About National Center for Environmental Health

At a glance

CDC’s National Center for Environmental Health plans, directs, and coordinates a program to protect the American people from environmental hazards. We promote a healthy environment and prevent premature death, avoidable illness and disability caused by non-infectious, non-occupational environmental and related factors.

Senior hands giving small planet earth to a child

Our mission

To lead environmental surveillance, programs and research, identifying and tracking emerging threats to prevent disease and protect public health.

Goals

  • Conduct advanced laboratory and field-based research to identify the biological and chemical mechanisms by which environmental factors impact human health.
  • Lead national environmental public health tracking to detect, evaluate, and monitor emerging health problems through surveillance systems.
  • Perform comprehensive assessments to characterize the direct effects of environmental hazards on U.S. populations.
  • Support federal, state, and local agencies in preparing for and responding to environmental emergencies, including natural disasters and terrorism-related threats.

Our impact

  • Detecting Emerging Threats: Using advanced laboratory and field science to identify new hazards before they become crises.
  • Leading National Surveillance: Running robust systems to track and provide real-time data on U.S. environmental health trends.
  • Investigating Health Links: Conducting assessments to uncover how environmental factors cause human disease.
  • Responding to Emergencies: Partnering with U.S. federal, state, local and tribal agencies to prepare for and react to natural, technological, and terrorism-related threats.

Leadership Bio

Head and shoulders photo with American flag in the background
Aaron (Ari) Bernstein, MD, MPH
The National Center for Environmental Health and the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry
Aaron (Ari) Bernstein, MD, MPH, Director

As Director of the National Center for Environmental Health and the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (NCEH/ATSDR), Dr. Aaron Bernstein leads the nation's public health agencies dedicated to protecting communities from toxic exposures and environmental hazards.

Resources

NCEH Organizational Chart

Printable version

Contact NCEH

CDC/National Center for Environmental Health
4770 Buford Hwy NE
Atlanta, GA 30341-3717 USA
800-CDC-INFO (800-232-4636), TTY: 888-232-6348
Email CDC-INFO

Contact CDC

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
1600 Clifton Road NE
Atlanta, GA 30329-4027 USA
800-CDC-INFO (800-232-4636), TTY: 888-232-6348
Email CDC-INFO

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National Center for Environmental Health