Category: Division of Environmental Hazards and Health Effects
CDC and AAPCC act fast to track, investigate, and report on outbreaks of poisoning and emerging environmental health threats
Did you know CDC works with poison centers to protect the nation from public health threats? Roughly every 8 minutes, call data from poison centers across the country are uploaded into a national reporting database called the National Poison Data System (NPDS). NPDS, managed by the American Association of Poison Control Centers (AAPCC), is an Read More >
Posted on by Leave a commentTracking Groundwater in Maine
In Maine, more than half of all homes rely on private wells for drinking water. Many wells have levels of arsenic, uranium, or other chemicals that can cause serious health effects such as cancer or low birth weight. These contaminants can only be detected through laboratory testing. Private well owners are responsible for testing their Read More >
Posted on by Leave a commentCarbon Monoxide (CO) Poisoning Prevention
When power outages occur after severe weather (such as winter storms, hurricanes or tornadoes), using alternative sources of power can cause carbon monoxide (CO) to build up in a home and poison the people and animals inside. Read More >
Posted on by Leave a commentProtect Yourself and Your Family from Radon
Radon is the second leading cause of lung cancer after cigarette smoking. If you smoke and live in a home with high radon levels, you increase your risk of developing lung cancer. Having your home tested is the only effective way to determine whether you and your family are at risk of high radon exposure. Read More >
Posted on by Leave a commentBe Prepared to Stay Safe and Healthy in Winter
Winter storms and cold temperatures can be hazardous. Stay safe and healthy by planning ahead. Prepare your home and cars. Prepare for power outages and outdoor activity. Check on older adults. Read More >
Posted on by Leave a commentNCEH/ATSDR – Top 10 “Your Health, Your Environment” Blog Posts of 2016
As this year draws to a close, perhaps you’ve realized that you didn’t get a chance to read all of the “Your Health, Your Environment” blog posts. To help you get caught up, here are the ten most popular posts of 2016: Read More >
Posted on by Leave a commentWhen Every Drop Counts: Protecting Public Health during Drought Conditions—A Guide for Public Health Professionals
Drought is a natural occurrence. During a drought, rainfall levels or other precipitation types are lower than average for an extended period, resulting in an inadequate water supply. Although the literature contains many well-researched articles on the aspects and implications of drought itself, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recognizes much is yet Read More >
Posted on by Leave a commentCarbon Monoxide (CO) Poisoning Prevention
Daylight Savings Time ends Sunday, November 6, 2016. As you prepare to set your clocks backward one hour, remember to check the batteries in your carbon monoxide (CO) detector. If you don’t have a battery-powered or battery back-up CO alarm, now is a great time to buy one. At least 430 people die each year Read More >
Posted on by Leave a commentCDC’s Environmental Public Health Tracking Network in Action
Take a look at how tracking programs across the country are making important, lasting contributions to the health of their communities. CDC’s Environmental Public Health Tracking Network (Tracking Network) connects people with vital public health information. It has data and information that can be used for a wide variety of environmental and public health efforts. Read More >
Posted on by Leave a commentFlood Safety Tips
Take these important steps to reduce the harm caused by flooding. Each year, more deaths occur due to flooding than any other hazard related to thunderstorms. The most common flood deaths occur when a vehicle is driven into hazardous flood water. Read More >
Posted on by Leave a comment