Occupational and Environmental Epidemiology

Occupational and Environmental Epidemiology is the branch of public health that deals with environmental and occupational conditions and hazards that may pose a risk to human health. OEE identifies and quantifies exposures to environmental and occupational contaminants; conducts risk assessments and risk communication; provides medical evaluation and surveillance for adverse health effects; and provides health-based guidance on levels of exposure to such contaminants.

OEE staff work to protect the public health in the following areas:

Asbestos
Chemical and radiological events, both accidental and intentional
Drinking water contamination in both private and public water supplies
Exposure to chemical or certain biological contaminants
Hazardous waste site evaluation
Health studies, including the N.C. Community Health Study: Respiratory Health and TDI
Indoor air contaminants, including mold, in indoor environments such as schools, offices, and government buildings
Lead
Methamphetamine labs, both in terms of public health risks posed by these illegal labs, and the development of guidelines and rules for decontamination of those sites
Occupational illnesses and injuries due to the presence of hazardous substances or conditions in the workplace
Pollutants in fish such as mercury, PCBs and other chemical pollutants
Rabies and certain other zoonotic diseases
Releases of hazardous substances through the Hazardous Substances Emergency Surveillance (HSEES) Program
Suspected environmental hazards in local communities

Page last updated on Thursday, 31-May-07 10:29:39