Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry
The Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR) is a federal public health agency of the United States Department of Health and Human Services. It was established in 1985 under the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act (CERCLA), also known as the Superfund Act. The ATSDR is headquartered in Atlanta, Georgia, and works in conjunction with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
Mission[edit]
The mission of the ATSDR is to protect communities from harmful health effects related to exposure to natural and man-made hazardous substances. The agency assesses the presence and nature of health hazards at specific Superfund sites, helps prevent or reduce further exposure, and increases knowledge about the health effects of exposure to hazardous substances.
Functions[edit]
The ATSDR performs several key functions:
- Conducting public health assessments of waste sites
- Providing health consultations concerning specific hazardous substances
- Conducting health surveillance and registries
- Responding to emergency releases of hazardous substances
- Conducting applied research in support of public health assessments
- Providing education and training concerning hazardous substances
Public Health Assessments[edit]
Public health assessments are a critical function of the ATSDR. These assessments evaluate data and information on the release of hazardous substances into the environment to assess any current or future impact on public health. The ATSDR works closely with other federal, state, and local agencies to conduct these assessments.
Health Consultations[edit]
Health consultations are responses to specific requests for information about health risks related to a specific site, chemical release, or hazardous material. These consultations provide advice on actions to protect public health.
Emergency Response[edit]
The ATSDR is involved in emergency response activities related to the release of hazardous substances. The agency provides technical support and health information to federal, state, and local agencies during emergencies.
Research and Education[edit]
The ATSDR conducts research to fill gaps in knowledge about the health effects of hazardous substances. The agency also provides education and training to health professionals and the public about the risks associated with hazardous substances.
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