Topic 1.2 Overview of the Public Health Assessment Process

• Identifying actual human contact (also called exposure) with chemicals in the environment
• Identifying the types of illnesses that might be related to contact with chemicals from the site
• Recommending health-based follow-up actions, such as an exposure investigation
• Recommending ways to reduce or prevent exposures

• Performing medical examinations of individuals in the community
• Determining whether illnesses found in a community are actually associated with exposure to site-related chemicals
• Establishing site clean-up levels

General outline for a public health assessment document

• Summary
• *Purpose and Statement of Health Issues
• Background
• Discussion
• Community Health Concerns
• Conclusions
• Recommendations
• Public Health Action Plan
• Preparers of the Report
• References

* A separate discussion on child health considerations is required in all PHAs.

This topic is covered in more detail in the companion course: “Public Health Assessment Overview 3- Evaluating Health Effects Data and Determining Conclusions and Recommendations.”

General outline for a health consultation document

• *Summary
• Background and Statement of Health Issues
• Discussion
• Conclusions
• Recommendations
• Public Health Action Plan, if applicable
• Response to Public Comments, if applicable
• References
• Appendices (as required)

* A summary is optional in a PHC, but recommended when it is lengthy or technically complex.

This topic is covered in more detail in the companion course: “Public Health Assessment Overview 3- Evaluating Health Effects Data and Determining Conclusions and Recommendations.”