Mission

To identify and address, in a binational framework, environmental factors that pose the highest risk to human health so that exposure to such factors may be reduced.

Objectives

Improve the capacity of state, tribal, and local health and environmental agencies to assess the relationship between human health and environmental exposures by conducting surveillance, monitoring, and research.
Improve the capacity of state, tribal, and local health and environmental agencies to deliver environmental health intervention, prevention, and educational services.
Increase the opportunities for stakeholders on the border (e.g. individuals, communities, institutions/organizations and occupational groups) to participate in environmental health initiatives.
Improve training opportunities for environmental and health personnel.
Improve public awareness and understanding of environmental exposure conditions and health problems by providing information and educational opportunities.

In conjunction with the above objectives, the Environmental Health Workgroup (EHWG) is committed to achieving goal #4 of the Border 2012 program – Improve Environmental Health. This will be accomplished by working in the four program objectives outlined in the US-Mexico Border 2012 Framework (PDF, 38 pp, 1.15 mb, About PDF).

Objective 1 : Air

By 2006, Evaluate Various Measures Of Respiratory Health In Children That Might Be Tracked To Assess Changes That May Result From Actions To Improve Air Quality In Border Communities.

Objective 2 : Water

By 2006, Evaluate Various Measures Of Gastrointestinal Illness That Might Be Tracked To Assess Changes That May Result From Actions To Improve Water Quality In Border Communities.

Objective 3 : Pesticides

Objective 3a: By 2006, An Assessment And Pilot Program Will Be Completed That Explores The Feasibility Of Harmonizing A Binational System For Reporting Acute Pesticide Poisonings.

Objective 3b: By 2007, Reduce Pesticide Exposure By Training 36,000 Farmworkers On Pesticide Risks And Safe Handling, Including Ways To Minimize Exposure For Families And Children.

Objective 4 : Capacity Building

Objective 4a By 2006, Establish A "distance-learning", Post-graduate Degree Program To Support Advanced Training On Environmental Health In Conjunction With Pan American Health Organization Regional Offices And Academic Institutions.