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Toxic agent and radiation control: progress toward objectives for the nation for the year 1990
1Department of Health and Human Services, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, Research Triangle Park, NC 27709.
Public Health Reports (Washington, D.C. : 1974)
|July 1, 1988
Summary
Significant progress has been made in controlling toxic agents and radiation, with key advances in reducing lead exposure and medical X-ray risks. Future efforts must expand knowledge of health risks and improve surveillance systems.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Health
- Public Health Policy
- Toxicology
Background:
- The Department of Health and Human Services established national prevention objectives for 1990, including the control of toxic agents and radiation.
- Ten specific objectives were prioritized for national control efforts in this area.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review progress on national objectives for controlling toxic agents and radiation.
- To identify essential program elements for preventing, identifying, and controlling toxic agent and radiation threats.
Main Methods:
- Review of progress on national prevention objectives related to toxic agents and radiation.
- Assessment of the implementation of six key program elements supporting prevention and control efforts.
Main Results:
- Significant progress achieved in areas with fully implemented key program elements.
- Advances noted in reducing population blood lead levels, medical X-ray exposure, and evaluating toxic waste dump chemical toxicities.
- Improvements in the scientific and technical information base for prevention and control.
Conclusions:
- Expansion of knowledge on health risks from toxic agents and radiation is a critical future priority.
- Enhanced surveillance systems and databases are essential for assessing health impacts and program effectiveness.
- Continued emphasis on key program elements will drive knowledge expansion and application in prevention and control.
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