Environmental health centers on the relationships between people and their environment.
When people are exposed to hazards like polluted air and lead in their drinking water, they can develop serious conditions, such as asthma, heart disease, cancer and dementia.
Black, Indigenous and People of Color and low-wealth communities are disproportionately burdened by environmental health hazards, systemic and structural racism and disinvestment, negatively impacting their health and well-being.
The environmental health field advances policies and programs that reduce chemical and other environmental exposures in air, water, soil, and food.
A key part of any comprehensive public health system, environmental health ensures everyone has a safe place to live, learn, work and play.