The Environmental Health Program is a part of the Idaho Division of Public Health's Bureau of Environmental Health and Communicable Diseases. 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.
In This Section
Learn more about Environmental Health Factors and how to manage them.
EVENTS
Did you know radon is a naturally occurring gas that can build up in homes and is a leading cause of lung cancer in non-smokers? The good news is radon is easy to test for and fix
Join us for a free live radon learning session every Monday in January and February 2026
These short informative meetings are designed for Idahoans who want clear and practical information.
When: Every Monday, 10:00-11:00 a.m. (MST) January & February 2026
What you'll learn:
- What radon is and why it matters in Idaho
- How radon gets into homes and buildings
- How to test for radon and understand results
- What to do if radon levels are high
- Where to find trusted local resources
Each session includes time for live questions and answers, so you can get the information that matters most to you.
Whether you're a homeowner, renter, childcare provider, or just curious, you're welcome to attend one session or come back each week.
Join from the meeting link
https://idhw.webex.com/idhw/j.php?MTID=m354552c1770699a230bf7074a9e7ef55
Join by meeting number
Meeting number (access code): 2835 615 3026
Meeting password: mwTgFQE3v35 (69843733 when dialing from a phone or video system)
Tap to join from a mobile device (attendees only)
+1-415-527-5035,,28356153026#69843733# United States Toll
+1-303-498-7536,,28356153026#69843733# United States Toll (Denver)
Some mobile devices may ask attendees to enter a numeric password.
Join by phone
+1-415-527-5035 United States Toll
+1-303-498-7536 United States Toll (Denver)
Join from a video system or application
Dial 28356153026@idhw.webex.com
You can also dial 207.182.190.20 and enter your meeting number.
Health Reports
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
Gilmore Mine Area and Townsite Fact Sheet
Please visit www.deq.idaho.gov/gilmore for more detailed site information, including related documents and past events.