Protecting Our Planet: Discovering What Environmental Health Toxicologists Do
Career Spotlight: Environmental Health Scientists
Did you know there are detectives out there who solve mysteries about how the environment affects our health? Ok, they are not technically real detectives. But they do detective work. These people are called Environmental Health Scientists and play a crucial role in public health by studying how factors like air, water, and soil quality impact human health (and the environment). They work to identify and mitigate environmental hazards, ensuring that communities (for both humans and animals) are safe and healthy. For example, an environmental health scientist might investigate why a certain area has high rates of asthma due to poor air quality in the environment. Once they find the reason they will also provide recommendations to improve air quality. It’s a career that combines a love for science with a passion for helping people.
What Is Environmental Health Toxicology?
Environmental Health Toxicology is a loaded career term! Yes, there are a lot of “big words,” but it is a fancy way to describe professionals who study how dangerous substances impact the environment (global and local) as well as human health. It is a specialized field within environmental health. Toxicology is a very broad career. But in general, these professionals study chemicals, pollutants, and other harmful agents to determine their effects on our living things (mainly humans). They conduct experiments and analyze data to understand how exposure to these substances can lead to health problems like cancer, respiratory issues, and developmental disorders. This career is perfect for kids who are curious about science and want to make a difference in protecting people’s health from dangerous substances that exist in the environment.
Lead Poisoning Prevention
A real-world example of environmental health toxicology in action is the prevention of lead poisoning. Lead is a toxic metal that can be found in old paint, contaminated soil, and even some water pipes. There is a ton of research showing just how bad lead exposure can be to people and why prevention is key. Some Environmental health Toxicologists study how lead exposure affects children’s development and work on strategies to reduce and eliminate this exposure. They might test soil and water samples, educate communities about the dangers of lead, and use their research to advocate for policies to keep homes and schools safe when it comes to lead exposure.
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Build A Book: Keep The Environment Healthy
Time for kids to get out their scissors and crayons for this fun activity. Have students create their own mini book that reinforces what Environmental Health Toxicologists do. Encourage kids to be creative with their coloring as they bring their own mini book to life and make it their own!
Get Career Ready
A career in Environmental Health Toxicology falls within the Health Sciences career cluster.
- Education: if a kid expresses interest in pursuing a career in Environmental Health Toxicology, the educational focus should be on subjects like biology, chemistry, and environmental science. These subjects provide the foundational knowledge needed to understand how toxic substances interact with the environment and human health.
- Hands-On Experience: Encourage kids to participate in science fairs, environmental clubs, or community clean-up projects that have a public health focus. They will be able to develop their soft skill of teamwork and problem solving as they apply their knowledge while cultivating a passion for protecting the environment.
- Networking: Helping students connect with professionals in the field may be tricky since this is a niche career, but it is possible. You may need to encourage kids to meet environmental scientists at colleges who conduct research, visit laboratories, attend sponsored events that focus on environmentally friendly topics, especially around national holidays like Earth Day.
- Further Studies: It will be helpful to remind students that they will need to pursue degrees in environmental health, toxicology, or public health beyond as part of graduate school. Advanced studies and specializations will open up more career opportunities in the public health sector and education industry (e.g. as a professor, scientist, state environmental health director, etc.)
Hello There! Nice to meet you 🙂
I am Dr. Danielle Reid. Career education and keeping learning fun really is my jam. No, I am not a formally trained career coach. I am the product of a family that did some crazy-amazing career coaching to help me reach my dreams. Nowadays, I find myself doing my own career coaching for my three kids, with a lot more knowledge, tools, and resources to share.
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