Health Effects Research Initiatives at the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry—Applicability to Contaminated Soils

The Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR), part of the U.S. Public Health Service, was created to implement health measures mandated under the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act (CERCLA) of 1980 (Public Law 96-510). ATSDR’s mission is to prevent or mitigate adverse human health effects and the diminished quality of life resulting from environmental exposures to hazardous substances. The Superfimd Amendment and Reauthorization Act (SARA, 1986) greatly expanded ATSDR’s authorities and responsibilities, resulting in the establishment of additional health-related program areas. 1