ABSTRACT
Presented in this chapter is an overview of key fundamentals that shape the development of environmental health policy. A summary of how environmental health has evolved, the fundamentals of public health, the role of government in environmental health, and public policies of relevance to environmental health policymaking is described. Moreover, how environmental policies and practices have evolved in the U.S. and other countries relevant to the practice of public health and ecological well-being is one focus of this book. Five necessities for human survival are introduced: sanitary waste management, potable water, healthful air quality, food security, and sustainable environment. The nexus between ecological and human health is introduced in this chapter. Eight basics of public health practice, a discussion of the roles of government in making environmental policies, and a presentation of the public’s expectations of environmental policies set by government and private sector entities are also presented.
