Modernizing Data Systems in Environmental Public Health: A Blueprint for Action
Section 2: Data Literacy and Foundational Skills
EPH data span multiple domains and disciplines, requiring professionals to be fluent in a diverse set of information sources. To thrive in a modern data environ- ment, EPH professionals benefit from strong data literacy and foundational skills. These competencies enable practitioners to access, interpret, and effectively communicate data, ultimately improving public health outcomes and supporting informed, data-driven decision-making that benefits all communities. Environmental Public Health Data Overview EPH professionals benefit from familiarity with the following key types of data—each serving a distinct purpose, yet often interconnected: exposure data, health outcome data, surveillance data, demographic and socioeconomic data, geospatial data, regulatory and compliance data, and financial and budgetary data. Communication records data are a cross-cutting element that support and enhance all these categories by linking technical findings to the outreach, notifications, and engagement activities that give them real-world context and drive action. Exposure data capture environmental measurements such as air quality, water contaminants, chemical exposures, and radiation levels. These indicators are essential to assess risk in residential and occupational settings. Health outcome data include records of illnesses and conditions potentially linked to environmental factors, such as asthma, lead poisoning, heat-related illness, and certain cancers, which serve as a basis for epidemiological analysis. Surveillance data are collected continuously to monitor trends and detect emerging public health threats. These data might include patterns in vector- borne diseases, foodborne illness outbreaks, or violations of drinking water standards. Demographic and socioeconomic data provide context by offering information on age, race, income, education, and housing. These data help assess communi- ty vulnerability and highlight disparities in exposure and health outcomes.
Geospatial data , often visualized using GIS, enable EPH professionals to map risks, identify spatial trends, and define service areas or inspection zones.
Regulatory and compliance data include documentation of inspections, permit statuses, violations, and enforcement actions. These records confirm adherence to EPH regulations, aid agencies in tracking program performance, and improve inspector deployment strategies. Financial and budgetary data encompass permit and license fee payments, fines and penalties, and budget allocation and expenditure tracking, while also functioning as a public health surveillance and compliance tool that integrates with accounting systems to reconcile revenues and expenses.
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