Modernizing Data Systems in Environmental Public Health

Modernizing Data Systems in Environmental Public Health: A Blueprint for Action

Key Data Sources EPH professionals operate in a complex and rap - idly evolving landscape where accurate, timely, and contextually relevant data are essential for effective decision-making. No single source can provide the whole picture. To conduct strong analyses and take well-informed action, EPH professionals draw from multiple trusted sources to ensure thorough analyses and informed de - cision-making. The following is a sample of the key sources commonly used in EPH practice: Federal Agencies: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), U.S. Environmental Pro- tection Agency (U.S. EPA), U.S. Geological Sur- vey (USGS), National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). State and Local Agencies: Health and en - vironmental protection departments, urban planning divisions, and regional data portals. Grassroots monitoring efforts, participatory science projects, local nonprofits, and academic partnerships can provide valuable hyperlocal insights. Community-Based Sources: Internal Systems: Data collected directly from in - spections, mobile apps, surveys, and permitting systems within an agency’s own environmental health management system (EHMS). Table 4 provides more detailed information and real-world examples of each source type and highlights how they contribute to effective EPH practice.

Table 4

SOURCE TYPE

SUBCATEGORY (IF APPLICABLE)

DESCRIPTION

REAL-WORLD EXAMPLES

KEY CONSIDERATIONS Broad coverage, scientifically validated; could lack local specificity or timeliness.

Federal Agencies

National data and tools for tracking environmental conditions, health outcomes, and trends.

• CDC Environmental Public Health Tracking Network • U.S. EPA Envirofacts and ECHO • USGS Water Data • NOAA Climate Data Online Environmental Health Tracking Program • Massachusetts Asthma Surveillance • NYC Environment & Health Data Portal • California • Air Louisville: Residents monitor pollution with smart inhalers. • CoCoRaHS (Community Cooperative Rain, Hail, and Snow Network): Tracks precipitation via volunteer observers. • iNaturalist: Biodiversity mapping through public submissions.

State and Local Agencies

Regional or city- level environmental health data tied to specific populations and geographies.

More localized and policy-relevant, quality and availability can vary by jurisdiction.

Community-Based Sources

Grassroots Monitoring

Informal resident- led data collection using low-cost tools.

Provides hyperlocal context; data could lack standardization or scientific rigor without oversight. Expanding reach and community engagement requires training and quality control to be essential.

Participatory Science Projects

Public volunteers assist in scientific data collection and analysis.