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National surveys that include environmental illness and exposure to toxins have
been performed since the 1970's. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
(CDC), Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), and National Institute of
Environmental Health Sciences (NIEHS), are often involved in such studies. The
results of such studies can often be found by conducting a National Library of
Medicine PubMed search.
National Health And Nutrition Examination Study (NHANES) is a national survey
conducted every few years that is intended to provide current statistical data
on the amount, distribution, and effects of illness and disability in the
United States. The most recent NHANES survey ended in 2001 and collected
information on environmental exposure to lead, mercury, pesticides, PCBs,
dioxins, heavy metals, phthalates, PAHs, and phytoestrogens.
Demographic data is also collected to enable identification of disparities.
Data collected from 1970-1987 in the National Human
Adipose Tissue Survey and from 1982-1984 in the Hispanic
Health and Nutrition and Examination Survey is also helpful in
understanding long-term trends in environmental disease.
National Human Exposure Assessment Survey (NHEXAS) was designed to
address some of the limitations of single-chemical, and single media exposure
route studies. The purpose of NHEXAS is to evaluate comprehensive human
exposure to multiple chemicals on a community and regional scale. Ultimately,
the EPA anticipates that the information gained from NHEXAS will help
individuals, communities, states, the EPA, and other organizations understand
the greatest health risks from various chemicals and decide whether steps to
reduce those risks are needed. Studies focused on high-risk populations are
planned.
NIEHS Health Disparities Research (NIEHS) has
developed several projects and grants to define the health disparities problem
and provide guidance on how to reduce such disparities. Grants designed to help
local communities deal with environmental health problems have also been
created. Other offices of the Department
of Health and Human Services have also created plans to eliminate health
disparities.
The National
Children's Study will examine the effects of environmental influences
on the health and development of more than 100,000 children across the United
States, following them from before birth until age 21. Planning for how to
conduct the study have included discussions on health
disparities and environmental justice.
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