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Ammendments to Chapter 220 Smoking; Sale of Tobacco and Nicotine Delivery Products
On November 3, 2025, the Dover Board of Health voted in favor to amend the Board of Health Rules and Regulations for Chapter 220 Smoking; Sale of Tobacco and Nicotine Delivery Products, formally adopting the Nicotine Free Generation (NFG) policy.
Click HERE to view the amended regulation.
Dover residents who suspect that they may have a foodborne illness are encouraged to contact Public Health Nurse Gael Varsa (gvarsa@doverma.gov), who can then report the case to the Massachusetts Department of Public Health on behalf of the resident.
This resource was made by our partners at the Charles River Public Health District. Contact jgangadharan@needhamma.gov if in need of a flu vacccine.
NEW - Online Permitting in Dover, MA
The Town of Dover is pleased to announce that the permit application process has shifted to an online permitting platform, OpenGov. This new form of paperless permitting will streamline the process of approval from the respective departments assigned to review the application. Applications can be submitted and accessed 24/7. Paper applications will no longer be accepted starting 11/17/25.
Asbestos in The Home: What You Need to Know
The Dover Board of Health wants to keep residents mindful of the presence of asbestos, more particularly, asbestos in the home. We hope to help residents understand what asbestos is, where it could potentially be in your home, the health effects, and what to do about it. See PDF below for more.
Learn More About Asbestos in the Home
Find AED'
s in Dover on PulsePoint
The BOH is pleased to announce participation in this initiative to identify AED locations and access in town. Pictures and exact location have been uploaded to the PulsePoint AED app. This is a valuable tool for coaches, teams, visitors, residents and others in the event of sudden cardiac emergency.
The PulsePoint AED app is a free mobile application that allows users to register and manage the locations of Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs) in their community. This registry is crucial during cardiac emergencies as it makes AEDs accessible to emergency call takers and nearby individuals trained in CPR.
The app is designed to improve cardiac arrest survival rates by helping bystanders locate and utilize AEDs before emergency responders arrive. Users can submit the location of unregistered AEDs, include photos and descriptions, and the information is then stored for local authorities to verify.
PulsePoint AED is integrated with leading emergency medical dispatch systems, allowing telecommunicators to inform callers of precise AED locations. It is part of the PulsePoint Foundation, a non-profit organization dedicated to improving cardiac arrest survival. There is also a companion app, PulsePoint Respond, which notifies CPR-trained individuals of nearby cardiac emergencies in public places.
Radon Detectors Available through Massachusetts DPH
The Massachusetts Department of Public Health is a resource for those wanting to test their homes for radon. Radon is an invisible, odorless radioactive gas that seeps from the soil, entering your home through cracks and gaps in the foundation. It’s estimated that about 1 in 15 homes across the U.S. has radon levels higher than the EPA’s recommended safety limit of 4 pCi/L.
Radon is a serious health concern, it is the top cause of lung cancer in non-smokers and ranks second overall as a cause of lung cancer.
The best way to find out if your home is affected is through testing. You can get a free radon test kit by reaching out to the MDPH Indoor Air Quality Program. Call the Radon Information Line at (800) 723-6695 (Toll-Free in MA) or (413) 784-9352, or email DPHIAQ.radon@mass.gov to request your kit today!
Unfortunately, free radon test kits, such as the state currently provides, are unable to be provided by the Board of Health office. Please contact the number or email above to inquire about receiving a test kit. The Massachusetts DPH can discuss with you proper location for testing, how to submit your kit to the lab, and other considerations as you test your home for radon.
This program will run from November 1 through March 31, during indoor heating season. If you would like to learn more about Radon, visit the Mass.gov website or check out this fact sheet on Testing Your Home For Radon.
DID YOU KNOW?
You can drop off used needles or other sharps to the Board of Health Office and we will dispose of them.
We also now have FDA-cleared sharps disposal containers available. Once filled, they may be returned to the Board of Health office for disposal.
Please visit us at the Dover Townhouse, Lower Level, to obtain one.
Mercury Disposal Drop-Off
Safely dispose of items containing mercury at the Dover Board of Health office, located on the lower level of the Town House. Proper disposal is essential for items like thermostats, thermometers, fluorescent light bulbs, and button cell batteries.
For more information on mercury in household items and safe disposal practices, please visit the Mass DEP website.
Dover Board of Health Assessment Report
Meetings
- Meetings are generally held on the first Monday of every month.
- Check the Town Calendar for meeting dates and times.
Agendas & Minutes
Agendas are available prior to meetings. Minutes are available following approval.
View Most Recent Agendas and Minutes
Members
| Name | Position | Term Expiration |
|---|---|---|
| Dr. Kay Petersen | Chair | 2026 |
| Dr. Stephen Kruskall | Member | 2027 |
| Dr. John Quackenbush | Member | 2028 |
View Current Contact Info for members and department
Responsibilities
The Board of Health is an elected regulatory body as provided in the laws and regulations of the Commonwealth. The Board of Health, including its elected members, administrative assistant and agents are responsible for ensuring water, soils, food, and air are protected from contamination which could pose a threat to the health and well-being of the public. The Board of Health is responsible for preventing the spread of contagious disease in humans and animals. The Board of Health is legally responsible for regulating and permitting:
- Food permits – both annual and temporary
- Well permits for private well owners, including water quality, installation maintenance and repair
- Septic systems and private sewage systems including installation, maintenance and repair
- Commercial waste haulers
- Sale of tobacco products
- Demolition of buildings in coordination with Building Dept.
Dover Town Code Description of Responsibilities
There shall be a three-member Board of Health elected on a rotating basis of one member each year for a three-year term. The Board of Health’s duties and authority shall include, but shall not be limited to, those specified in Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 21A, Section 13 and Chapter 111, Sections 26 through 32.