Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry

The United States Agency for Toxic Substance Disease Registry ,(ATSDR), is directed by congressional mandate to perform specific functions concerning the effect on public health of hazardous substances in the environment. These functions include public health assessments of waste sites, health consultations concerning specific hazardous substances, health surveillance and registries, response to emergency releases of hazardous substances, applied research in support of public health assessments, information development and dissemination, with a strong emphasis placed upon education and training concerning hazardous substances. The agency works closely with community members and organizations to encourage public involvement and participation in ATSDR activities, including hearings and informational meetings which impact residents living in contaminated areas.