Engineer, Public Health Career

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ENGINEER, PUBLIC HEALTH CAREER

An engineering career in the public health setting centers on managing the undesirable, physical byproducts of American society so as to minimize their impact on public health. The dominant role is one of oversight for health-based agencies, ensuring that various waste streams (air, water, and solid waste) from both industrial and public sources comply with local, state, and federal pollution laws and regulations. Since emission regulations are designed to protect public health and the environment, engineers are also employed by the facilities that generate regulated materials. Engineers contribute to the study of pollution on the environment, and are responsible for designing, operating, and maintaining pollution control systems and water supply systems.

Frank J. Markunas

(see also: Environmental Determinants of Health; Environmental Protection Agency; Sanitation; Wastewater Treatment )

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