26/01/2021
Question-what is environment health?
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Understanding Environmental Health
The 6 themes of the Environmental Health topic area draw attention to elements of the environment and their linkages to health.
Outdoor Air Quality
Poor air quality is linked to premature death, cancer, and long-term damage to respiratory and cardiovascular systems. Progress has been made to reduce unhealthy air emissions, but in 2008, approximately 127 million people lived in U.S. counties that exceeded national air quality standards.2 Decreasing air pollution is an important step in creating a healthy environment.
Surface and Ground Water
Surface and ground water quality concerns apply to both drinking water and recreational waters. Contamination by infectious agents or chemicals can cause mild to severe illness. Protecting water sources and minimizing exposure to contaminated water sources are important parts of environmental health.
Toxic Substances and Hazardous Wastes
The health effects of toxic substances and hazardous wastes are not yet fully understood. Research to better understand how these exposures may impact health is ongoing. Meanwhile, efforts to reduce exposures continue. Reducing exposure to toxic substances and hazardous wastes is fundamental to environmental health.
Homes and Communities
People spend most of their time at home, work, or school. Some of these environments may expose people to:
Indoor air pollution
Inadequate heating and sanitation
Structural problems
Electrical and fire hazards
Lead-based paint hazards
Learn More
EPA Air Quality Trends Report
American Housing Survey
National Environmental Public Health Tracking Network
Surgeon General’s Call to Action to Promote Healthy Homes
United States Environmental Protection Agency’s Safe Drinking Water Information System
More
These hazards can impact health and safety. Maintaining healthy homes and communities is essential to environmental health.
Infrastructure and Surveillance
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