This book is based on a course taught to graduate-level public health students,
but of interest beyond the public health profession. It introduces nonlawyers to
American law as it relates to the protection of environmental and occupational
health. Most of the book covers major federal statutes designed to protect the
environment, defined broadly to include worker protection laws as well as food
and drug laws.We also discuss executive regulations and judge-made law relevant
to environmental protection.
With a topic this broad, our coverage here cannot be comprehensive. Our
study of these laws will focus not so much on the specific content of each law
as on the various approaches, strategies, standards, and enforcement mechanisms
that are utilized. You will learn mainstream rules and concepts, but please keep
in mind that there are always exceptions, limitations, and variations. These are
usually not spelled out, partly in order to avoid confusion and distraction, and
partly to keep the book to a manageable length.