CDC’s National Center for Environmental Health (NCEH) plans, directs, and coordinates a program to protect the American people from environmental hazards. They promote a healthy environment and prevent premature death,  avoidable illness and disability caused by non-infectious, non-occupational environmental and related factors. They are especially committed to safeguarding the health of vulnerable populations – such as children, the elderly, and people with disabilities – from certain environmental hazards.

Overview
The environment is everything around us: the air we breathe, the water we drink and use, and the food we eat. Additionally, the chemicals, radiation, microbes, and physical forces with which we come into contact. Our contacts with the environment are complex and not always healthy. At the National Center for Environmental Health (NCEH) they work to prevent illness, disability, and death from contacts between people and the environment. They are especially committed to protecting the health of vulnerable populations — children, the elderly, and people with disabilities – from certain environmental hazards.

They conduct research in the laboratory and in the field to investigate the effects of the environment on health. They track and evaluate environment-related health problems through surveillance systems. They help U.S. and international agencies and organizations prepare for and respond to: natural, technologic, humanitarian, and terrorism-related environmental emergencies.

On the basis of research and surveillance results, they work with partners to protect human health. Their interventions range from: responding to emergencies, educating and training various audiences, developing new standards and guidelines, and helping formulate public policy. They strive to protect health over the entire life-span. They work to promote the best fetal, infant, and child development, including: preventing birth defects and developmental disabilities; enhancing health and quality of life; and, preventing secondary conditions among children, teens, and adults with disabilities.

The scope of their work is worldwide. They protect health during emergencies both in the U.S. and internationally. They also protect the health of the public visiting U.S. national parks and taking cruises on ships that dock in U.S. ports. Environmental problems cross geographic boundaries. Lessons learned in helping other countries can be used to understand and address U.S. public health problems. They have established a global health office to coordinate and expand their global activities.

The nature of their work is expanding. Genetic knowledge, tests, and services play a larger role in public health practice. They work hard to make sure that knowledge of human genetics is translated into effective and ethical public health actions.

No matter where and how they work, they are committed to protecting the health of all people, not only in the U.S.