The National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences: a perspective

This paper attempts to place the programs of the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences into correct perspective in relation to the other Federal environmental programs. Its goal is to illuminate the field of environmental health as a new field in science that confronts a wide variety of complex and diverse issues. It is unrealistic to believe these issues can somehow be rendered less complex and diverse. What is hoped is that the Institute will contribute to providing the tools which will make is possible for us to develop principles leading to an understanding of the underlying problems. Then we should be able to build a base for effective public health programs for the years ahead, years that should prove to be as eventful and challenging as those just past.