What is Environmental Health

What is Environmental Health?

Control of environmental conditions is becoming increasingly important to protect and maintain our health and sense of well-being. Environmental Health is the field of public health which is concerned with management of these environmental conditions.

An Environmental Health Specialist, or "sanitarian" is a public health professional who protects public health from detrimental conditions in the environment through education, consultation, and regulation. Environmental Health Specialists are college graduates with training in public health, sanitary science, or one of the physical sciences. An Environmental Health Specialist works with other professionals in their community to provide a safe and healthy environment.

After two years of environmental health experience, and Environmental Health Specialist is eligible to take a written examination for professional registration as a Registered Environmental Health Specialist/Sanitarian (REHS or RS) or Certified Food Safety Professional (CFSP) through the National Environmental Health Association.
Environmental Health Specialists provide expertise in the following programs:

Food Service Sanitation and Food Safety
Through licensing, inspections, and consultations of restaurants, bars, grocery stores, and other food establishments, Environmental Health Specialists promote sanitary conditions for food preparation and service.

Other program services for the prevention of foodborne illness include certification of food managers, education and consutation in safe handling techniques, and investigation of complaints and disease outbreaks.

Public Health Nuisance Control and Housing
Environmental Health Specialists help their communities maintain their housing stock by responding to complaints of unsanitary conditions, and providing education to ensure safe and healthy housing enviroments. Specialists investigate sources of lead poisoning and regulate removal of these sources. Specialists also inspect manufactured home parks to ensure these communities are properly maintained and operated.

Recreational and Lodging Facilities
Environmental Health Specialists foster safe and sanitary conditions through a preventive approach which includes inspections, monitoring, and educational programming for the following areas:

Public swimming pools
Recreational camping areas
Youth camps
Resorts
Fairs, festivals, and special events
Hotels and motels
Bed and breakfast establishments

Sewage Treatment and Disposal
In many communities, Environmental Health Specialists are involved in protection of public health, groundwater quality, and surface water quality through soil evaluations, permits, and inspections of individual on-site septic systems.

Hazardous Substances
Environmental Health Specialists provide information, consultation, investigation and suggestions for mitigating problems associated with lead, asbestos, radon, radioactive, and other hazardous materials.

Schools, Day Care Centers, and other Institutions
Environmental Health Specialists inspect and consult with public & private schools, day care centers, correctional facilities, and other institutions to ensure health and safety conditions are maintained to protect children and vulnerable adults.

Water Supplies and Water Quality
Citizens with private water supplies (wells) are assisted by Environmental Health Specialists who monitor drinking water quality through laboratory, inspection, and consulation services. Specialists also help with groundwater planning and Clean Water Partnerships.

Consultation and Education
Environmental Health Specialists proactively participate on teams promoting safe living conditions for children, older adults, migrant workers, and other vulnerable populations.

Environmental Health Specialists also provide information and referral services to communities through presentations to educational institutions at all levels, by participating in cooperative & collaborative programs and though one-to-one consultation services.

Many Environmental Health Specialists teach national certification courses for food service managers & workers, swimming pool operators, asbestos & lead removal contractors, and other occupations which can impact public healh and safety.

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