The laboratory's role in environmental health emergency investigations.

An emergency environmental health investigation of a mass poisoning of unknown origin is a multidiscipline effort that requires the cooperation and close communication of epidemiologists, toxicologists, and chemists. The laboratory's role in this effort is important; special instruments, knowledge, and experience are needed. Our approach to such an investigation is discussed and past cases are used as illustrations. The role of the analytical chemist is presented, and the major resources needed for these investigations are described.