ENVIRONMENTAL/OCCUPATIONAL HEALTH
Definition: Environmental and occupational efforts focus on promoting health in the workplace and in communities by influencing both indoor and outdoor environmental factors. These factors can be categorized into chemical, physical, and biological agents that affect health.
Careers: Job opportunities for students graduating with a degree in environmental/occupational health will be similar to those available to students with a health promotion degree. Health departments (local, state, and national), federal agencies, private businesses (construction and transportation), and other health care institutions will seek people with the ability to effectively apply the environmental health concepts.
The following organizations focus on environmental/occupational health:
- US Environmental Protection Agency
- National Institute of Environmental Health Science
- National Center for Environmental Health
- Agency for Toxic Substances & Disease Registry
- Utah Department of Environmental Quality
Use this link to find your local health department and discover the environmental health measures being taken to promote health in your community, for your family and your friends.
Current events: Clean air is an essential part of environmental/occupational health. The Clean Air Act is the law that defines The Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) responsibilities for protecting and improving the nation’s air quality. A degree in the environmental/occupational health track equips students with the knowledge and skills to implement policies and regulations that promote health and safety at home and in the workplace. Click here for recent news stories related environmental health and safety.
For more information on possible careers and the health promotion track offered at BYU, please visit the BYU environmental/occupational health webpage.
