Cluster Investigation
A process to determine whether the incidence or prevalence of specific adverse health effect(s) or symptom(s) in a geographical area or among a group of people is more than expected.

Community Involvement
A process to enable the inclusion of community members and organizations in the development, implementation, and evaluation of environmental health assessment activities which may impact communities.

Exposure Investigation
The process of gathering and analyzing information to determine if human populations are being or have been exposed to environmental contaminants.

Health Assessment
The collection, analyses, interpretation, and dissemination of environmental, epidemiological, and toxicological data and other forms of information to identify, communicate, and prevent adverse human health outcomes associated with exposure to environmental contaminants.

Health Consultation
A written or verbal response which provides advice and recommendations on specific, health related questions associated with actual or potential human exposure to environmental contaminants.

Health Education
A process that assists individuals, small groups, and larger populations identify health needs and priorities, obtain information and resources needed to meet those needs, and mobilize action aimed at achieving desired change. It focuses on creating an environment in which there are strong individual and structural supports for informed and voluntary decision making about personal health and community well being.

Health Statistics Review
An examination of existing health statistics to identify mortality or morbidity trends. Sources of these data may include birth and death certificates, hospital discharge data, and disease registries.

Human Health Risk Assessment & Review
The use of standard EPA risk assessment methodologies as an initial evaluation of potential health impacts of environmental exposures to determine if further evaluation is necessary. Risk assessments may be related to evaluating health impacts associated with hazardous waste sites, regulatory permit requirements, or development/interpretation of human health regulations. Staff also review and comment on risk assessments prepared by other agencies.

Public Health Advisory
A communication to appropriate agencies, community groups, and individuals that a public health threat exists of such importance that immediate action should be taken.

Toxicological Literature Review/Search
A review and/or summary of potential health impacts related to contaminant exposures of interest using toxicological, epidemiological, and medical literature as resources.