YOUR ASSOCIATION
PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE
Environmental Health— What Can’t We Do?
Tom Butts, MSc, REHS
E nvironmental health/environmental public health refers to the branch of public health that focuses on under- standing how environmental factors can aect human health and well-being. It involves as- sessing, mitigating, controlling, and prevent- ing environmental hazards that can have ad- verse eects on individuals or communities. Environmental health considers factors, including air quality, water quality, food safety, sanitation, waste management, haz- ardous substances, occupational health, and the overall built and natural environments we all work and live in. It aims to identify and mitigate potential health risks associ- ated with these factors. Practitioners can conduct research, moni- tor and assess environmental conditions, develop and implement policies and regula- tions, provide education and outreach, and collaborate with other sectors to address envi- ronmental health issues. The ultimate goal is to protect and improve public health by mini- mizing or eliminating environmental risks and promoting environmental sustainability. The specific roles within the environ- mental public health workforce can include environmental health ocers, public health inspectors, epidemiologists, toxicologists, occupational health specialists, environ- mental scientists, environmental engineers, sanitarians, and policy analysts, among others. Each role contributes to dierent aspects of environmental health, but all are important to recognize. As I think about the importance of the work done on a daily basis, I often think about how closely environmental health is aligned with
conditions. By promoting safe and healthy environments, we contribute to fulfilling the safety needs of individuals. The third level in the hierarchy is the need for love and belonging, which encompasses social connections, relationships, and a sense of community. Environmental health is often called on by community members when no one else has responded and can foster commu- nity engagement, collaboration, and awareness. We create opportunities for people to come together and address shared environmental concerns. By promoting a sense of belonging and cooperation, environmental health eorts contribute to fulfilling social needs. The fourth level of Maslow’s hierarchy is the need for esteem, which involves feelings of achievement, recognition, and self-worth. Environmental health work can contribute to enhancing self-esteem by empowering individuals to take control of their environ- ment, make positive changes, and partici- pate in decision-making processes related to their communities. At the top of the hierarchy is self-actual- ization, which refers to achieving one’s full potential and personal growth. While envi- ronmental health might not directly address self-actualization, it can support creating the necessary conditions for individuals to focus on higher-level needs by ensuring a founda- tion of physiological well-being, safety, social connections, and self-esteem. As I reflect on the important role the pro- fession has in our communities, it is also imperative to recognize the continual changes in environmental public health practice, often dictated by national or international events. It
The environmental health practice continues to evolve as challenges and opportunities emerge in the ever- changing landscape.
Maslow’s hierarchy of needs. Maslow’s hier- archy of needs is a psychological theory that suggests humans have a set of hierarchical needs that must be met to reach their full potential and achieve self-actualization. At the base of Maslow’s hierarchy are phys- iological needs, which include basic require- ments for survival such as food, water, shelter, and sleep. Environmental health plays a criti- cal role in ensuring access to clean air, safe drinking water, safe food, adequate sanitation, and proper waste management. By address- ing these foundational issues, environmental health directly contributes to meeting the physiological needs of individuals. Moving up the hierarchy, the next level consists of safety needs, including personal and environmental safety, protection from hazards, and access to healthcare services. Environmental health professionals work every day to identify and mitigate environ- mental risks such as exposure to pollutants, hazardous substances, or unsafe working
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Volume 86 • Number 3
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