Why EH Services Are Important

Did you take a shower, drink a glass of water, eat at a restaurant, or go for a swim today? We can engage in these everyday activities without worrying about getting sick because environmental health (EH) professionals work behind the scenes to keep them safe. For example, permitting and inspection programs help prevent outbreaks in restaurants, school cafeterias, swimming pools, and other facilities.

EH practitioners also investigate outbreaks to identify their environmental causes. They often perform critical functions during emergency responses. Examples include assessing shelters and food establishments, testing drinking water supplies, and controlling disease-carrying organisms (vectors).