Regulatory Programs

 Throughout our history, numerous federal and state agencies have been created to address issues related to safety and health in the workplace, as well as the surrounding environment. Federal and state agencies have become increasingly involved in examining and monitoring the impact of the environment on the health of the public. The following list highlights several of the federal and state agencies currently involved in monitoring, evaluating, and protecting the environment and its relation to public health.

FEDERAL AGENCIES

Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry

The Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR) was created by Superfund legislation in 1980 as a part of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. ATSDR's mission is to prevent or mitigate adverse human health effects and diminished quality of life resulting from exposure to hazardous substances in the environment. In order to carry out its mission and to serve the needs of the American people, ATSDR conducts activities in public health assessments, health investigations, exposure and disease registry, emergency response, toxicological profiles, health education, and applied research.

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is charged with protecting the public health of the nation by providing leadership and direction in the prevention and control of diseases and other preventable conditions and responding to public health emergencies.

Department of Health and Human Services

The Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) is the Cabinet-level department of the federal executive branch most concerned with people and most involved with the nation's human concerns. In one way or another—whether it is mailing out social security checks or making health services more widely available—DHHS touches the lives of more Americans than any other federal agency. It is literally a department of people saving people, from newborn infants to our most elderly citizens.

Food and Drug Administration

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) inspects manufacturing plants and warehouses, collects and analyzes samples of foods, drugs, cosmetics, and therapeutic devices for adulteration and misbranding. Responsibilities also extend to sanitary preparation and handling of foods, waste disposal on interstate carriers, and enforcement of the Radiation Control Act as related to consumer products. Epidemiological and other investigations are conducted to determine causative factors or possible health hazards involved in adverse reactions or hazardous materials accidents. Investigators are located in resident posts in major cities throughout the country.

 

STATE AGENCY (New Jersey)

The Consumer, Environmental and Occupational Health Service (CEOHS) serves the communities and workers through activities aimed at improving the health and well-being of all New Jerseyans. At the core of its mission are preventive initiatives to decrease disease and injury by reducing exposure to chemical, physical and biological hazards. CEOHS activities are organized into three programs:  Environmental and Occupational Health Surveillance, Food Safety and Public Protection, and Environmental and Occupational Health Assessment.

CEOHS services include childcare center health assessments, hazardous site health evaluation, food and drug safety, asbestos and lead training and certification, and environmental and occupational disease tracking. CEOHS also oversees the regulation of pools, tanning facilities, body art studios and youth camps.

Department of Health | Environmental Health (nj.gov)

 

 

 

References:

Institute of Medicine (US) Committee on Enhancing Environmental Health Content in Nursing Practice; Pope AM, Snyder MA, Mood LH, editors. Nursing Health & Environment: Strengthening the Relationship to Improve the Public's Health. Washington (DC): National Academies Press (US); 1995. D, Environmental Health Resources: Agencies, Organizations, Services, General References, and Tables of Environmental Health Hazards. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK232383/.