This document provides an overview of environmental health as a career field. It defines environmental health as studying how the environment affects human health and controlling environmental hazards. Environmental health professionals work in government agencies, private companies, and non-profits to ensure safe food, water, air and land by reducing pollution and controlling hazards. They protect communities from environmental health issues like contaminated water, unsafe food handling, and improper waste disposal. The career offers fulfilling work in important areas and has strong job prospects with over 90% of graduates finding employment.

1. 1
A Career in
Environmental Health

2. 2
What Is Environmental Health?
The study of how environmental factors
can harm human health, and how to
identify, prevent, and control these effects.
In effect, it is Public Health.
Source: National Environmental Health Science and Protection Accreditation Council

3. 3
The science of preventing & controlling
environmental hazards to preserve and
improve human health, safety, and welfare.
Source: Wisconsin Environmental Health Association, Inc.

4. 4
Where do Environmental Health
Professionals Work?
 State, county, city health
& environmental agencies
 Environmental consulting
companies
 Private corporations
 Federal government (e.g., CDC, EPA)
 International organizations such as the Peace
Corps.

5. 5
EH Graduates
More than
90%*
EH Graduates
who are actively seeking a job
have one at graduation.
*Source: The National Environmental Health Science Protection & Accreditation Council

6. 6
EH Professionals Protect
Human Health & Safety by:
 Maintaining safe food & drinking
water
 Treating & disposing solid waste
 Reducing air, water, food, &
noise pollution
 Ensuring safe schools,
playgrounds, & workplaces by
controlling hazards.

7. 7
EH PROGRAMS
Wastewater
Water quality and protection
Food protection and safety
Hazardous and solid waste
Air quality and pollution control
Soil science/land conservation
Radiation protection
Environmental Education (such as
these PP presentations)

8. 8
Waste Water
the
treatment
and
disposal
of human
wastes

9. 9
Waste Water
 Inspect proposed sites
and soils for new septic
systems.
 Inspect sites where
solid waste is disposed.
 Investigate complaints
of improperly treated
sewage & make the
proper corrections.

10. 10
EH Professionals protect the environment
and health of the community by making
sure that sewage is properly treated.
Waste Water

11. 11
Signs of Septic Failure
Waste Water

12. 12
The chemical and
physical properties of
soil provide specific
information about
how well the soil will
perform as a filter of
wastes.
Waste Water

13. 13
WATER QUALITY &
PROTECTION

14. 14
Water Quality & Protection
Ensure the water we drink is free
of contaminants such as viruses,
bacteria, and harmful chemicals.

15. 15
 Inspect the construction of wells
 Verify that wells are placed in areas protected
from contaminants
Water Quality & Protection

16. 16
EH
Professionals
ensure water
safety for
everyone.
Water Quality & Protection

17. 17
FOOD PROTECTION &
SAFETY

18. 18
Food Protection & Safety
Ensure the food served in
restaurants is properly stored and
prepared.
State/Federal
requirements
are met.

19. 19
Food Program
Enforce health
and safety
standards in
the handling of
food prepared
for the public.

20. 20
Food Program
Educate
food
operators
on proper
food
preparation
and
service.

21. 21
HAZARDOUS & SOLID
WASTE

22. 22
Household Hazardous Waste
Oversee
Household
Hazardous Waste
collection and
disposal.

23. 23
Household Hazardous Waste
Improper disposal of household
hazardous wastes can pollute the
environment and pose a threat to human
health.

24. 24
AIR QUALITY & POLLUTION
CONTROL
The impact of mankind continually
threatens
the quality of our air, water, land,
and food supply.

25. 25
AIR QUALITY & POLLUTION
CONTROL

26. 26
AIR QUALITY & POLLUTION
CONTROL
Monitor

27. 27
RADIATION PROTECTION

28. 28
SOIL SCIENCE AND LAND
CONSERVATION

29. 29
Soil Science & Land Conservation

30. 30

31. 31

32. 32
To find a college or university
with an accredited EH program,
please contact:
Contact NEHA.org for
more information on
EH Programs,
Scholarships, Jobs,
State Affiliations, etc.

33. 33
This Children's Environmental Health
presentation was made possible through a
grant from
The Dow Chemical Company Foundation

34. 34
Credits
• Charles Lichon, R.S., M.P.H., Creator of Children’s EH Program,
Midland County Health Department (CHD) Michigan
• Nancy Atwood, Midland CHD (MI) Sanitarian
• Christine Rogers, Meth Response Coordinator, Kalamazoo CHD, MI
• Robert Wolfe, Midland CHD (MI) Sanitarian
• John Demerjian and Linda Van Orden, Wayne CHD, MI, Body Art
• Gayle Blues, Midland County EH Clerical (research & design)
• National Environmental Health Association (NEHA.org) for website
storage and oversight.
NOTE: Permission to use this & all Children’s EH Power Point
presentations is granted thru NEHA, however, all grant & credit notices &
informational slides must be used during each presentation.

35. 35
Other presentations include:
 Body Art
 Careers in Environmental Health
 Food Safe Issues
 Household Hazardous Waste
 Meth and Teens
 Recreational Water
 Sun Wise
Contact NEHA.org for more information

36. 36
For more Information about
this presentation, contact:
(Local Health Dept Name here)