The Environmental Health Program is a part of the Idaho Division of Public Health's Bureau of Environmental Health and Communicable Diseases (BECD). We partner with local public health districts, state and federal agencies, and community organizations to achieve our mission. We provide information for Idahoans about environmental factors that impact health, and how to maintain healthy environments at home, work, and school. We promote healthy homes and communities, safe water, and clean air.
Learn more about environment health factors and how to manage them.
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Per and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS)
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Environmental Health Events Coming Up
SHOSHONE MEDICAL CENTER & the SMC FOUNDATION’s 14th ANNUAL KIDS HEALTH FAIR
Located at SMC Fitness Center 858 Commerce Dr., Smelterville, ID.
Saturday September 23, 2023 from 10 am to 1 pm.
Free Blood-Lead Testing:
Having your Blood-Lead levels tested is the first step
to ending lead exposure. Tests involve a simple
finger poke and take approximately 20 minutes to
complete. Results are available before you leave.
Children 6 months to 6 years that have not been
tested this year will receive $50 if you live within the
Bunker Hill Superfund Site.
Free Lead Soil Testing:
Please bring dry soil samples from your garden, areas
where your children play, and other places where you
frequently recreate with your family. Place each
sample in a separate one-quart plastic bag and we
will test it for free. Multiple samples are welcome!
Free Private Well Water Testing:
Please bring a 24 oz sample of water from your
home faucet in a clean plastic container. Samples
will be tested for Fluoride, Nitrate, Arsenic, Uranium,
Manganese, and Lead. You can pick up a clean
bottle from us the day of the fair.
SVL Chain of Custody needed for sample drop off.
Risk Assessments
Lead contamination at Gilmore is the result of historic large-scale hard rock mining operations and wind and water erosion of mining waste. The mines on the hillsides above Gilmore operated in the early 1900s and primarily produced lead and silver ore. During the early years, processed ore was hauled over 80 miles via wagons pulled by horses or a steam-powered tractor. Later, ore was transported off the hillside by a half-mile long tramway that travelled through the townsite before emptying into waiting railroad cars.
High concentrations of lead in the soil at the Gilmore townsite were found during DEQ sampling events in 2016 and 2017. At some locations, lead soil levels are more than 50 times greater than what is considered safe for residential areas. As a result of these sampling events, DHW requested the ATSDR complete an evaluation, resulting in the ATSDR health consultation report. This report is expected to be available to the public in late June 2023.
ATSDR - Public Health Assessments & Health Consultations - Idaho
Please visit www.deq.idaho.gov/gilmore for more information
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DHW Environmental Health Program Contact us with questions Phone: 800-445-8647 General E-mail: |
Brigitta Gruenberg, M.Ed., REHS Environmental Health Program Manager Phone: 208.616-5271 |
Drew Pendleton PhD MPH Toxicologist & Health Assessor Phone: (208) 608-3915 |
Kelly Berg, REHS Environmental Health Program Specialist Phone: 208.608.2847 |
Carolee Cooper, REHS,RS Environmental Health Program Specialist Phone: 208-484-1863 |