A Healthy Union

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States havetremendous powerto protecttheir residents'health. In the absence of adequate federal safeguards against pollution and toxic chemicals, state policies are the strongest tools available to create safe, sustainable environments. The good news is, around the country,red states and blue states are taking up the charge. In California, state agencies are partnering with disadvantaged communities to measure air quality, reduce pollution, and advance environmental justice. In Texas, a state law requires every school to cut down on the use of dangerous pesticides, helpingto keepkids safe. In New York, a network of clinics trains medical professionals in occupational health and children's environmentalhealth, ensuring that patients receive excellent care and specialists are ready to advocate for protective policies. The success of these programs is not haphazard;instead, effective approaches share key elements, including state-university-industry partnerships, collaboration across government agencies, andstrong environmental health education. In A Healthy Union, Susan Kaplan highlights examples of groundbreaking state environmental health policies, exploringwhat has worked, what needs improvement, and how other areas ofthe country can build on these advances. Further,sheshows how publichealth advocates can push forward newprotections, creating safer environmentsfor the nextgeneration. Ultimately, Kaplan argues, we need a coordinated federal and state response to environmental health threats. Until then, innovative policy solutions can go a longway toimprove the nation's wellbeing, one state at atime.

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Pages: 200, Paperback, Island Press