What Is Environmental Health? A Guide for Aspiring Public Health Professionals

Are you curious about the link between the environment and human health? Can you envision yourself carrying out important research that will help experts better understand the impact of environmental factors on health or advocating for policies designed to reduce human exposure to harmful environmental factors?

If so, then a career in environmental health could be right for you.

Environmental Health Definition: What Does It Mean?

What is environmental health?

In simplest terms, the environmental health definition refers to a field of study that centers around the connection between environmental factors and human health/well-being. Professionals who work in this field look closely at how different environmental factors can impact the well-being of populations.

Key Areas of Environmental Health

There are many environmental factors that can impact human health, all of which environmental health experts may study over the course of their careers. Some key areas of the field include:

Air quality, which looks at the connection between things like air pollution and its impact on human health.
Water and sanitation, including such issues as drinking water contamination and disease transmission through water.
Food safety, which focuses on such topics as safe food handling and food production measures to protect human health and well-being.
Waste management, or the methods used to safely handle waste in such a way that human health is preserved.
Toxicology and chemical safety, which focuses on mitigating the risks associated with human exposure to certain chemicals, including both natural and man-made chemicals.
Occupational health, or the study of how workplace hazards can result in health and safety risks to employees.
Climate and ecosystem health, which looks at the link between issues like climate change and deforestation to human health.

Why Environmental Health Matters in Today’s World

The research and efforts of environmental health professionals are critical when it comes to effectively preventing illnesses, enhancing quality of life, and even increasing human life expectancy.

Pressing Environmental Health Challenges

Of course, this isn't to say that today's environmental health professionals don't have their work cut out for them. Some of the most pressing challenges in environmental health today include:

Climate change, which may increase the risk of more extreme weather events that can pose dangers to human health and safety.
Air pollution, which can lead to respiratory issues, heart problems, and other health issues.
Water contamination, which can spread infectious diseases that are life-threatening.
Emerging contaminants, especially synthetic chemicals and microorganisms whose effects on human health are not yet widely understood.
Urbanization, which can lead to increased rates of both infectious and noncommunicable diseases.
Occupational exposures, which can put worker safety and well-being at risk.

How Environmental Health Connects to Public Health

It is not uncommon to see environmental health and public health discussed in tandem — and for good reason. These two distinct fields are closely intertwined, as environmental health hazards can have a significant impact on public health as a whole.

With this in mind, environmental health experts often work alongside:

Epidemiologists, to better understand (and mitigate) the spread of infectious diseases.
Health educators, to provide the public with the information they need to make informed decisions about their health.
Policy experts, to advocate for new policies that better protect the public from environmental health hazards.

Careers in Environmental Health

If you're interested in working in environmental health, there are many potential career paths to choose from.

Common Environmental Health Jobs

Some of the most common careers in environmental health include:

Environmental Health Specialist - Focuses on environmental health factors and their potential impact on the community.
Occupational Health & Safety Officer - Works to improve the working conditions (including environmental conditions) for employees in workplaces.
Toxicologist - Evaluates the risk of certain chemicals and contaminants to human health and takes measures to mitigate these risks.
Public Health Researcher - Designs and conducts research studies to better understand certain environmental health topics.
Epidemiologist (Environmental Focus) - A professional who studies the spread of disease as it relates to environmental factors (like chemical pollution and air pollution).
Climate & Health Analyst - Studies public health trends and looks for patterns between human health and climate.
Environmental Policy Advisor - Makes recommendations for policies that may improve environmental health and, by extension, human health.

Where Environmental Health Professionals Work

Environmental health professionals can work in any range of settings, depending on their specific role. Some examples of the most common work settings for environmental health professionals include:

Local and state health departments
Federal agencies (CDC, EPA, OSHA, FDA)
International organizations (WHO, UN, USAID)
Universities and research institutes
Environmental consulting firms
Nonprofit and advocacy organizations

Skills You’ll Develop in Environmental Health

During your career in environmental health, you'll have the opportunity to develop essential skills and competencies that could serve you well as you advance into other roles. These include:

Risk Assessment & Management - The practice of determining which environmental health risks are most critical and how to mitigate them most effectively.
Epidemiological Analysis - The ability to study and understand how different environmental factors can affect a person's risk of developing certain diseases or health conditions.
Regulatory Knowledge - The field of environmental health is governed by numerous regulations that professionals must stay up-to-date with and comply with at all times.
Environmental Toxicology - The study of potentially harmful effects of environmental toxins on human health.
Data Collection & Analysis - The ability to collect, process, and interpret large amounts of raw data — ultimately uncovering valuable insights that can inform future policy.
Health Communication - Environmental health professionals must develop strong verbal and written communication skills, especially when it comes to sharing findings and recommendations with stakeholders and members of the public.
Emergency Preparedness - Knowing how to anticipate and prepare for environmental disasters (such as wildfires and climate change) can help professionals in this field better protect human health and life.

The Role of Education: Why an MPH in Environmental Health?

What does it take to enter the field of public health? According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), environmental scientists and specialists typically require a minimum of a bachelor's degree in a related field, such as environmental science. However, many go on to pursue a master's degree in public health (MPH) to gain additional skills and knowledge.

