Virginia Department of Health (VDH)

The Virginia Department of Health (VDH) is responsible for public health monitoring and health risk assessments related to environmental pollution, including coal dust. It works in tandem with the Virginia Department of Environmental Quality (VA DEQ) and other state agencies to assess and address the health impacts of hazards, including environmental hazards.

Role

The VDH conducts health risk assessments and provides data on public health outcomes related to coal dust exposure. This includes monitoring respiratory diseases like asthma, bronchitis, and other illnesses commonly linked to coal dust pollution. The department collaborates with community organizations to conduct health assessments in affected areas, providing crucial data to support advocacy for stronger environmental protections.

Relevance

VDH's data could potentially be used by community organizations to establish the links between coal dust pollution and health issues, which in turn would strengthen the case for regulatory reform. The VDH's involvement is particularly critical in highlighting the disproportionate health impacts faced by low-income and minority communities in Hampton Roads. However, the agency has faced criticism for not doing enough to advocate for stronger public health protections in the face of mounting evidence of health risks.