About Environmental Health Studies

For Public Health

At a glance

CDC conducts epidemiologic studies to better understand the relationship between human health and environmental exposures. Additionally, CDC investigates outbreaks and disease clusters believed to have environmental causes.

Person wearing blue gloves collecting water samples from a pond.

Overview

CDC assesses human exposure to emerging environmental threats and identifies potential adverse health effects. CDC also conducts rapid epidemiologic investigations in response to outbreaks and disease clusters (for example, unusual patterns of cancer) related to environmental exposures. In addition, CDC conducts extended research studies to learn about the relationship between environmental threats and human health.

When requested, CDC provides technical assistance and expertise related to conducting environmental health studies to state, tribal, local, territorial, and international public health agencies.

Content Source
National Center for Environmental Health
About This Page
Published: May 15, 2024
Updated: March 29, 2024

This page was last updated on this date. Updates may include minor edits, image changes, or other modifications to page content.

Reviewed: June 25, 2026

The information on this page was last reviewed by subject matter experts to ensure accuracy.