The Health Risk Assessment Program works with a variety of partners to assess the health effects of toxic substances in the environment. At the request of other New Hampshire state agencies, Health Risk Assessment Program toxicologists and environmental specialists prepare technical assessments to evaluate the public health risk associated with exposure to toxic chemicals released into our environment. Program staff advise the Pesticide Control Division of the New Hampshire Department of Agriculture on the toxicological properties of new pesticides proposed for registration. The Health Risk Assessment Program also delivers technical presentations to legislative committees on environmental hazards and provides testimony on public health issues.

The program also maintains a cooperative agreement with the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry and performs Superfund site evaluations. These site evaluations include assessing chemical exposure and toxicological issues, providing an epidemiological review of health outcome data, and providing public outreach and education.

The development of health-based standards for risk evaluation for New Hampshire regulatory agencies is another primary activity for Health Risk Assessment program staff. The Health Risk Assessment Program generates human health effects information and advisories on topics such as mercury in fish and air quality. Program staff evaluate the public health impacts of chemical or waste site release into groundwater, soil and air.

Contact:
Dennis Pinski
603-271-6909
dpinski@des.state.nh.us