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What
is Environmental Health?
Control
of environmental conditions is becoming increasingly important
to protect and maintain our health and sense of well-being.
Environmental Health is the field of public health which is
concerned with management of these environmental conditions.
An Environmental Health Specialist, or "sanitarian"
is a public health professional who protects public health
from detrimental conditions in the environment through education,
consultation, and regulation. Environmental Health Specialists
are college graduates with training in public health, sanitary
science, or one of the physical sciences. An Environmental
Health Specialist works with other professionals in their community
to provide a safe and healthy environment.
After one year of environmental health experience, an Environmental
Health Specialist is eligible to take a written examination for
professional registration as a Registered Environmental Health
Specialist/Sanitarian (REHS or RS) by the State of Minnesota.
Environmental Health Specialists provide expertise in the following
programs:
Food Service Sanitation and Food Safety
Through licensing, inspections, and consultations of restaurants,
bars, grocery stores, and other food establishments, Environmental
Health Specialists promote sanitary conditions for food preparation
and service.
Other program services for the prevention of foodborne illness
include certification of food managers, education and consultation
in safe handling techniques, and investigation of complaints and
disease outbreaks.
Public Health Nuisance Control and Housing
Environmental Health Specialists help their communities maintain
their housing stock by responding to complaints of unsanitary
conditions, and providing education to ensure safe and healthy
housing environments. Specialists investigate sources of
lead poisoning and regulate removal of these sources. Specialists
also inspect manufactured home parks to ensure these communities
are properly maintained and operated.
Recreational and Lodging Facilities
Environmental Health Specialists foster safe and sanitary conditions
through a preventive approach which includes inspections, monitoring,
and educational programming for the following areas:
- Public
swimming pools
- Recreational
camping areas
- Youth
camps
- Resorts
- Fairs,
festivals, and special events
- Hotels
and motels
- Bed
and breakfast establishments
Sewage
Treatment and Disposal
In many communities, Environmental Health Specialists are involved
in protection of public health, groundwater quality, and surface
water quality through soil evaluations, permits, and inspections
of individual on-site septic systems.
Hazardous Substances
Environmental Health Specialists provide information, consultation,
investigation and suggestions for mitigating problems associated
with lead, asbestos, radon, radioactive, and other hazardous materials.
Solid and Hazardous Waste
Environmental Health Specialists protect groundwater and other
environmental resources through licensing, inspection, and consultation
of hazardous waste generators & facilities, solid waste haulers,
and solid waste disposal facilities.
Schools, Day Care Centers, and other Institutions
Environmental Health Specialists inspect and consult with public
& private schools, day care centers, correctional facilities,
and other institutions to ensure health and safety conditions
are maintained to protect children and vulnerable adults.
Indoor Air Quality
The Minnesota Clean Indoor Air Act is enforced by Environmental
Health Specialists. Specialists also investigate and provide
consultations regarding other indoor air quality concerns, such
as radon, carbon monoxide, formaldehyde, and biological contaminants.
Water Supplies and Water Quality
Citizens with private water supplies (wells) are assisted by Environmental
Health Specialists who monitor drinking water quality through
laboratory, inspection, and consultation services. Specialists
also help with groundwater planning and Clean Water Partnerships.
Consultation and Education
Environmental Health Specialists proactively participate on teams
promoting safe living conditions for children, older adults, migrant
workers, and other vulnerable populations.
Environmental Health Specialists also provide information and
referral services to communities through presentations to educational
institutions at all levels, by participating in cooperative &
collaborative programs and though one-to-one consultation services.
Many Environmental Health Specialists teach national certification
courses for food service managers & workers, swimming pool
operators, asbestos & lead removal contractors, and other
occupations which can impact public health and safety.
For more information about Environmental Health practice in Minnesota,
click here.
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