Survey of how public health doctors in the United Kingdom and Republic of Ireland investigate the effects of long-term exposure to point sources of chemicals.

Public health departments may need to investigate the health effects of long term exposures to chemicals from sources such as landfill sites and factories. Public health consultants responsible for communicable disease and environmental health and directors of public health in all health authorities and health boards in the United Kingdom and the Republic of Ireland were surveyed on behalf of a Faculty of Public Health Medicine guideline development group. The survey achieved a response rate of over 80%. Most public health doctors had investigated the health effects of long term exposure to chemicals, but many found it difficult to conduct effective and appropriate investigations in the face of community and political pressure. Most doctors acknowledged that they were responsible for investigating these problems, but wanted more epidemiological support, training, and guidance.