About Us

Toxics Epidemiology Program

The Toxics Epidemiology Program is a Los Angeles County Public Health Program that identifies, controls and prevents the health effects associated with toxic agents in the Los Angeles County population.

Identify: The Toxics Epidemiology Program investigates the possible links between toxic agents in the environment and human health. The program conducts public health risk assessments, community education and outreach, targeted studies and other research-related activities; often collaborating with state and other local agencies.

Control: Directed by a Board Certified medical toxicologist and staffed by epidemiologists, public health nurses, and research analysts, the Toxics Epidemiology Program responds to reports related to human health concerns and potential or known toxic and environmental exposures.

Prevent: Program staff provide information to individuals, communities, businesses, community leaders and policymakers about the health effects of toxic exposures so that they can make informed decisions and take actions to promote and protect health.

Message from the Director

There are few areas as diverse in industry, agriculture, and commerce as Los Angeles County. While these activities are essential to the county's economic viability, they can result in the production and release of a variety of potentially toxic agents. The mission of the Toxics Epidemiology Program at the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health is to prevent and control disease associated with exposure to these types of agents.

At the Toxics Epidemiology Program, we investigate the links between agents in the environment and human health. Strong links between certain agents and human disease have been clearly established. Asbestos, for example, is undoubtedly capable of causing lung cancer when inhaled in large amounts, and exposure to lead can lead to developmental problems in children. These cause-and-effect relationships, however, are not always so clear-cut.

We rely on science to guide us in clarifying these relationships. To better understand the toxic potential of agents in the environment, we study the scientific literature, consult with medical and scientific experts and, when necessary, conduct our own epidemiological studies. We use this information to determine which agents are truly hazardous and at what level they pose a real threat to the community's health.

This information is also utilized to inform legislators, other policymakers, and business and community leaders to ensure that the best science (and judgment when the science isn't definitive) is used to craft well-informed policies to minimize toxic exposures. To promote awareness and educate community members about toxic agents, the information is broken down into useful and logical formats that are accessible and understandable. We believe that awareness and education will not only help ameliorate community fears about potentially toxic exposures, but will ultimately aid in preventing and controlling disease associated with them.

It is our vision to help ensure that Los Angeles County is safe from toxic agents and create a non-hazardous environment where people can live, work and play. To be successful, we feel it is essential to work collaboratively with citizens, businesses, and other government agencies.

We hope the information contained on our website serves as a useful link between our program and our community. Your inquiries, feedback, and concerns are welcome.

Sincerely,

Cyrus Rangan, M.D.
Director, Toxics Epidemiology Program
Los Angeles County Department of Public Health