Environmental Public health Issues

Public health is intimately connected to our environment. Toxins and other pollutants present both outdoors and indoors contribute to chronic diseases, such as certain types of cancers and chronic obstructive lung disorders. The design of a community– from the location of sidewalks and bike paths to the type of construction materials used in building — can also affect health. Scientists are constantly learning more about the relationship between exposure to elements in the environment and public health.

Latest Resource for Environmental Health

A community’s health depends largely on the environment in which residents live, work and play. While multiple factors influence the health of a population, the impact of environmental harms is of significant concern. Harmful environmental exposures can exacerbate already existing health disparities, especially among low income, tribal and minority populations who often suffer a disproportionate share of negative environmental impacts. This issue brief outlines existing and potential legal tools to support environmental justice, such as the use of health impact assessments, environmental reviews conducted under the National Environmental Policy Act, and grant funding to support environmental justice.

See All Related Resources

From the Public Health Law Blog

Health impact assessments (HIAs) can provide decision-makers with critical information on how a proposed policy or program might impact the public’s health. The Network for Public Health Law – Western Region recently collaborated with the Association of State and Territorial Health Officials (ASTHO) to explore and analyze opportunities to imbed health considerations and HIAs into environmental reviews.

From the Legal Assistance Library

“Open burning, ” the practice of burning refuse – often trash, leaves, or scrap wood – in the open air, is a common method of disposal but can have serious consequences for environmental safety and the public’s health. Open burning ordinances and model laws are available from several jurisdictions.

See All Related Legal Assistance

Primary Legal Issues

Federal, state and local public health officials enforce laws and regulations preventing involuntary exposure to known toxins, including imposing requirements for drinking water, setting certain standards for safe water for swimming, boating or fishing, and requiring landlords to provide lead-free housing to tenants. Knowledge about the link between the built environment and obesity has contributed to efforts to mandate that new communities be built to include access to safe places where children can play and adults can exercise.

State and local public health practitioners dealing with environmental health can be confronted with a number of legal issues. Because the federal government has adopted a comprehensive regulatory scheme for environmental protection, state and local governments may be limited in their ability to pass laws that impose different standards than those imposed by federal law. Likewise, the existence of state laws may restrict passage of local laws. Federal environmental laws also regulate the ability of a state or local government to bring a lawsuit against an alleged polluter, and the right of individuals or groups to bring suit may also be regulated by federal and state law.

Technical Assistance Capacity

The Network for Public Health Law is prepared to provide technical assistance to public health practitioners developing and implementing effective environmental health laws and policies. The Network has access to top-ranked experts in environmental law who can bring decades of experience in studying, developing and advocating for environmental policy change to improve public health.

For legal technical assistance and support with environmental public health:

Ask a Question

You can also call your region to get legal assistance at:

The Network will not share your contact information with external parties without consent.

The Network for Public Health Law provides information and technical assistance on issues related to public health. The legal information and assistance provided does not constitute legal advice or legal representation. For legal advice, please consult specific legal counsel. For more information on the type of legal assistance the Network can provide, please see frequently asked questions.