Investigations Uniātā
Who we are
Our team investigates incidents that involve potential exposures to chemicals and toxins that may be harmful to human health. Exposures can occur by breathing, eating, drinking, or handling something that is contaminated with a toxic substance. Examples of toxic substances include heavy metals, pesticides, chemical gases or vapors, and toxins. We have expertise in toxicology, environmental health, epidemiology, and health education. ā
What we do
āāWe provide rapid technical assistance and expertise on exposure incidents to local health jurisdictions, state agencies, communities, and tribal governments when requested or as needed. Our
Toxicological Outbreak Programāā is also housed in this unit.
Our investigations have identified emeārging public health threats, informed health-protective policies, āāand advanced environmental health science and practice. See our investigation spotlights below.
āPlease reach out to us with any questions, requests for assistance, or to learn more about our work.
āāāInvestigation spotlights
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āAcute Illnesses and Diamond Shruumz Brand Products
In 2024, CDPH joined the investigation of a nationwide outbreak of illnesses and hospitalizations linked to Diamond Shruumz
microdosing products. These products included chocolate bars, gummies and cones.āā
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Fatality from Hemorrhoid Ointment from Vietnam
āāIn 2024, CDPH investigated a report of a woman in Sacramento who developed severe lead poisoning and died after using a hemorrhoid ointment from Vietnam called Cao BĆ“i TrÄ© CĆ¢y Thįŗ§u Dįŗ§u.ā
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āFiberglass anād Maāttresses
In 202āā1, CDāPH investigāateāād fiberglass in mattresses after receivingā reāports of fiberglass leaking out of some mattresses and causing health problems.

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āThallium and a Commercial Brand of Kale Chips
In 2022, CDPH investigated a familyās ilālness as a result of exposure to thallium. CDPH identified a commercial brand of kaleā chips as the potential source of their exposure to thallium.

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āWater Tower Lead-based Paint Removal
In 2023, CDPH investigated potential risks to the public from exposure to a mixture of sand and lead-based paint that was released into the air while contractors were abrasive-blasting āold paint off a water tower.

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āFumigation Tenting for Pests
In 2021, CDPH evaluated reports of deaths and illness from fumigation tenting for termites and pests.
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āCure-in-Place Piping (pipeline repair)
Starting in 2020, āāāāCDPH evaluated reports of illness from exposure to toxicā vapors moving into buildings from Cure-In-Place Pipe (CIPP) installations. CIPP is a method that is used to repair existing pipelines without having to reāplace the pipes.

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āāāElectronic Vaping Associated Lung Injury (EVALI) Outbreak
Starting in 2019,ā CDPH responded to a nationwide outbreak of illness and death among people who had a history of vaping. CDPH conducted investigations with its partners to identify patient cases, understand why vaping was causing illness and death, and stop the outbreak.

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āAcute Liver Disease and āReal Waterā Brand of Alkaline Waterā
In 2021, CDPH responded to an outbreak of acute liver disease from non-viral hepatitis among children and adults who consumed the āReal Waterā brand of alkaline water.
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