What is environmental health?

Environmental health is the branch of public health that focuses on the relationship between the environment and human health. It involves the assessment and control of environmental factors that can potentially harm human health, such as air and water pollution, exposure to hazardous chemicals and materials and exposure to radiation. Environmental health also includes the study of how various physical, chemical and biological factors in different environments.

What role does environmental health play in a manufacturing facility?

Environmental health plays a critical role in a manufacturing facility as it helps to ensure that the facility's operations do not harm the health of its employees or the surrounding community. Environmental health professionals in a manufacturing facility are responsible for identifying and assessing environmental hazards and implementing controls to mitigate those hazards. In addition to protecting the health of employees and the surrounding community, environmental health in a manufacturing facility also helps to protect the environment and natural resources. It also helps to prevent the facility from facing penalties and fines for non-compliance with environmental regulations and can help to minimize the facility's environmental footprint.

What types of environmental hazards can manufacturers face?

Examples of environmental hazards that might be found in a manufacturing facility include air pollution from emissions of chemicals or particulate matter from production processes and water pollution from discharges of chemicals or other pollutants into nearby waterways. Other potential hazards include exposure to dangerous chemicals or radiation, noise pollution and poor indoor air quality (IAQ).

What can manufacturers do to reduce environmental hazards at their facility?

Manufacturers can take a number of steps to reduce environmental hazards at their facility, including implementing a recycling program for materials and waste and energy-efficient equipment and processes. They also can conduct regular environmental audits and monitoring to identify and address potential hazards and provide environmental safety and compliance.

Environmental Health | Plant Engineering

Navigating site viability to meet multi-stakeholder goals requires clearly articulating specific needs and requirements, and making communication the key to success. Courtesy of: Goodwin

Environmental Health August 19, 2022

In-depth understanding leads to decisive site selection

Navigating site viability to meet multi-stakeholder goals requires clearly articulating needs and requirements.

By Cole Williams

Environmental Health July 11, 2022

Industrial robots have moved from maturity into a fast-growth phase

As a result of COVID-19, the industrial robot market has moved from a mature and conservative phase into an exciting, fast-growth, almost start-up-like phase.

By Maya Xiao

Environmental Health June 30, 2022

Advice on meeting engineering recruiting goals

There is a major push by system integrators and other engineering firms to find qualified talent, but the COVID-19 pandemic has created a shift in many ways. Two experts offer advice on finding the right engineering talent.

By Chris Vavra

A technician monitors methane at an oil and gas site in Colorado. Courtesy: Colorado University.

Environmental Health June 16, 2022

Laser technology works to plug methane gas leaks

Colorado researchers are using laser technology to detect natural gas, which is invisible to the eye, leaking from pipes at sites, in real time.

By Daniel Strain

A new design for a filter could help remove carbon dioxide from flue gas emissions and air. Courtesy of: Sonja Salmon, NC State

Environmental Health June 14, 2022

Textile filter testing could help with carbon capture

North Carolina State University researchers have developed a design for a filter that could help remove carbon dioxide from flue gas emissions and air.

By Laura Oleniacz

Hierarchy of Controls: This figure, developed for an industrial setting or work environment, is used here as a model for airborne pandemic situations.

Environmental Health April 8, 2022

Layered COVID-19 controls significantly reduce risks

QuaRAD method quantifies efficacy across thousands of scenarios; rating system anticipated

By Kevin Parker

Environmental Health March 3, 2022

Four ways to unshackle the supply chain

COVID-19 has caused many supply chain challenges, but being proactive and aggressive can help manufacturers reduce potential headaches. Four tips are highlighted.

By Brent Felten, Katie Molstad and Brian Sander

Environmental Health January 21, 2022

Turning face masks into smart monitoring devices

Northwestern Engineering researchers have developed a new smart sensor called FaceBit, which is a quarter-sized sensor that uses a tiny magnet to attach to any N95, cloth or surgical face mask.

By Amanda Morris