National Environmental Education Week

These interactions are complex, and not always healthy. At the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention we work to prevent the illnesses, disabilities, and deaths that can result from harmful interactions between people and the environment.

Click here to listen to a message from Dr. Howard Frumkin, M.D., Dr.P.H., Director of the National Center for Environmental Health and the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry.

This April, CDC is joining millions of teachers and students in a week of educational preparedness for Earth Day. Visit this site daily between April 16 and April 20 to explore the complex and varied issues that environmental health scientists and programs are addressing at CDC. Each day, explore a new topic, ranging from traditional health concerns such as clean air and water, to emerging issues such as environmental justice.

Monday
Topic: The Built Environment

In the 21st century, the interaction between people and their environments, natural as well as human-made, continues to emerge as a major issue concerning public health.

Healthy Places: http://www.cdc.gov/healthyplaces

Healthy Homes: http://www.cdc.gov/healthyplaces/healthyhomes.htm

Podcast: http://www2a.cdc.gov/podcasts/player.asp?f=5248

Tuesday
Topic: Clean Air and Water

Scientists at CDC work to protect the public from air and water-related health risks caused by bacteria, pollution and other contaminants.

Respiratory Health: http://www.cdc.gov/healthyplaces/healthtopics/airpollution.htm

Water Quality: http://www.cdc.gov/nceh/ehhe/water/default.htm

Podcast: http://www2a.cdc.gov/podcasts/player.asp?f=5244

Wednesday
Topic: Hazardous Chemicals

Too much contact with many common substances can pose a health risk. Learn more about the chemicals in your environment that have the potential to cause you harm.

Hazardous Substances: http://www.atsdr.cdc.gov/substances

Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry: http://www.atsdr.cdc.gov

Podcast: http://www2a.cdc.gov/podcasts/player.asp?f=5247

Thursday
Topic: Environmental Justice

The pursuit of environmental justice seeks to ensure the fair treatment and meaningful involvement of all people regardless of race, color, national origin, or income with respect to the development, implementation, and enforcement of environmental laws, regulations, and policies.

CDC and Environmental Justice: http://www.cdc.gov/omh/AMH/eh.htm

Interagency Working Group on Environmental Justice: http://www.epa.gov/compliance/environmentaljustice/interagency

Podcast: http://www2a.cdc.gov/podcasts/player.asp?f=5246

Friday
Topic: Climate Change

Changes in our climate may impact our health, possibly increasing the number of illnesses, injuries and deaths associated with variable weather and extreme temperatures.

The Environmental Protection Agency's Climate Change Site: http://www.epa.gov/climatechange

Extreme Heat: http://www.bt.cdc.gov/disasters/extremeheat/index.asp

Podcast: http://www2a.cdc.gov/podcasts/player.asp?f=5245

National Environmental Education Week is sponsored by the National Environmental Education & Training Foundation. Learn more about this collaborative event at www.eeweek.org.