The MSAH seeks to identify, prevent and eradicate health hazards from the environment. The Ministry
- supervises health protection and is responsible for developing legislation in this field
- is responsible for legislation on supervising chemicals and for the prevention of health hazards
- monitors the use and development of gene technology
- supervises the monitoring of biotechnology, and oversees the development of the sector and impact on human health and the environment of the use of biotechnology
- coordinates estimations of the health hazards of the use of nanomaterials and technology
- is the highest supervisory and guidance authority in the protection of the population from harmful radiation
- coordinates the organization of environmental health care at municipal level
Strategic emphases and aims
The areas of focus of social and health policy strategy and the government programme are:
- Assessing the health hazard caused by environment is part of all planning and decision-making.
- Ensure the supply to consumers of safe drinking water in all situations.
- Improve the capacity of the authorities in investigating epidemics transmitted by food and water.
- Assess the need for further measures concerning the possible health hazards caused by the combined effects of nanomaterials, substances that harm the normal functioning of hormones, and chemicals.
- Further intensify cooperation between municipalities on environmental health care.
- Ensure the safety of chemicals on the market.
- Contribute to the Moisture and Mould Programme with the Ministry of Environment.
- Ensure the functioning of society in special situations concerning environmental health.
- Research and regulation of the environmental health risks of gene and biotechnology, as well as guidelines to ensure the safe application of new technologies.
Environmental health legislation
A variety of legislation covers the different areas of environmental health care.
