Reducing Exposures to Contaminants

Over 75,000 chemicals are registered for use in the U.S. today, and many of these have limited toxicity and exposure data. In addition, some populations, such as children and the elderly, may be more vulnerable than others to the harmful effects of chemicals and other environmental health hazards.

Reducing exposures to toxic chemicals and other environmental health hazards is important to protect public health. The Minnesota Department of Health, Environmental Health Division works collaboratively with other government agencies responsible for regulating pollution in air, water, soil, and other media. We also work closely with schools, neighborhoods, communities, and the public to provide information about how to reduce and prevent harmful exposures. (For more about regulating and monitoring environmental pollution in Minnesota, see the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency).

For tips about how to reduce harmful exposures, see the links below. For information regarding a specific question or concern about a chemical or environmental health hazard, see Chemicals and Hazards.

Resources

Minnesota Department of Health

• Chemicals of Special Concern to Children's Health
• Healthy School Environments

Minnesota Pollution Control Agency

• Air Quality Index for Minnesota

Consumer Product Safety Commission

• Recalls and Product Safety News

U.S. Environmental Protection Agency

• What You Can Do to Protect Children from Environmental Risks

For more about regulating and monitoring environmental pollution in Minnesota, see the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency.