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Environmental Health

Environmental health is the study of how air, water, food, and surroundings affect people's health. It covers air quality, drinking water, hazardous exposures at home and work, and the rules meant to limit them. The Environmental Protection Agency, health agencies, state and local governments, industries, and communities all play a part.

People usually ask how clean air and water are kept safe and what their own risks are. They want to know how pollution affects health, how regulators weigh health against costs, what to do about hazards at home such as gas stoves, and where to find local data.

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December 6last updated

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All Articles on Environmental Health

The Fight Over Your Gas Stove: A Real Look at Health, Climate, and Regulation

Your kitchen stove has become an unlikely symbol in America's culture wars. What started as a scientific discussion about indoor air quality and climate…

30 Min Read

Air Quality and Your Health

Americans spend about 90% of their time indoors, where air pollution can be two to five times higher than outdoor levels. Sometimes it's more…

32 Min Read

U.S. Water Quality and Safety

Turn on the tap, and water flows. For most Americans, this simple act represents one of the greatest public health achievements in human history.…

39 Min Read