Agencies
Services
Toxicology
The Illinois Department of Public Health’s Toxicology Program was created in 1986 to investigate human exposures to hazardous substances in the environment and assess potential health risks.
Hazardous Waste Site Assessments and Health Consultations
The program writes Public Health Assessments or Health Consultations for sites where hazardous waste has contaminated the environment. A Public Health Assessment evaluates whether human exposure to hazardous substances in contaminated air, fish, soil, and water might cause harm. A Health Consultation is written in response to a more specific question or health concern related to a site. Both documents include recommendations to protect public health.
Fish Advisories
Fish from Illinois rivers, streams, and lakes are routinely tested for contaminants by the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency. The program issues fish advisories when contaminants reach levels that could pose a health risk for consumers.
Indoor Air Quality
The program often receives requests for assistance addressing indoor air quality. Most requests come from individuals concerned about their residence. The program also receives requests for nonresidential buildings, such as day care centers, schools, and state, county, and city offices. The program can perform mercury vapor monitoring for reported spills.
Private Well Water and Soil Quality
The program assists citizens concerned about the quality of their soil or private well water by offering test recommendations, providing a health interpretation of test results, and recommending treatment options or other ways to reduce contaminant exposure.
Contact Us
Illinois Department of Public Health
Environmental Toxicology Program
525 W. Jefferson St.
Springfield, IL 62761
217-782-5830
TTY (hearing impaired use only) 800-547-0466
DPH.Tox@illinois.gov
