The present role of the local health department in environmental toxicology.

Environmental health concerns are focusing sharply on health risks associated with exposure to toxic substances. The local health department role in responding to these concerns is becoming more crucial as well as more difficult. Commercial production of toxic chemicals is increasing rapidly. Individuals are being exposed to these substances in their residential communities as well as in their workplaces. Over two dozen major federal laws exercise some control over toxic substances, but much responsibility for implementation rests at the local level. Local health department responsibility is primarily in the areas of education, services, and regulation. Education must be provided for local government officials and for those who render and receive local environmental services. Services must include surveillance to identify environmental causes of disease, documentation of disease and dysfunctions possibly related to toxic substances, and coordination of environmental toxicology services with related community activities. Regulatory activities call for careful risk assessment and risk management, accomplished in cooperation with other government agencies, universities, and industry.