The department, in collaboration with the agency, shall establish the California Environmental Contaminant Biomonitoring Program. The department is the lead entity for the program unless otherwise specified in this chapter. The program shall utilize biological specimens, as appropriate, to identify designated chemicals that are present in the bodies of Californians. Biomonitoring shall utilize scientifically based statewide surveys. Additional community-based surveys shall be contingent on funding and shall be statistically valid and scientifically based. Biomonitoring shall take place on a strictly voluntary and confidential basis. Results reported pursuant to this chapter shall not disclose individual confidential information of participants. Appropriate biological specimens shall be used to monitor and assess the presence and concentration of designated chemicals. Biological specimens shall be analyzed by laboratories operated by the department, DTSC, or their contractors.
(Added by Stats. 2006, Ch. 599, Sec. 2. Effective January 1, 2007.)