ABSTRACT
The first chapter provides an overview of the book by defining forms of federalist governance around the world while emphasizing the evolution from dual to dynamic federalist forms in the United States. Environmental health in the United States is a prime illustration, having evolved toward federal government control with state implementation. The U.S. courts have allowed this federal government dominance to occur but may now be more willing to step in and challenge the current federal-state balance. Chapter 1 also summarizes risk assessment, exposure assessment, toxicology, epidemiology, and other environmental health science tools, as well as the influence of public perception, environmental activist groups, and political processes on decision-making. The final part of the chapter summarizes each of the ten chapters and epilogue.
