The aim of environmental health care in Finland is to ensure that factors in the surrounding environment are not a hazard to people's health.
The most common illnesses caused by environmental factors affecting the population are epidemics of water and food poisoning, and respiratory diseases caused by unclean indoor and outdoor air.
Health hazards from indoor air include lung cancer from radon, damage to health caused by passive smoking, and allergic illnesses due to mold in houses resulting from damp. The MSAH seeks to prevent, identify and tackle these health hazards.
Municipalities oversee the implementation of environmental health legislation in their own areas of jurisdiction. Regionally, such work is under the authority of the State Provincial Offices.
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Health protection
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The MSAH seeks to protect the health of the population by inspecting and monitoring the possible hazardous health impact of water for human consumption and swimming, housing and general residential areas, and waste. |
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Gene technology |
The use and development of gene technology in Finland is monitored to ensure that the use of genetically modified organisms does not harm human health, animals or the environment. |
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Biotechnology |
The MSAH directs the inspection and monitoring of the biotechnology sector and the impact of the use of biotechnology on human health and the environment. |
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Chemicals |
The MSAH is responsible for overseeing the prevention of chemical health hazards.
Chemicals, biocides, plant protection
products (Finnish Safety and Chemicals Agency Tukes)
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Radiation |
The MSAH is the highest supervision and guidance authority in the protection of the population from harmful radiation. |
