What is the main focus of environmental health?

The main focus of environmental health is to prevent and control environmental factors that can negatively impact health. This area of public health examines how various elements of the environment—such as air quality, water supply, chemical exposures, and waste management—affect human health and well-being. Environmental health strives to create safe and healthy environments that reduce risks and enhance quality of life.

By prioritizing the prevention and control of harmful environmental factors, environmental health programs aim to reduce the incidence of diseases linked to pollution and environmental hazards. This involves policy-making, regulatory frameworks, and community interventions to mitigate risks from environmental exposures.

The emphasis on broader environmental factors distinguishes this focus from options such as promoting individual health through lifestyle changes or addressing personal hygiene practices. While those aspects are important for public health, they do not encapsulate the comprehensive approach required to manage environmental influences on population health effectively.