 A health inspector in Saudi Arabia inspecting the contents of a cooler | |
| Occupation | |
|---|---|
| Synonyms | Environmental health practitioner, public health inspector |
Activity sectors | Environmental health, Public health |
| Description | |
Education required | Varies by country, usually requires a degree and/or certification |
An environmental health officer (EHO), also referred to as an environmental health practitioner (EHP) or public health inspector, is a person responsible for carrying out measures to protect public health,[1] which includes the administration and enforcement of legislation related to environmental health and safety hazards.
EHOs aim to keep water, food, air, land, facilities, and other environmental attributes in compliance with local legislation. They control health hazards, including biological, chemical, or physical through the application of environmental safety law. EHOs address factors influencing human behavior outside the workplace. In contrast, workplace factors, such as workplace injury, are addressed by Occupational Safety and Health officers.[2][3] They also assess and control environmental factors that can potentially affect health to prevent disease and create health-supportive environments.
Environmental determinants of health, such as air, water, and food quality, are significant factors in a community's overall health and well-being. Inspectors play a crucial role in improving population health by reducing the incidence of disease and its consequences.
EHOs are trained to maintain a safe and healthy environment for the public.[4] They often require a degree[5] and additional training and certifications, including public health inspections, policy development, emergency response, disease prevention and control, and health promotion and education.[6][7] EHOs are responsible for preventing and addressing health risks as well as educating the community about these risks.
EHOs may be familiar with microbiology, epidemiology, chemistry, toxicology, environmental science, and food science. They are skilled in tracking and controlling communicable diseases and investigating environmental health incidents.[8][9] They must also be familiar with relevant laws and regulations related to public health and safety in their region. As practitioners, they work with government agencies, local municipalities, businesses, and community groups to protect public health. Depending on the specific laws and definitions in their jurisdiction, environmental health practitioners may also go by other titles, including environmental health specialist, public health inspector, and health official. Some historical titles for this role include inspector of nuisances, sanitarian, and sanitary inspector.
Local, state, or federal health departments usually employ environmental health professionals to advise and enforce public health standards. However, many are employed in the private sector, the military, and other third-sector agencies such as charities and nongovernmental organizations.
- ^ "Environmental Health". Commissioned Corps of the U.S. Public Health Service. Retrieved 24 November 2023.
- ^ "Environmental Health". Commissioned Corps of the U.S. Public Health Service. Retrieved 24 November 2023.
- ^ "Occupational Health & Safety Specialist". Commissioned Corps of the U.S. Public Health Service. Retrieved 24 November 2023.
- ^ "Becoming and Environmental Health Practitioner – Environmental Health Australia Ltd". www.eh.org.au. Retrieved 6 November 2023.
- ^ "Educational Health Professional (EHP) Definition". Law Insider. Retrieved 24 October 2023.
- ^ "How do I become an EHP?". CIEH. Retrieved 24 October 2023.
- ^ Miller, Mark (24 October 2023). "The Role of Environmental Health Practitioners in a Public Health Emergency" (PDF). Center for Disease Control and Prevention. Archived from the original (PDF) on 30 October 2023. Retrieved 24 October 2023.
- ^ "Becoming and Environmental Health Practitioner – Environmental Health Australia Ltd". www.eh.org.au. Retrieved 6 November 2023.
- ^ unknown (24 October 2023). "Skills and interests (environmental health professional)". National Health Service. Retrieved 24 October 2023.