Environmental Health

What is environmental health?

Environmental health is the science of understanding how the environment affects human health in order to prevent disease and improve well-being.

How does the environment affect our health?

The environment affects our health in different ways. To understand the breadth and depth of these relationships, please read the following information, adapted with permission from the Health and Environment Financing Network.

communities

Everyone benefits when the community has clean air, clean drinking water, and healthy conditions inside and out. Hazards in places where people live, study, work, and play, such as lead in drinking water, outdoor air pollution, or indoor lead paint, often lead to preventable health problems. An unsanitary environment is especially dangerous for children and is often most dangerous in areas with problems such as poverty. Ways to promote a healthy community include:

• Health: Improving conditions for healthy development and better health for all.
• Environment: Raising public awareness of our health interest in protecting the environment.
• Social Justice: Allows affected groups to organize and have greater influence in decision making.
• Community Development: Improving the quality of life and local recreation, reducing environmental costs and increasing the overall attractiveness for families and businesses.

impact (chemical)

People are exposed to toxic chemicals on a daily basis, including in water, air, food and consumer products. While over 85,000 chemicals are registered for use in the United States, most chemicals have not been developed or tested for safety and are subject to strict regulations. Extensive research has linked the serious health consequences of asthma and cancer to neurological and reproductive problems. There are opportunities for individuals, policy makers, researchers and organizations to significantly reduce exposure and improve health.

climate and energy

Energy is an important part of modern life. But the type of energy we use, and how it is produced, used and disposed of, has serious implications for public health and society. Fossil fuels (oil, gas and coal) have direct health impacts, especially local air and drinking water pollution, and are rapidly exacerbating global climate change. Climate change poses a major threat to human health as emissions from global warming trap heat in the atmosphere and cause a cascade of events such as heatwaves, droughts and storms. Where there are serious problems, there are also great opportunities for positive action. Movements to address climate and energy issues can benefit people, places, communities and economies.

What is environmental health?