Visit the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s MyEnvironment site at and enter your city and state or zip code, or location into the location box. Explore the site to learn more about your environment and things that might be impacting the health of its citizens. Optional: For more environmental health information, you can also visit: Nies, M. A., & McEwen, M. (2015). (6th ed.). St. Louis, MO: Saunders/Elsevier.
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) MyEnvironment website is a valuable resource for gaining insight into the environmental conditions of a specific location. By entering your city and state or zip code, you can explore a wealth of information about your environment and the potential factors that may be impacting the health of its citizens.
One of the primary features of the MyEnvironment site is the “Envirofacts” data tool. This tool provides access to a wide range of environmental data collected by the EPA, including information on air quality, water quality, toxins and releases, and waste management. This data can be valuable in identifying potential environmental hazards in your area and understanding their potential impact on human health.
For example, by exploring the air quality data available on the site, you can gain an understanding of the level of pollutants in your city’s air. The EPA tracks various pollutants such as ozone, particulate matter, and carbon monoxide, and provides real-time data on their concentrations. This information can be useful in assessing the potential risks of respiratory issues and other health problems associated with poor air quality.
Similarly, the water quality data available on the site allows you to explore the condition of local water bodies, such as rivers, lakes, and streams. The EPA’s data includes information on contaminants such as bacteria, metals, and pesticides, as well as parameters like pH and temperature. This information can be crucial for identifying potential sources of water pollution and understanding the potential health risks associated with contaminated water sources.
The MyEnvironment site also provides information on environmental toxins and releases in your area. By accessing the Toxics Release Inventory data, you can explore the presence and amount of various toxic chemicals released into the environment by industrial facilities in your vicinity. This can help you understand potential risks of exposure to these chemicals and their effects on human health.
Additionally, the site provides access to information on waste management, including the disposal of hazardous waste. By exploring this data, you can gain insight into the management practices of waste facilities in your area and assess potential risks associated with improper waste disposal.
While the MyEnvironment site is a comprehensive resource, it is also beneficial to consult other sources of information to gain a more holistic understanding of your environment. One recommended source is the book “Environmental Health: From Global to Local” by Nies and McEwen. This book offers a comprehensive view of environmental health issues, covering topics such as environmental policy, risk assessment, and epidemiology. By referencing this text, you can further enhance your knowledge of environmental health and its impact on communities.
In conclusion, the EPA’s MyEnvironment website is a valuable tool for exploring and understanding the environmental conditions of your location. By utilizing the site’s Envirofacts data tool, you can access information on air quality, water quality, toxins and releases, and waste management. This can help you identify potential environmental hazards and their impact on human health. Additionally, referencing the book “Environmental Health: From Global to Local” by Nies and McEwen can provide a more in-depth and comprehensive understanding of environmental health issues. By combining the information from these sources, you can develop a well-rounded perspective on your environment and the factors that may be affecting the health of its citizens.