7.7 Agency's role

Under the Department of health and human services (HHS) I came across the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR). The agency is responsible to protect communities from health effects that are related to natural man-made hazardous exposure substances and are also responsible for investigating environmental health threats and impact of hazardous waste sites. 

They make sure people are not exposed to hazardous wastes that may affect the food or water we eat and drink. They assure new strategies are being implemented, and have two important programs including “choose safe places for early care and education initiative” and “land reuse and redevelopment program”. The two projects focus on improving communities and redevelopment and assuring children have a safe and healthy place to play. 

The ATSDR, makes sure all buildings are safe and weren’t previously contaminated with hazardous materials.