180.629.01 ENVIRONMENTAL AND OCCUPATIONAL HEALTH LAW AND POLICY

Examines the legal systems, institutions and policies upon which environmental and occupational health protection are based. Focuses on how US and international environmental and occupational health laws, regulations and policies apply to public health and evaluates the strengths and weaknesses of laws as intervention tools. Topics covered include significant US federal environmental and occupational health statutes (for example, the Clean Air Act, Superfund, Community Right-to-Know, Safe Drinking Water Act, Occupational Safety and Health Act), international environmental law principles and treaties, international human rights issues, how laws deals with emerging health issues and environmental justice and facility siting.

Upon successful completion of the course, students should be able to: •Understand how to use laws, regulations and policies for public health intervention; •Understand the strengths and weaknesses of these laws, regulations and policies; •Analyze how legal institutions, such as the courts and agencies, affect public policy and decision-making; and •Evaluate how laws and policies influence environmental health decision-making.