Public health and environmental health go hand-in-hand. For one, almost all environmental health topics affect populations, whether the general population or subpopulations. Using occupational medicine as an example, environmental health relates to workers' health and wellness. The occupational environment may be the source of hazardous exposures that may affect a specific type of worker. Occupational medicine and environmental health also fall within the realm of public health. Looking at occupational health, the governmental regulatory body, Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), first comes to mind. OSHA was established in 1970 by Congress to protect workers with the goal of ensuring that all work environments in the United States are safe. As a regulatory body, OSHA has the authority to enforce its regulations. And OSHA is needed because there are occasions when companies/ industries may not be aware of what it takes to keep workers safe. Or are unwilling to make necessary changes to work environments and conditions without a body such as OSHA to enforce health and safety standards. The National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) was also created by Congress in 1970 to develop knowledge regarding occupational safety and health to protect workers. NIOSH conducts research on different occupational health and safety topics, providing guidance to businesses and industries. A difference between OSHA and NIOSH is that while OSHA develops and implements regulations that companies in the United States must follow, NIOSH does not have the authority to enforce its recommendations.

Of course, there is much more to environmental health than occupational medicine. And public health encompasses many vital topics that are outside of the scope of environmental health. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is the primary governmental regulatory body for protecting the environment. Although the EPA is also an environmental health organization. The EPA's mission is to protect human and environmental health. As a regulatory agency, Congress authorizes the EPA to write regulations (mandatory requirements) that everyone must follow (individuals, companies, government, etc.). Violations of the EPA's rules are punishable by law. In 1973 the EPA banned DDT, a pesticide, due to its toxic effect on wildlife, notably the reproductive success of the Bald Eagle, resulting in significantly decreased numbers of the species because of DDT's widespread use starting in the 1940s. Following the ban of DDT, the number of bald eagles in the United States increased. Specific to human health, under the Clean Air Act, the EPA is responsible for setting human health standards for air quality and emission standards that apply to motor vehicles, power plants, and other industrial sources of air pollution.

Website References:

About OSHA | Occupational Safety and Health Administration

About NIOSH | NIOSH | CDC

Basic Information on Enforcement | US EPA

DDT - A Brief History and Status | US EPA