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HomeHealth and Safety CodeDiv. 45Pt. 2Ch. 5Art. 13§ 79270 Hazardous Substance Safety Levels

§ 79270 Hazardous Substance Safety Levels

Health and Safety Code·California
AI Summary·Official Text·Key Terms·Related Statutes·References
AI SummaryVerified

§ 79270 Hazardous Substance Safety Levels

Key Takeaways

  • •If scientists don't know the safe level of a dangerous substance, they must pick a level that keeps people safe with extra caution.
  • •The safe level is chosen only based on what's best for public health, not other things like cost or convenience.
  • •Experts in health and science help decide this safe level using the latest methods and data.

Example

A factory releases a new chemical into the air, and scientists aren't sure how much of it is safe for people to breathe.

The law says they must set a very low limit for the chemical to make sure no one gets sick, even if they aren't 100% sure about the exact safe amount.

AI-generated — May contain errors. Not legal advice. Always verify source.

Official Source
View on CA.gov

§ 79270 Hazardous Substance Safety Levels

If currently available scientific data are insufficient to determine the level of a hazardous substance at which no known or anticipated adverse effects on health will occur, with an adequate margin of safety, or the level that poses no significant risk to public health, the risk assessment prepared in conjunction with a response action taken or approved pursuant to this part shall be based on the level that is protective of public health, with an adequate margin of safety. This level shall be based exclusively on public health considerations, shall, to the extent scientific data are available, take into account the factors set forth in paragraphs (1) to (5), inclusive, of subdivision (c) of Section 79265, and shall be based on the most current principles, practices, and methods used by public health professionals who are experienced practitioners in the fields of epidemiology, risk assessment, fate and transport analysis, and toxicology. (Added by Stats. 2022, Ch. 257, Sec. 2. (AB 2293) Effective January 1, 2023. Operative January 1, 2024, pursuant to Sec. 4 of Stats. 2022, Ch. 257.)

Last verified: January 24, 2026

Key Terms

toxichazardousconsiderationhealthportsafetysubstanceassessment

Related Statutes

  • § 79265 Risk Assessment Standards
  • § 11300 Controlled Substance Testing Definitions
  • § 17974.5 Homeless Shelter Safety Reports
  • § 79205 Remedial Action Plan Requirements
  • § 108680 Household Substance Definitions

References

  • Official text at leginfo.legislature.ca.gov
  • California Legislature. Health and Safety Code. Section 79270.
View Official Source