September 26
World Environmental Health Day
September 26 was declared World Environmental Health Day by the International Federation of Environmental Health (IFEH) and is celebrated annually on this day. Environmental health is a field that focuses on the health relationships between people and their environment.
Ensuring public health is a multifaceted challenge that requires expertise not only in the field of health threats that come from within. With the increasing number of severe weather events and nationwide outbreaks of foodborne illnesses, environmental health is coming to the forefront. Addressing environmental health issues such as climate change, food safety, water and air quality, and disease spread is one of the most important responsibilities of public health professionals. Local health organizations must be strong advocates for ongoing environmental health education, funding, and support.
World Environmental Health Day on September 26th is an opportunity for local health departments to educate their communities and partners, raise awareness about the biggest risks and issues in current environmental health, and stimulate discussion about steps people can take to protect the environment and ensure their safety.
Environmental health is a branch of public health that focuses on the health relationships between people and their environment. It promotes human health and well-being by supporting a safe and healthy built and natural environment. The discipline often includes work in areas such as climate change mitigation, hazardous materials management, land use planning, radiological health, food safety, exposure to toxic chemicals, recreational water disease prevention, and safe drinking water, among others. Environmental health professionals often work as epidemiologists, toxicologists, sanitarians, and industrial hygienists.
World Environmental Health Day, an initiative of the International Federation of Environmental Health (IFEH), is celebrated every year to not only raise awareness about the profession and the health threats that need to be addressed but also as an opportunity for organizations worldwide to come together and organize events that promote environmental health literacy.
The theme for 2023 is "Protecting Everyone's Health Every Day."
You can follow the activities of WEHD 2023 and how to get involved at www.ifeh.org/wehd.
