Environmental Health Concerns
Residents may request investigation or consultation on a variety of environmental health concerns. These typically involve exposures to chemicals or other potentially harmful substances, but can include other concerns as well.
Housing
For tenants facing issues like indoor air quality, mold, asbestos, lead paint, or pests, contact the Inspectional Services Department at 617-349-6100. Once a complaint is filed, an environmental health specialist from the Cambridge Public Health Department may conduct an inspection.
Property owners/managers can request a free indoor air quality consultation by submitting a ticket to [email protected] with your contact details and property information.
Chemical, odor, fume, excessive dust, or smoke outdoors
If you’re exposed to chemicals, fumes, odors, excessive dust, or smoke outdoors, our team can offer guidance and conduct a site visit. If needed, referrals to city or state agencies will be provided.
To report outdoor exposures, submit a ticket to [email protected] with detailed information about the location and nature of exposure. For more details, visit our Air Quality and Health page.
Services Provided by Other Agencies
Find a comprehensive list of external agencies for commonly requested services below.
Dead Animals
For dead animal removal from public property, contact the Public Works Department at 617-349-4860 or report via the Commonwealth Connect App. Property owners are responsible for removing dead animals from their property.
Animal Control
The Cambridge Animal Commission oversees animal control, ensuring a safe environment for residents, pets, and wildlife. Their approach blends education and enforcement.
Dispose of Needles and Syringes Safely
For guidance on needles or syringes disposal and what to do if you find needles or syringes left in public places, please see our Disposal of Needles and Syringes Safely page.
EMF and Cell Phone Radiation
For information on Electric and Magnetic Fields (EMF) and their health effects, visit the The National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences.
Mosquito Control
The East Middlesex Mosquito Control Project manages mosquito habitats. Report issues related to public spaces to Public Works or concerns about private properties to [email protected] or Inspectional Services.
Noise
A list of noise complaints and where to report them in Cambridge is posted on the city’s License Commission website. Most complaints can be reported by contacting the License Commission at 617-349-6140 or the Cambridge Police Department’s non-emergency number at 617-349-3300.
Restaurant Food Safety
If you are concerned about the food safety at a Cambridge restaurant or other food service establishment, call the city’s Inspectional Services Department at 617-349-6100.
Rodent Control
To report or request services regarding rodent activity, please refer to the city’s Rodent Resources web page.
Tap Water Quality
Cambridge Public Health Department offers consultation and information about tap water quality. To submit an inquiry, please submit a ticket to [email protected].
The Cambridge Water Department offers free tap water testing for lead and copper to Cambridge residents. Annual drinking water quality reports from the Cambridge Water Department are available.
Tobacco
The Cambridge Public Health Department belongs to the Six City Tobacco Initiative, run by the Somerville Board of Health and funded by the Massachusetts Department of Public Health. The initiative’s goals are to prevent young people from becoming addicted to tobacco and to protect the public from secondhand smoke.
- For concerns about Selling Tobacco Products to Minors or Smoking in Public Places, contact:
Bonny Carroll
Director, Six City Tobacco Initiative
(617) 625-6600 ext 4318
[email protected]
- For concerns about smoking in public or private housing, work with your property owner or condo association to establish smoke-free leases. Please note that smoking in residential properties is not enforceable under local, state or federal law. Many condo buildings and rental properties have smoke-free covenants or leases. These agreements are contracts and are intended to protect the rights of non-smoking residents.
- For questions about smoking restrictions in public areas, please contact CPHD [email protected] and request a response from the Environmental Health Division.
Vehicle Idling
Report idling vehicles to the Cambridge Police Department non-emergency line at 617-349-3300. Massachusetts law limits engine idling to five minutes.
Workplace Health and Safety
- If you have a concern about workplace safety in a public sector (government) workplace, contact the Massachusetts Department of Workplace Safety & Health at 508-616-0461 ext. 9488.
- If you have a concern about workplace safety at a private sector workplace, contact the Massachusetts Office of the U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration at (978) 837-4460. Private sector workplaces include businesses, nonprofits, faith-based organizations, and private schools and universities.
- Additional Resources for Private Sector Workplaces
- The Massachusetts Department of Labor Standards (DLS) offers a free service designed to help employers recognize and control possible safety and health hazards at their worksites, and assist in training employees. For more information, call 508-616-0461.
- Health and safety plans and programs for the private sector
- MASSsafetyWorks! offers employers and employees of Massachusetts suggestions on how to improve workplace safety.
Need further assistance?
If you can’t find the specific service or information you need, feel free to reach out to us at [email protected].
Updated: December 9, 2024