Tracking Pollution and Disease
For nearly a decade, the Breast Cancer Fund has been working with Congress to create a national health-tracking program that would give us better data about environmental links to disease.
"Health tracking" refers to tracking the incidents of chronic disease and other health concerns, such as cancer, asthma and juvenile diabetes, overlaid with data on social and environmental factors such as race, ethnicity, geographic location and toxic exposures. This data collection allows us to identify connections between health and the environment.
Some people are at risk because of their family history, job or race. Learn more about these groups.Vulnerable populations >
Legislation that includes surveillance data on chronic conditions and health effects, relevant environmental exposures of concern, and potentially relevant behavioral, socioeconomic and demographic factors would enhance understanding of the links between the environment and health.