Environmental and occupational hazards are important
pieces of the puzzle when it comes to understanding public health
issues. There are many groups in California that may be
particularly vulnerable to environmental hazards or contaminants.
These include children, the elderly, the poor and recent
immigrants. Personal factors such as genetic susceptibility,
nutrition, lifestyle, and individual habits also impact health in our
communities. Community development decisions ā such as zoning,
transportation, housing, and public safety -- influence the publicās health in
direct, as well as indirect, ways.
DEODC programs take a
comprehensive approach to studying risk and formulating policies, which
considers many possible contributing factors as well as the social, cultural and
physical environment. DEODC works with stakeholders like county
health departments, regulatory agencies, universities, and community groups to
resolve environmental and occupational problems and controversies.
The vision of DEODC is a California free of environmental and
occupational disease where people live, work and play in healthy
places.
The mission of DEODC is to prevent or reduce disease and injury
related to environmental and occupational factors. Our staff
employs a variety of methods to identify and understand health problems that may
be caused or made worse by exposure to hazards in the workplace or in the
environment. We track and investigate cases of illness and injury to understand
contributing factors and develop prevention strategies. We share
what we have learned with community members and stakeholders. DEODC programs
also carry out specific activities mandated by the Governor or
Legislature.
The four branches of DEODC contribute to the prevention and
control of environmental and occupational disease through public health
leadership, scientific excellence, regard for ethical standards, informed public
discussion, and productive collaboration with stakeholders. (Please
see the links to each branch below.)
DEODC also has a multidisciplinary Emergency Preparedness Team,
whose goal is to identify and reduce risks from chemical releases and other
hazards in California and to minimize their health impacts on workers, first
responders, communities, and vulnerable populations. ā