The Environmental Health Program (Toxic Substances Hydrology and Contaminant Biology) supports the one-health science to address the full range of questions related to contaminant and pathogen sources, environmental transport, exposure/transmission pathways, uptake, biological effects, and human health implications. The science is accomplished within focused integrated science teams.
Drinking Water and Wastewater Infrastructure Science Team
Ecologically-Driven Exposure Pathways Science Team
Energy Integrated Science Team
Fishing and Hunting Integrated Science Team
Food Resources Lifecycle Integrated Science Team
Immunomodulation Science Team
Land Stewardship Science Team
Minerals Science Team
Per-and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS) Integrated Science Team
Toxins and Harmful Algal Blooms Science Team
Core Technology Team
Environmental Health Featured Science Activities
Questions We Answer
FAQs
What causes beak deformities in birds?
Since the late 1990s, Alaskans have reported large numbers of beak deformities in Black-capped Chickadees and other species of resident birds. This disease, called avian keratin disorder (AKD), is characterized by debilitating beak overgrowth and other abnormalities of keratinized tissues. Affected birds have difficulty feeding and preening, and can suffer high rates of mortality. The USGS has...
How many glaciers currently exist in Alaska?
Based on the most recent comprehensive survey in 2011, there were about 27,000 glaciers in Alaska. However, the number of glaciers is a misleading statistic. Scientists are more interested in total glacial land coverage as a measure. The number of glaciers is less important since large ones can split up into several as they retreat. The amount of area glaciers occupy in Alaska is trending downward...
Are US Topo products available for Alaska?
Yes, US Topo products are available for all of Alaska. Publication of 1:25,000-scale US Topo maps in Alaska began in 2013. The production schedule is determined by availability of IFSAR elevation data and SPOT imagery provided by the Alaska Statewide Digital Mapping Initiative. To see an index map of publication dates for US Topos in Alaska, go to the National Map Downloader. Put a checkmark next...
Education
Lepidoptera Research Collection
In April of 2023 a citizen science invitation began asking people to mail in already deceased insects in the order Lepidoptera to help establish a USGS Research Scientific Collection. The collection will enable USGS scientists to have specimens from various regional areas to be able to identify contaminants and environmental factors which could be contributing to the decline of insect populations.
I Am An...Ecotoxicologist
Welcome to the "The I Am A..." series. This is the tenth video in a series of USGS whiteboard animations that highlight USGS careers. The concept is to show "what society (or my mom) thinks I do" compared with "what I really do." One image captures a more whimsical representation of a "scientist" and the second demonstrates a more accurate representation of