Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

Environmental Public Health Tracking — local evidence

A public network offering environmental and health indicators through maps, tables, dashboards and downloadable resources.

Read the primary source

Dataset / methodology guide · Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

Read with context.

Inspect each indicator’s metadata before combining environmental conditions with health measures. Match the geography and time window and distinguish an exposure indicator from a health outcome. Use the official documentation to understand why a local value may be unavailable.

Limits to keep in view

Coverage, uncertainty and time periods vary by indicator. Co-location on a map does not establish individual exposure or causation. This source guide is not an emergency alert or a medical assessment.

Connect evidence to action

Choose a question, verify the relevant jurisdiction, and explain the action you are asking someone to take. A source-backed draft is a starting point—not a message sent on your behalf.

Use this in an advocacy brief

Research sources

Source text supports this summary. Human editorial approval, service availability and eligibility are separate checks.

Related policy & program records

Shared topic, not a claim of causation or eligibility.

Your working notes

Keep the context with the claim.

Write the question first

What are you trying to understand? Identify the population and place before looking for a number that might support your position.

Capture the measure

Record the source title, table or indicator, units, reference period and any stated uncertainty. Preserve the original wording of technical definitions.

Distinguish observation from explanation

A difference between groups can prompt further inquiry. It does not, by itself, identify the cause or establish the effect of a particular policy.