Environmental Health To build, sustain, and empower an effective environmental health workforce Volume 89, No. 4 November 2026 Journal of
ADVANCEMENT OF THE SCIENCE
ABOUT THE COVER
Consistent, high- quality retail food inspections are essential to prevent- ing foodborne illness and protect- ing public health. This month’s cover article presents findings from
International Perspectives: Development of Spatial Noise Maps and Perceived Health Risks for Itinerant Workers in Lagos, Nigeria ..................................................................... 8
ADVANCEMENT OF THE PRACTICE
A National Census of Retail Food Inspector Standardization: Workforce Capacity, Training Practices, and Opportunities for Expansion in the United States...............................14
the first national census of retail food inspec- tor standardization, establishing a baseline for workforce development and expansion. Of 530 responding jurisdictions, 53% reported Food and Drug Administration-guided standardization, covering about 70% of U.S. retail food establish- ments. The authors estimate that standardizing approximately 7,940 additional inspectors would achieve an 85% national standardization target. Their recommendations outline opportunities for targeted investment, regional collaboration, and expanded training capacity, providing a measur- able pathway toward more consistent retail food safety oversight nationwide. See page 14. Cover images © iStockphoto: master1305
International Perspectives: Building a Multisectoral Coalition to Prevent Lead Exposure in Ethiopia .................................................................................................................................. 24
Building Capacity: People, Pipes, and Population Series—Part 4: A Director’s Framework for Real-World Modernization ..................................................................................................... 32
Direct From ATSDR: Reconstructing the Past to Protect Communities Today ............................... 36
The Practitioner’s Tool Kit: Reevaluating Quaternary Ammonium Compounds . .......................... 40
ADVANCEMENT OF THE PRACTITIONER
Environmental Health Calendar................................................................................................44
Spotlight on NEHA Resources: Supporting Our Students . .......................................................... 47
ADVERTISERS INDEX
CDP, Inc................................................................35 Handheld Scientific Systems...................................2 Hedgerow Software...............................................69 HS GovTech..........................................................70 JEH Advertising..................................................... 42 NEHA Awards.................................................39, 67 NEHA CP-FS Study Guide....................................35 NEHA Endowment Foundation Donors..............34 NEHA Membership................................................4 NEHA REHS/RS Credential..................................44 NEHA REHS/RS Online Study Course.................43 NEHA REHS/RS Study Guide...............................43 NEHA Student Research Competition..................46 NEHA/AAS Scholarship........................................46 NEHA/AAS Scholarship Fund Donors..................45 NSF......................................................................... 5
YOUR ASSOCIATION
President’s Message: Nobody Wants to Eat Your Poop .............................................................................. 6
Special Listing............................................................................................................................48
NEHA 2026 AEC Wrap-Up.......................................................................................................50
NEHA AEC 2027.......................................................................................................................65
U.S. Postal Service Statement of Ownership...............................................................................66
NEHA News...............................................................................................................................68
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November 2026 • Journal of Environmental Health
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