| Environmental Health Topics |
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The Oregon EPHT program is collecting data and information about environmental hazards, exposures and health effects. On this page you will find general information about the environmental and health topics we are studying. It is the hope of the EPHT program that the information we provide will drive actions to improve the health of communities.
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| Air |
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Air quality is a major environmental and public health issue that had been receiving national and local attention since the 1950s. Many common air pollutants are known to be related to a variety of health conditions, including respiratory conditions, asthma and cardiovascular disease. The Oregon and National EPHT programs are currently studying two pollutants: Ozone and Particulate Matter.
Click here for more information about EPHT and Air Quality
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| Asthma |
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 Asthma is a disease that affects the airways that carry oxygen in and out of the lungs, and is a leading chronic health condition among children. Asthma episodes and attacks can be triggered by indoor and outdoor environmental conditions including air pollution, smoke and mold. The Oregon and National EPHT programs are collecting information about hospitalizations for asthma around the state.
Click here for more information about EPHT and Asthma
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| Birth Outcomes |
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 Evidence from research shows that birth outcomes like preterm birth and low birth weight are related to exposures to environmental hazards (i.e. air pollution, contaminated water, lead) during pregnancy. There are critical windows of development where environmental exposures could damage growth and function. Preterm and low birth weight babies have a much higher risk for death and disability throughout the lifespan. The Oregon and National EPHT programs are collecting information about birth outcomes to study these relationships.
Click here for more information about EPHT and Birth Outcomes
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| Heart Attack |
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Investigators in the both the U.S. and abroad have shown significant relationships between air pollutants and increased risk of heart attack and other forms of coronary heart disease, particularly for older adults. The Oregon and National EPHT programs are tracking heart attacks for the first time in the U.S.
Click here for more information about EPHT and Heart Attack
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| Lead |
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 Lead is a naturally occurring metal that has been used in a variety of products in the US, including paint, gasoline, pipes and batteries. Lead poisoning can cause learning disabilities, behavioral problems, and, at very high levels, seizures, coma, and even death. Children are especially at risk for lead poisoning. State and local agencies collect blood samples when children are tested for lead poisoning and the Oregon and National EPHT programs are compiling this information.
Click here for more information about EPHT and Lead
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| Water |
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 On average, every person consumes more than a quart of water each day. As a result, drinking water is a potentially significant route of exposure to hazardous substances. Water pollutants have the potential to cause both acute and chronic health effects. Water pollution comes from sewage, industrial waste, non-point sources such as agricultural runoff, and storm water drainage. The National EPHT Network currently tracks arsenic, disinfection by-products (HAA5 and TTHM), and nitrate. In addition to those contaminants, Oregon EPHT tracks coliform (fecal and total), copper, lead, mercury, polychlorinated biphenyls, and tetrachloroethylene.
Click here for more information about EPHT and Water
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