What is Environmental Health Science

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EHS involves the study and elimination of health hazards in work and community environments. Formerly the Industrial Hygiene Program, EHS adopted a new name to reflect the wider range of work that industrial hygienists perform.

Recognition is the process of identifying hazards which is the first step to controlling or eliminating risks in our environment. Potential hazards in our communities and workplaces may include chemical, physical, ergonomic, and biological hazards.

Evaluation is this process of quantifying the hazard and using that information to assess the risks to the workers and the community. Evaluation of a potential or existing hazard is very important, it can yield the information that can ultimately protect people and the environment.

Control is implemented after a detailed evaluation is completed. They are designed to control contaminants in the communities and workplace and reduce the risk of injury or illness to the worker. There is a hierarchy of controls which are in priority order, they are, engineering controls, work practices, administrative controls, and as a last resort personal protective equipment.

What Do Environmental Scientists/Industrial Hygienists Do?
At a chemical production site, chemical exposure measurement and control are major issues and much time is spent on air monitoring and process safety assessment. At an automobile production site, noise measurement and control and ergonomics (joint stress) are the major focus. Measuring involves collecting air samples using pumps, chemical traps, meters, and other types of equipment that measure chemical, biological, and physical agents. Control involves developing methods to reduce or prevent exposure to hazardous agents. Controls include engineered devices (e.g. ventilation systems), management systems (e.g. limiting access to dangerous areas), and personal protective devices (e.g. selecting appropriate respirators, gloves, and goggles).
Most plant-site industrial hygienists train others to perform their day-to-day air or noise monitoring; while they spend their time implementing programs to minimize risk.

Where Do EHS/IH Work?
EHS/IH work for small and large manufacturing companies; for consulting firms and insurance companies; for universities; and for state or federal government agencies such as OSHA, EPA, and Health Departments.