Catalog of Environmental Programs 2012
| Federal agencies that contribute to EPA's environmental goals, and how they make a difference. |
the Catalog |
All Programs |
Programs by EPA Strategic Goal 1. Climate Change and Improving Air Quality 2. Protecting America's Waters 3. Cleaning Up and Sustainable Development 4. Safety of Chemicals and Preventing Pollution |
Programs by Agency AID, ARC, CNCS, CPSC, CSB, DHS, DOC, DOD, DOE, DOI, DOJ, DOL, DOS, DOT, ED, FHFA, GSA, HHS, HUD, NASA, NRC, NSF, OSTP, SBA, TVA, USDA, USPS, USTR, VA |
Department of Health and Human Services |
EPA Goal 2: Protecting America’s Waters |
Great Lakes Human Health Effects Research Program
Purpose
The Great Lakes (Superior, Michigan, Huron, Erie, and Ontario) are an important part
of the physical and cultural heritage of North America. The magnitude of the Great
Lakes water basin is difficult to appreciate. The lakes contain some 5,500 cubic miles
of water, covering 94,000 square miles, with a shoreline of over 10,000 miles.
The Great Lakes is the largest system of fresh surface water on earth, comprising
roughly 18 % of the world supply. Only the polar ice caps contain more fresh water.
Approximately 10% of the U.S. population and 25% of the Canadian population live
in the region. In 1992, the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR)
within the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) initiated the Great
Lakes Human Health Effects Research Program to characterize exposure to contaminants
via consumption of Great Lakes fish, and investigate the potential for short-
and long-term adverse health effects.
Source(s) of Information
1. CDC: Great Lakes Program
Related EPA Program(s)
Beach/Fish Programs:
Provide sound science, guidance, technical assistance and nationwide information to state, Tribal, and federal agencies on the
human health risks associated with eating locally caught fish/shellfish or wildlife with excessive levels of contaminants.
Provide guidance, technical assistance and nationwide information to support state, Tribal, and local government beach monitoring
and notification programs.
Authorizing Legislation
• Clean Water Act Sections 104(b) and 101
Other Programs under Goal 2
Other Programs from HHS
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