About Tracking
For decades, the United States has faced a fundamental gap in understanding how environmental contaminants affect people’s health. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is working to close this gap by improving surveillance through the National Environmental Public Health Tracking Network (Tracking Network).
Policy makers and public health officials can use the Tracking Network to make critical decisions about where to target environmental public health resources and interventions. Health practitioners and researchers can use the Tracking Network to learn more about health conditions related to the environment, and improve treatment plans. Anyone can use the Tracking Network to find out how the environment may be affecting them, their family’s or community’s health.
The building blocks of the national network are state and local health departments around the country that are funded to build local tracking systems. These systems supply data to the National Tracking Network and address local environmental public health concerns. The tracking programs use their networks every day to improve the health of their communities.
Why Tracking Matters in New Hampshire
New Hampshire has a lot of nature to enjoy. There is a sea coast to swim and surf. There are also mountains, lakes, and forests to explore. However, environmental dangers like radon, ultraviolet radiation, and climate change threaten the enjoyment of these natural resources. The New Hampshire Public Health Tracking Program is keeping track of these and other emerging health threats and informs citizens on how to limit their exposure and risk.