Gross alpha radiation is a type of energy released when certain radioactive elements decay or break down and can be found in your drinking water.
Cyanobacteria, also known as blue-green algae, are common in Lake Champlain and other Vermont waters. Some types of cyanobacteria can release natural toxins or poisons (called cyanotoxins) into the water.
Find definitions of the terms used for Environmental Public Health Tracking data.
Not all Vermont bays, lakes, and ponds are monitored. Be aware of changing conditions, and keep out of the water if you think cyanobacteria may be present. Check recent reports on lake conditions and season summaries. To find out if...
Outdoor air can contain pollutants. Air pollution has been linked to specific health problems—such as asthma, heart disease, and lung cancer.
Asthma attacks and episodes are serious problems with breathing caused by certain triggers. These triggers can be found in both indoor and outdoor environments.
Most birth defects are thought to be caused by a complex mix of factors, including a person’s genes, behaviors, and things in the environment.
Cancer is the leading cause of death in Vermont. Each year more than 3,600 Vermonters are diagnosed with some form of cancer.
Carbon monoxide is a poison, even at low levels. Breathing high levels of CO can cause severe illness or death in a matter of minutes.
Lead is a highly toxic metal that has been commonly used in many household, industrial and automobile products. Lead poisoning is a serious but preventable health problem.