Health Career: Environmental Health Specialist
Who are environmental health specialists and what do they do?
Environmental health specialists help keep the environment healthy and habitable for all living organisms. They protect many life forms by trying to prevent air and water pollution, poisonous chemical use and unsafe waste disposal. They teach people and businesses about helpful methods for caring for the environment, such as by recycling or using environmentally friendly products. They work in many different areas, including agriculture, biology, chemistry, engineering, industrial hygiene, life sciences, occupational health and more.
What are some different types of environmental health specialists and what do they do?
Certified hazardous materials technicians generally work in entry-level environmental health jobs in businesses or health agencies. These professionals usually work out in the field gathering soil, air or water samples and bring them to a research lab to analyze them.
Industrial hygienists usually work for companies or health care organizations analyzing the products and procedures they use for doing their business. They research methods and materials to try to find those that are best for the environment and will try to persuade the company to use these materials. They also educate workers and managers about environmental health issues.
Chemists work in labs, health care facilities or classrooms studying the chemical makeup of different products. Among many other tasks, they do research experiments to try to change these products to make them better for the environment. There are many different types of chemists who work in different areas. Some of these include:
- Agricultural chemists analyze agricultural products such as fertilizers, feeds and poisons.
- Clinical chemists do research experiments to help doctors and other health professionals treat diseases.
- Forensic scientists are chemists who work in a science or crime lab. They analyze materials found at a crime scene, such as blood or other human elements.
- Toxicologists conduct research to understand the effects of substances such as chemicals on human health. They do experiments using lab animals. They may work for the government, large chemical companies or independent labs.
How do environmental health specialists typically spend their workday?
As an environmental health specialist, you can work for a wide variety of private businesses, public health agencies, hospitals and other health-related organizations. Depending upon the job you do, you may work out in the field, in a research lab or in an office.
What does it take to be a good environmental health specialist?
Do you want to make a difference in preventing pollution? If you are concerned about the environment and its effect on human health, you should consider training as an environmental health specialist. As an environmental health specialist, you should be innovative and passionate about environmental issues. You should also be interested in research, health and biology.
What are some health-related jobs that are similar to that of an environmental health specialist?
Biological scientist, epidemiologist.
Related links and helpful information:
- Employment Development Department – Labor Market Information
- Centers for Disease Control – Environmental Health Services
- Center for Occupational and Environmental Health – UC Berkeley
