Toxicology Section
The Illinois Department of Public Health’s Toxicology Section was created in 1986 to carry out the Department's responsibilities under the Environmental Toxicology Act. The primary duties mandated through the act are to:
- assess the health effects of exposure to hazardous substances or conditions in the home, workplace or environment
- respond to citizen concerns or inquiries about the potential for health problems related to these exposures
- identify actions necessary to mitigate or prevent adverse health effects
- develop health advisories
Staff interpret laboratory results from environmental and biological samples and advise individuals or communities of health risks associated with exposures related to:
- hazardous waste sites
- methamphetamine labs
- chemicals in schools
- soil, food, water or air contamination
- short-term and long-term chemical exposure
- indoor environmental quality
- consumption of fish from Illinois waters
Staff also can investigate complaints of potentially harmful substances in homes, schools, workplaces or the environment.
Educational materials are continually being developed to inform the public, health professionals, and public health officials about exposure to toxic chemicals in the home, workplace and environment. These materials include:
- educational fact sheets for health professionals and citizens on hazardous substances or conditions
- hazardous waste site summary fact sheets
- audiovisual aids
- public health workshops focusing on areas of environmental concern
- comprehensive reports on environmental issues
Toxicology staff consist of environmental health specialists in the central office in Springfield and in six regional offices. The training and experience of these professionals include:
- environmental and medical toxicology
- industrial hygiene
- environmental and occupational health
- chemistry and biology
- environmental risk assessment
- health and science education
Regional staff conduct field investigations with support available from the central office staff. Staff members also are available as speakers and facilitators upon request.
For more information, contact the central office or the regional office nearest you:
Illinois Department of Public Health
Division of Environmental Health
525 W. Jefferson St.
Springfield , IL 62761
217-782-5830
TTY (hearing impaired use only) 800-547-0466
|
Illinois Department of Public Health
Marion Regional Office
2309 W. Main St.
Marion , IL 62959
618-993-7010
Fax 618-993-6840
|
| |
|
Illinois Department of Public Health
Rockford Regional Office
4302 N. Main St .
Rockford , IL 61103
815-987-7511
Fax 815-987-7822
|
Illinois Department of Public Health
Champaign Regional Office
2125 S. First St.
Champaign , IL 61820
217-278-5900
Fax 217-278-5959
|
| |
|
Illinois Department of Public Health
Peoria Regional Office
5415 N. University St .
Peoria , IL 61614
309-693-6360
Fax 309-691-2985
|
Illinois Department of Public Health
West Chicago Regional Office
245 W. Roosevelt Road
West Chicago , IL 60185
630-293-6800
Fax 630-293-6908
|
| |
|
Illinois Department of Public Health
Edwardsville Regional Office
#22 Kettle River Drive
Glen Carbon, IL 62034
618-656-6680
Fax 618-656-8970
|
|
This fact sheet was supported in part by funds from the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act trust fund through a cooperative agreement with the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry, Public Health Service, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.
|
