2013 environmental health epidemiologic capacity assessment of state and territorial health departments

Environmental health is a core component of public health and an important program area in states and jurisdictions across the United States. Environmental epidemiologists study health outcomes associated with exposure to environmental toxicants or adverse weather events. For example, air pollution, extreme temperatures, contaminated food and water, heavy metals and pesticides have all been linked to human morbidity or mortality from cancer, injury, respiratory illness and other conditions.Since 2001, the Council of State and Territorial Epidemiologists (CSTE) has periodically assessed the epidemiologic capacity of state and territorial health departments. For the 2013 Epidemiology Capacity Assessment, the association solicited data related to four specific epidemiologic program areas: environmental health, chronic disease, maternal and child health, and oral health. This report presents results from the Environmental Health Capacity module. It describes the current state of environmental epidemiology capacity, highlights exemplary aspects of environmentally-related functions and services, and identifies areas needing improvement and expansion nationally.5U38HM000414\u20100