A 1994 assessment by the Centers for Disease Control estimated that 17 percent of premature deaths could have been avoided by reducing environmental risks. When problems arise, prompt and effective action is important.
Environmental health contains a broad spectrum of related issues.
Environmental Health Programs are engaged in primary prevention, remediation of environmental hazards, facilities inspections, and enforcement of state and local public health laws, ordinances, and regulations. In addition, the CCP program investigates complaints of food poisoning, food-borne illnesses and unsanitary conditions in food service establishments. General environmental complaints arising from unsanitary conditions are also investigated by the CCP program. CCP also is responsible for permitting and inspecting all public and semi-public swimming pools to ensure compliance with safety requirements. CCP inspects health related facilities such as nursing homes and child care centers.