What is the primary goal of environmental public health programs?

The primary goal of environmental public health programs is to reduce health and safety risks for inhabitants, employees, and the general public. These programs are designed to identify, assess, and mitigate environmental hazards that could negatively impact health. By focusing on risk reduction, they aim to create healthier communities by addressing issues such as air and water quality, waste management, and exposure to chemicals and pollutants. This proactive approach ensures that potential health threats are minimized, leading to improved overall public health outcomes.

While compliance, regulatory requirements, and enforcement of control measures are important aspects of public health practice, they often serve as means to achieve the broader goal of risk reduction. The ultimate aim is to protect and promote health by addressing underlying environmental risks, making the reduction of health and safety risks the most comprehensive and direct objective of these programs.