The focus of the environmental medical activities of health authorities is the health assessment of biological, chemical or physical noxae that affect humans.
In this context, measured or prognostic exposures are compared with suitable assessment values in the sense of a risk assessment. On the basis of such a risk assessment, a decision is made on how to deal with hazards (risk management). As far as possible, all these processes should be accompanied by information and participation of the persons concerned (risk communication).
The Occupational and Environmental Health Protection Division of the Bavarian State Office for Health and Food Safety (LGL) supports the health authorities in all environmental medical, toxicological and environmental epidemiological issues. The focus is on environmental medicine oriented to the precautionary principle, which contributes to the timely detection, evaluation and prevention of risks and hazards to human health through a variety of preventive measures. Topics include health assessment of particulate matter, breastfeeding and breast milk, air quality in schools, and the environmental medical significance of perfluorinated substances.
The Bavarian State Office for Environmental Protection (LfU) is the central specialist authority for environmental protection, nature conservation, geology and water management in Bavaria. Its task in the entire field of environmental protection is to determine data on the state of the environment in Bavaria and to develop goals, strategies and plans for the sustainable use and protection of our environment.