Case Studies in Environmental Medicine

U.S. Department of Health and Human Services
Public Health Service
Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry

What are they?

Case Studies in Environmental Medicine is a series of self-instructional publications designed to increase primary care provider's knowledge of hazardous substances in the environment and to aid in the evaluation of potentially exposed patients. Continuing medical education credits, continuing nursing education units, and continuing education units are offered by the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR) in support of this series. The series was prepared with the assistance of physicians and other health care professionals who share a concern for physician education and public and environmental health.

How are the Case Studies Organized?

Each Case Study opens with a list of specific objectives, a stand-alone case report concerning a specific hazardous substance, and the opportunity to respond to several pre-test questions about the case. Following is a didactic presentation of up-to-date information regarding the chemistry, toxicology, symptomatology, and patient treatment for the toxic substance. The evaluation consists of a series of questions that allow practitioners to test their understanding of the material. Responses to the questions are provided to ensure optimum learning benefit. After completing the case study, participants may apply for continuing education credit and can file the report for future reference.

Who is the intended audience?

  • Academically based physicians, residents, and medical students.
  • Private practice primary-care physicians, nurses, and emergency department physicians and personnel.
  • Environmental and occupational physicians, residents, medical students, and other health professionals.
  • Military service medical personnel.
  • State and municipal health department officials working in hazardous substances programs and activities.

What continuing education credit is available?

The Case Studies in Environmental Medicine have been approved for continuing medical education (CME) credit for physicians and continuing nursing education (CNE) as well as for continuing education units (CEU) for other health professionals.

What topics are currently available?

Other Topics

  • taking an exposure history
  • Disease Clusters: An Overview
  • Environmental Triggers of Asthma
  • Pediatric Environmental Health Specific Substances

Specific Substances

  • arsenic
  • asbestos
  • benzene
  • chromium
  • lead
  • nitrates/nitrites
  • polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs)
  • Radiation Exposure from Iodine 131
  • radon
  • stoddard solvent
  • toluene
  • trichloroethylene
  • other substances under revision

How do I get a copy?

You may contact ATSDR at www.atsdr.cdc.gov/HEC/CSEM or please contact:

New York State Department of Health
Center for Environmental Health
Education and Outreach Unit
547 River Street, Room 316
Flanigan Square
Troy, New York 12180-2216
1-800-458-1158 ext. 27530
ceheduc@health.state.ny.us