© Joel Bennet, Alaska Division of Tourism
The Environmental Public Health Program evaluates the possible hazards to human health associated with toxic substances in the environment. Epidemiological studies and toxicological risk assessments are used to evaluate human exposures to hazardous substances and potential health risks. Chemical contaminants can enter our environment from emergency release events, hazardous waste disposal, global transport, local deposition and other sources.
Program objectives include:
- Develop intervention strategies to reduce or eliminate chemical exposures of human health concern
- Foster two-way communication in order to address community concerns about contaminants
- Provide information about the health risks associated with hazardous substances
Programs and Activities
Hot topics- What's new in the Environmental Public Health Program
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North Pole sulfolane contamination
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Proceedings from conference, "Ingestion of Lead from Spent Ammunition: Implications for Wildlife and Humans"
The Environmental Public Health Program recently participated in a conference convened by The Peregrine Fund discussing the available research on the effects and risks of lead exposure from spent bullet fragments. The Peregrine Fund, a conservation group for birds of prey, convened the conference after a decade of research on wild California Condors in the Grand Canyon region of Arizona revealed that lead exposure from spent ammunition is the most important factor impeding the full recovery of the species in the area. The research also suggested that lead from spent ammunition could be a concern to people who eat game harvested with lead bullets or shot shells.
Click here to find EPHP's contribution, "Human Exposure to Lead from Ammunition in the Circumpolar North" and here for the full conference proceedings.
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A Women's Guide to Eating Fish in Alaska
Alaska Fish Consumption Guidelines for women who are or can become pregnant, nursing mothers, and children age 12 years and under are now available. Click here for more information.
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Targeted Mercury Biomonitoring Project in Rural Alaska
The Environmental Public Health Program is currently conducting a targeted mercury biomonitoring project in rural Alaska. The project aims to determine if there is a link between fish consumption and hair mercury levels in populations that eat northern pike. This project is being conducted in collaboration with the US Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) and is taking place in communities on or near several national wildlife refuges throughout Alaska.
Click here for USFWS and Environmental Public Health Program project fact sheets. Click here for consumption advice for women and children eating pike from the Kuskokwim River or Lower Yukon River.
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Information for health care providers and parents about lead testing in children
For information about lead testing in children, please click here.
Fact sheets and information on common environmental health issues in Alaska
*Links to external resources are provided as a public service and do not imply endorsement*
Don't see your topic? Click here for a link to all State of Alaska Section of Epidemiology Bulletins
Environmental Public Health Program Staff - check out who works in the program, what they do, and how to contact them.
© Alaska Division of Tourism
Public Comments and Questions
The Environmental Public Health Program welcomes comments and questions from the public. Please use this form to send us your comments or questions. Thank you.
The public is encouraged to contact the Environmental Public Health Program with any questions they might have regarding environmental health issues.
Other Links of Interest
Many other credible environmental health resources are available online, and individuals seeking general information about health and the environment are encouraged to take advantage of the following useful sites:
*Links to external resources are provided as a public service and do not imply endorsement*
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