Our environment affects our health. If parts of the environment, like air, water or soil become polluted, it can lead to health problems. For example, asthma attacks can result from pollutants and chemicals in the air, home or workplace. Some environmental exposures are a part of the natural world, like radon in the soil. Others result from human activities, like lead from paint and asbestos or mercury from mining or industrial use.

The California Department of Public Health (CDPH) works to protect the health of Californians by monitoring environmental contaminants and their related diseases, studying the impact of these contaminants on human health, and informing the public about how to best protect their health from harmful pollutants. We provide trustworthy and timely information that helps others take action. CDPH programs also promote health and help prevent environmental pollution by supporting sound community development policies and by establishing and enforcing requirements for clean water, waste management, safe food and drugs, and radiation safety. 

The topics below reflect health information in the varied areas of environmental health addressed by CDPH programs.