title: The Public Health Service role in the disposal of chemical munitions.
abstract: Within the last decade, the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) has increasingly emphasized environmental public health activities. The Center for Environmental Health (CEH), one of nine major units of the CDC, was established as a focus for assessment and prevention of environmentally related diseases. Many new, legislatively mandated programs have been delegated to CEH. One such mandated responsibility in Public Laws 91-121 and 91-441 directs the Department of Health and Human Services or its designee to review the Department of Defense (DOD) plans to dispose of or to transport chemical warfare agents. The Chemical Munitions Demilitarization Program, CEH, reviews DOD plans and makes recommendations to ensure that hazards to public health and safety have been provided for in the plans. In addition, these CEH staffers periodically review approved activities at DOD facilities, assessing their monitoring and evaluation programs. CEH staffers also contact State and local health and environmental agencies to identify and evaluate any concerns of the agencies or the public relating to these activities.
authors.forename: S T
authors.initials: ST
authors.lastname: Brown
authors.forename: L W
authors.initials: LW
authors.lastname: Anderson
authors.forename: G G
authors.initials: GG
authors.lastname: Caldwell
mesh_terms: D002487:Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, U.S.; D002619:Chemical Warfare Agents; D006077:Government Agencies; D006801:Humans; D007391:International Cooperation; D007878:Legislation as Topic; D008891:Military Science; D011634:Public Health; D014186:Transportation; D014481:United States
chemical_list: D002619:Chemical Warfare Agents