Linkages in environmental and occupational health: assessing, detecting, and containing exposure sources.

1. The occupational health nurse is in a key position to recognize environmental and occupational exposures and assess potential interactions to reduce risks. 2. Hazardous exposures may emanate from chemical, physical, and biological agents that can be found in the workplace, home, and community. Synergistic reactions may pose greater harm than is apparent. 3. Multidisciplinary efforts with community involvement and coalition building can be a successful approach to minimizing environmental/occupational risks from toxic exposures.