Responsibilities and Staff

Responsibilities

The Division of Public Health Toxicology is responsible for two distinct areas of public health concern. These are (1) to identify potential health hazards resulting from exposure to certain chemical, radiological, or biological agents, and (2) to assess and make recommendations to abate or reduce any resulting health effects. Some of the major responsibilities include:

• Advise the Governor, other state agencies, the federal government, and local governing bodies on matters pertaining to chemical exposures posing a threat to public health or the environment.
• Provide a direct response and disseminate information concerning toxic substances to government agencies, political subdivisions, health professionals, the media, and the general public by developing documents, technical reports, information sheets, advisories, and press releases.
• Issue fish consumption advisories or bans in response to chemical contamination of fish and waterways.
• Conduct disease surveillance for elevated childhood blood lead levels and adult exposure to toxic substances.
• Conduct computerized literature searches on issues of environmental or health concern relating to current governmental standards, guidelines, or regulations.
• Provide consultation and response to emergency operation centers during environmental accidents, natural disasters, and acts of terrorism.

Staff

Main phone:   (804)864-8182
Fax machine:  (804)864-8190

Khizar Wasti, PhD - Division Director
email: khizar.wasti@vdh.virginia.gov
Expertise in areas of chemical toxicology, chemical formulations, high voltage transmission lines, and electromagnetic fields.

Ram Tripathi, PhD - Toxicologist
email: ram.tripathi@vdh.virginia.gov
Expertise in areas of pesticide formulations, chemical toxicology, asbestos, lead paint, and fishing advisories

Lala Wilson - Program Specialist III
email: lala.wilson@vdh.virginia.gov
Expertise in areas of environmental biology, childhood lead reporting requirements, adult toxic substance exposure reporting, and database management.

Pat Hayden - Office Manager
email: patsy.hayden@vdh.virginia.gov
Expertise in word processing, spreadsheets, budget review and analysis, and all aspects of office management

Vacant - Information Systems Specialist
email:
Expertise in areas of computerized database searches, desktop publishing, and information management