in our communities, there is a range of his- torical data and a set of predictive (i.e., lead- ing indicators) that are being used to reduce exposure or impacts. Detailed data on air quality measurements, emissions from indus- tries, and trac patterns can be collected from state and local regulatory agencies and the sources themselves for analysis. Some communities use asthma hospital admissions to document historical impacts. These granular data might allow experts to identify hotspots of pollution and the industries responsible. Provided with this information, communities can work to have these industries adopt cleaner technologies, increase monitoring, and implement warning systems. Inspections of industrial facilities become more stringent and compliance with emission standards can be monitored more closely, which could result in a noticeable drop in air pollution levels. There are many good examples of tools that provide near real-time data available to guide community or individual behaviors. On a national level, the Smoke Forecast- ing System from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration integrates infor- mation on wildfire locations with National Weather Service inputs from the North American Mesoscale model into smoke dis- persion simulations to produce a daily 48-hr prediction of smoke transport and concentra- tion. The model also incorporates U.S. Forest Service estimates for wildfire smoke emis- sions based on vegetation cover. This system is intended as guidance to air quality forecast-
ers and the public for fine particulate matter emitted from large wildfires and agricultural burning that can elevate particulate concen- trations to unhealthful levels. The system is a great near real-time resource for decision making within environmental public health (https://digital.mdl.nws.noaa.gov/airquality). On a local level, data on community water quality for cyanobacteria (also known as blue-green algae) in Vermont is collected by regulatory agencies and citizen scientists on an ongoing basis. These online reports are continually updated and are then displayed on the Cyanobacteria (Blue-Green Algae) Tracker (www.healthvermont.gov/environ ment/tracking/cyanobacteria-blue-green- algae-tracker). This resource can be used by individuals as well as water resource manag- ers and health ocials. This local example is just one of many data sources available via the National Envi- ronmental Public Health Tracking Network (www.cdc.gov/nceh/tracking/index.html). At local, state, and national levels, the Tracking Network uses groups of people and informa- tion systems to deliver a core set of health, exposure, and hazards data; information summaries; and tools to enable analysis, visu- alization, and reporting of insights drawn from data. As discussed above, gathering the data from a wide range of sources and sys- tems, and getting it into a usable form, is a large part of the eort to make these data available and useful. The eective collection and use of data are crucial for both public health and envi-
ronmental health initiatives. Environmental public health can benefit immensely from data-driven decision making. By implement- ing these practical strategies, local commu- nity needs, and national initiatives, we can better understand the unique challenges and work toward creating healthier and more sus- tainable environments. Data alone will not be enough to inform community members or elected ocials about these challenges and needs. Relatable stories must accompany the data to create and support the case for change or program improvement. On a final note, the Building Capacity column in the September 2023 Journal of Environmental Health provided a nicely writ- ten and thought-provoking discussion about generative AI considerations (www.neha.org/ Images/resources/JEH9.23-Column-Build ing-Capacity.pdf). You can also find a new Building Capacity column in this issue that explores programmatic AI adoption.
tbutts@neha.org
Reference Food and Drug Administration. (2023). Adoption of the FDA Food Code by state and territorial agencies responsible for the over- sight of restaurants and retail food stores . https://www.fda.gov/food/fda-food-code/ adoption-fda-food-code-state-and-territor ial-agencies-responsible-oversight-restau rants-and-retail
Stand out in the crowd. Show the world you are the environmental health expert you know you are with a credential. You might even earn more or get promoted. neha.org/credentials
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November 2023 • our4(l o- 4;0ro4me49(l e(l9/
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