Environmental Health: Understanding Environmental Health Risks Around You and Ways to Protect Yourself
The Wisconsin Department of Health Services (DHS) evaluates hazards in the environment that can affect our health.
We look at the health impacts of pollutants in the air, water, and soil that can come from things like chemical spills and industrial waste. We also educate people on how they can protect themselves and their families from these health risks.
How can I learn about environmental health risks that might be around me?
- Search the Wisconsin Remediation and Redevelopment Database and the interactive Sites Map to find environmental clean-up sites near where you live, work, or recreate.
- Visit the Environmental Protection Agency’s Envirofacts webpage for an assessment of your environment based on your ZIP code.
- Learn about the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources’ Remediation and Redevelopment Program’s efforts to clean up and redevelop the environment, including its work at Superfund sites. Superfund sites are contaminated waste sites the Environmental Protection Agency investigates and cleans up so they can be returned to safe use.
What can I do to protect myself and my family?
- Remember that children are more impacted by environmental hazards than adults. Learn specific steps you can take to protect them.
- Learn about indoor health hazards and actions you can take to keep you and your family safe. This includes things like keeping your home safe from lead and testing your home for radon.
- Learn how to protect yourself from environmental hazards at work.
If you have more questions, email dhsenvhealth@dhs.wisconsin.gov.