Benefits of an Online MPH in Environmental Health

There are many potential advantages to pursuing an Online MPH in Environmental Health, such as the one offered through Texas A&M:

Flexibility for professionals with 100% online classes that you can complete at your own pace.
Interdisciplinary faculty expertise for additional support and tailored guidance.
Career advancement opportunities, especially for higher-level leadership and management roles in environmental health.
Leadership training opportunities for those interested in advancing into a leadership role.
Global relevance, because environmental health is important everywhere.

Main Objectives of Environmental Health Programs

When you work in environmental health, you can enjoy the sense of accomplishment and fulfillment that comes with knowing that you're making a difference in the lives of others.

Prevent Disease and Injury

Through their research and advocacy, environmental health professionals aim to prevent disease and injury among populations and communities. This includes taking measures (such as educating the public) to prevent the spread of transmissible diseases through exposure reduction and other proven strategies.

Promote Healthy Environments

Likewise, environmental health professionals work to create healthier environments where people can live and work. Whether taking measures to improve access to safe housing or advocating for legislation against air pollution, these professionals can put their expertise to work for the public good.

Monitor and Control Hazards

Hazards, including air and water pollution, can lead to severe health consequences for communities. Environmental health workers aim to keep a close eye on these kinds of hazards and take measures to minimize their exposure to the public, which can improve health outcomes.

Ensure Compliance With Regulations

Regulations like the Clean Air Act and Clean Water Act aim to protect populations from certain environmental health hazards, such as pollution. Environmental health workers ensure that businesses and other entities are operating in compliance with these regulations, thus keeping local populations safer.

Educate and Empower Communities

Another important job of many environmental health workers is to educate and raise awareness about relevant environmental health concerns within their communities. In doing so, they can help populations improve their own habits and rally them to advocate for policies that could benefit them.

Advance Research and Innovation

Some environmental health professionals take on dedicated research roles, where they design and execute studies to better understand important environmental health topics.

Promote Environmental Justice

Environmental health professionals also commit their work to the idea that all people have a basic right to exist in an environment that is safe and healthy, regardless of their income, background, or race. This concept of environmental justice is at the forefront of the work that many in this field do on a daily basis.

Examples of Environmental Health in Action

How have environmental health experts already made a difference in the lives of others? Examples of environmental health in action include:

Air pollution control in urban centers, including implementing emission standards for vehicles and greener infrastructure.
Lead exposure prevention legislation, such as the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSA) and Residential Lead-Based Paint Hazard Reduction Act of 1992.
COVID-19 and the built environment, including measures to reduce disease spread through smart design and indoor air quality innovations.
Climate adaptation programs that focus on preparing communities for the potential impacts of climate change, including the CDC's Climate and Health Program.
Safe agricultural practices that aim to minimize exposure to chemical pesticides and other potentially harmful substances, like integrated pest management systems.

The Future of Environmental Health

The field of environmental health is anything but static, and those preparing to enter the industry need to be prepared to stay on top of emerging trends and issues.

Emerging Trends to Watch

Some notable trends to be on the lookout for in environmental health include:

Digital tools and big data, including the use of artificial intelligence (AI) and predictive modeling to make more accurate predictions about future trends.
Global health collaboration as more countries unite to create healthier and more sustainable environments.
Sustainable development goals (SDGs) being implemented by many environmentally conscious companies and governments.
Community-based approaches that involve educating and mobilizing populations to advocate for their own environmental health and wellness.
Environmental justice, including measures and initiatives to make healthy work and living spaces more accessible to all.

Ready to Shape the Future of Public Health Through Environmental Health?

If you feel passionately about making the planet a safer and healthier place for all populations — and if you're looking for a career that allows you to flex your research and problem-solving skills, then a career in environmental health could be right for you.

Ready to take the next step? Consider pursuing your Online MPH from Texas A&M University. In this 45-credit-hour program, you'll enjoy a world-class education without having to put other areas of your life on hold.

Get in touch to learn more about our Online MPH program, or get the ball rolling with your application today.

Environmental Health Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is the definition of environmental health?

The National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences (NIEHS) defines environmental health as "the science of identifying and understanding the impacts of environmental exposures to hazardous physical, chemical, and biological agents in air, water, soil, food, as well as social stressors that may adversely affect human health."

Why is environmental health important?

Environmental health is important because it can prevent the spread of disease, protect vulnerable populations, and promote the overall health and well-being of entire populations.

What careers are available in environmental health?

Those with the right education and skills in environmental health may be able to explore careers in environmental health research, toxicology, epidemiology, policy advising, and occupational health/safety.

How does environmental health relate to public health?

Environmental health and public health are very closely related because environmental factors (such as air quality, climate change, and water pollution) can have significant effects on public health and well-being.

Do I need an MPH to work in environmental health?

This will ultimately depend on the specific role you want to pursue. Although some entry-level roles may be filled by applicants with no more than a bachelor's degree in environmental health or public health, a master's degree may be preferred by employers — especially for more advanced leadership and management roles.