Preface: Toxicology Branch works with public and medical communities, as well as other agencies to examine whether and how exposure to environmental factors (e.g., toxic materials, noise, dust, heat, mold) where people live, work, learn, and play may harm the public’s health.

Toxicological support is provided to assist other agencies or organizations by providing answers to questions such as home use of various chemical products, private wells, or unintentional spills. In addition, local environmental assessments enable volunteers and local public and private entities to identify hazards and resources to protect and preserve public health.

EPA Health Advisories Impact North Alabama Water Systems

The Alabama Department of Public Health is working with the Alabama Department of Environmental Management (ADEM) and federal agencies to determine any potential hazards related to perfluorinated compounds in drinking water in eight north Alabama water systems.

• News Release: Governor Bentley, State Health Officer, ADEM Director Release Statements on Water Issue with West Morgan East Lawrence Water Authority (06/03/16)
• News Release: Health Department modifies Health Advisories impacting north Alabama water systems (05/23/16)
• News Release: Health Department responds to EPA Health Advisories impacting north Alabama water systems (05/20/16)

The following documents provide further information on perfluorinated compounds and recommended actions for drinking water systems. Please read these fact sheets carefully before contacting the Health Department. They will answer many frequently asked questions about these compounds and their impact.

• Frequently Asked Questions: PFOA and PFOS
• Fact Sheet: PFOA & PFOS Drinking Water Health Advisories
• Public Health Statement: Perfluoroalkyls
• EPA Supporting Documents for Drinking Water Health Advisories for PFOA and PFOS

Here are examples of useful information you can find on the Toxicology website:

• CDC’s community health assessment report following the Eight Mile Mercaptan Spill (1.9 MB)
• Coastal Conditions provides Alabama’s information on beach-related advisories, food, air, and water.
• Seafood Testing Results give you the latest testing data on finfish, shrimp, crab, and oyster.
• Fish Consumption Advisories offers information about fish from Alabama rivers lakes that may be contaminated. This information enables people to make informed choices about which and how much fish to eat.
• Alabama Hazardous Waste Sites are assessed to inform communities about the risk of illness from toxic exposure or injury from physical hazards at the site. Communities receive advice on how to prevent or minimize exposures to potentially toxic materials.
• The Glossary describes the vocabulary and concepts used in environmental health information.
• Please visit Adult Blood Lead Epidemiology and Surveillance (ABLES) for information on lead exposure.
• For more information on environmentally friendly topics, please visit our Go Green page.
• Alabama Department of Public Health Recommendations Concerning Mercury in Healthcare Facilities

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