Environmental Health
Our Role
The Humboldt County Division of Environmental Health (DEH) plays a critical role in prevention of disease. Issues such as safe housing, safe drinking water, proper sewage disposal, proper solid waste disposal, management of hazardous materials, and emergency response will continue to present challenges.
Goal
DEH’s goal is to remain prepared for these challenges by strengthening programs and maintaining and developing a professional and prepared staff.
Moving Forward
The division will continue to be progressive in maintaining effective programs and responding to emergent issues including foodborne outbreaks, mosquito borne diseases such as West Nile Virus, biological and chemical terrorism, groundwater contamination, childhood lead poisoning, and the health impacts of the built environment.
Environmental Health Programs
The Humboldt County Division of Environmental Health (DEH) plays a critical role in prevention of disease. Issues such as safe housing, safe drinking water, proper sewage disposal, proper solid waste disposal, management of hazardous materials, and emergency response will continue to present challenges.
Goal
DEH’s goal is to remain prepared for these challenges by strengthening programs and maintaining and developing a professional and prepared staff.
Moving Forward
The division will continue to be progressive in maintaining effective programs and responding to emergent issues including foodborne outbreaks, mosquito borne diseases such as West Nile Virus, biological and chemical terrorism, groundwater contamination, childhood lead poisoning, and the health impacts of the built environment.
Environmental Health Programs
- Consumer Protection Program
- Retail Food Facilities
- Housing Program
- Organized Camps Program
- Public Swimming and Spa Pools Program
- Recreational Water and Drinking Water Programs
- Tattoo Business Registration
- Hazardous Materials Unit
- Certified Unified Program Agency (CUPA)
- Local Oversight Program
- Land Use Program
- Sewage Disposal Systems
- Wells and Water Systems
- Solid Waste Local Enforcement Agency Program
- Inspection of Solid Waste Operations and Facilities
- Investigation of Illegal Dumping
- Vector Control Program
- Rabies Control
- West Nile Virus
- Rodents and Insect Control
Brief History
Early in the 20th century, infections associated with overcrowding, poor housing and contaminated water resulted in transmission of tuberculosis, diphtheria, typhoid fever, and dysentery.
Improvements in housing, public water supplies - including chlorination and filtration, and waste-disposal systems have resulted in great progress in disease control. While the impact of these diseases has been reduced, the need for prevention remains as strong as ever.
Early in the 20th century, infections associated with overcrowding, poor housing and contaminated water resulted in transmission of tuberculosis, diphtheria, typhoid fever, and dysentery.
Improvements in housing, public water supplies - including chlorination and filtration, and waste-disposal systems have resulted in great progress in disease control. While the impact of these diseases has been reduced, the need for prevention remains as strong as ever.