, as well as for food pantries. However, recent evidence from Minnesota, Wisconsin and North Dakota indicate that lead bullets fragment more than previously believed and can contaminate cuts of venison, even those taken far from where the bullet enters the deer. In general, ground venison is more often contaminated that whole cuts. Consumption of venison harvested with lead bullets may be a health concern for some consumers, especially pregnant women and young children. For more information, please see this new fact sheet from the Connecticut Dept of Environmental Protection.

Wood Burning

Wood burning in any form produces nuisance odors and smoke. The smoke is made of very small particulates that can have serious health effects if concentrations are high enough.

CT DPH is aware of numerous complaints due to smoke coming from various wood burning devices including “outdoor wood boilers” and wood stoves. Owners of wood burning devices can follow some simple steps to reduce the amount of smoke produced. The primary precaution is to only burn dry, well seared wood.

Neighbors negatively impacted by wood smoke may file complaints with a number of government agencies. CT DEP regulates Outdoor Wood Burners (OWBs) and they should be your first call if you live near a problem OWB: CT DEEP Wood Burning Web page

Your local health department can also respond to wood smoke violations, as well as your local Fire Marshall.

Response to Wood Burning Complaints in Connecticut (pdf)

Guidance to support local health directors in their effort to address local nuisance complaints stemming from woodburning.

Outdoor Wood Boilers (NYDH)

EPA Burnwise Web page

Wet Wood is a Waste (video)

Technical Briefs: