What is Environmental Health?

Environmental Health is the branch of public health that focuses on the relationship between people and their natural and built environments in order to prevent injury and illness and foster healthy communities.

What do we do?

Our Environmental Health unit administers a variety of programs and policies that aim to prevent the public's exposure to hazardous conditions in the air, water, soil, food, and other environmental settings that may negatively impact health.   This is accomplished through a combination of public facility regulation, identification and investigation of hazards, education, and implementing prevention strategies.

Why does it matter?

The environment that we live in and interact with is complex and exposes us to a variety of conditions that may negatively affect our health.   Limiting exposure to these environmental hazards plays a key role in our health and well-being as individuals, and fosters healthy communities where people can thrive.