ABSTRACT
Engineering is the application of scientific and technical knowledge to solve human problems. Using imagination, judgment, and reasoning to apply science, technology, mathematics, and practical experience, engineers develop the design, production, and operation of useful objects or processes. During the 1940s, engineers dominated the ranks of CDC scientists. In fact, the first CDC director, Assistant Surgeon General Mark Hollis, was an engineer. CDC engineers were involved in malaria control through the elimination of standing water. Eventually the CDC mission expanded to include prevention and control of dengue, typhus, and other communicable diseases. The development of chlorination, water filtration, and sewage treatment were crucial to preventing waterborne illness. Beginning in the 1950s, CDC engineers began their work to improve public health while developing the fields of environmental health, industrial hygiene, and control of air pollution. Engineering disciplines represented at CDC today include biomedical, civil, chemical, electrical, industrial, mechanical, mining, and safety engineering. Most CDC engineers are located in the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) and the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR). Engineering research at CDC has a broad stakeholder base. With the cooperation of industry, labor, trade associations, and other stakeholders and partners, current work includes studies of air contaminants, mining, safety, physical agents, ergonomics, and environmental hazards. Engineering solutions remain a cornerstone of the traditional "hierarchy of controls" approach to reducing public health hazards.
Subject(s)
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, U.S./trends , Engineering/trends , Public Health/trends , Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, U.S./history , Engineering/history , History, 20th Century , History, 21st Century , Humans , Public Health/history , United StatesABSTRACT
An ecological epidemiological study was conducted with data obtained from an environmental dose-reconstruction study and the Arizona Birth Information Tapes. Before 1981, a portion of the city of Tucson water-distribution system was contaminated with trichloroethylene (i.e., < 5 micrograms per liter of water to 107 micrograms per liter of water). Target and comparison populations were selected with a Geographic Information System. Logistical-regression analysis revealed an association between maternal exposure to trichloroethylene via drinking water and very-low-birth-weight babies (i.e., < 1,501 grams) (odds ratio = 3.3; 95% confidence interval = 0.5, 20.6; and Wald chi-square p value = 0.2). No association was found between maternal exposure to trichloroethylene via drinking water and low birth weight or full-term low-birth-weight infants (gestational period > 35 wk and < 46 wk).
Subject(s)
Birth Weight/drug effects , Infant, Very Low Birth Weight , Maternal Exposure/adverse effects , Solvents/adverse effects , Trichloroethylene/adverse effects , Water Pollutants, Chemical/adverse effects , Arizona , Epidemiologic Methods , Female , Humans , Infant, Newborn , Logistic Models , Medical Records Systems, Computerized , Water SupplyABSTRACT
The Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR) report "The Public Health Implications of Medical Waste: A Report to Congress" has been finalized and submitted to Congress. The report is a comprehensive review of all available data and information on the subject. Based on the data developed in the report, ATSDR concludes that the general public is not likely to be adversely affected by medical waste generated in the traditional health setting. However, the increase of in-home health care and other sources of nonregulated medical waste (e.g., intravenous drug users) provides opportunities for the general public to contact medical waste. In addition, ATSDR concludes that public health concerns exist for selected occupations involved with medical waste. These populations include janitorial and laundry workers, nurses, emergency medical personnel, and refuse workers. The ATSDR report also defines what material should be managed as medical waste and identifies research needs related to medical waste.
Subject(s)
Communicable Diseases/epidemiology , Medical Waste/adverse effects , Needlestick Injuries/epidemiology , Occupational Exposure/adverse effects , Personnel, Hospital , Communicable Diseases/etiology , Home Nursing , Humans , Needlestick Injuries/complications , RegistriesABSTRACT
The National Disaster Medical System (NDMS) was formed to provide medical assistance to civilian disaster areas. Disaster Medical Assistance Teams (DMAT) are subunits of NDMS and could be transported to the disaster area. For DMAT to function, a team must be able to provide for itself. The Bethesda DMAT established a Logistical Support Group within the team to provide these services. This paper identifies the mission and personnel of the Logistical Support Group.
