Exposures and Conditions of Acute Environmental Origin

Investigations of acute events with suspected environmental associations include unique decision points and action steps. Public health professionals should prepare to respond to these investigations by maintaining expertise in fields including toxicology, environmental epidemiology, environmental and occupational medicine, industrial hygiene, environmental risk assessment, and environmental monitoring. Notification of a disease cluster or of an acute exposure event is often the initial trigger for public health awareness of the situation. Setting case definitions and characterizing exposure can be challenging, and input might be needed from subject matter experts, responders, and partners outside of public health. Quantifying the magnitude and route of exposure, understanding the inherent toxicity and duration of exposure, and other factors are unique steps in environmental investigations. Effective risk communication to affected communities and involved partners is critical and should be carefully planned.