Evidence Briefs: Public Health Topics
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Every year, millions of American children and adults suffer serious injuries, many of which could have been avoided. Driving, working, and playing can all be made safer. By discouraging or prohibiting risky behavior and reshaping dangerous environments, injury prevention laws have effectively reduced injuries caused by cars, guns, toys and tools. Injuries are a major cause of harm to the public health, and there is considerable evidence that law is an effective tool in reducing their toll. -
Alcohol, tobacco and other drugs cause significant levels of harm in the United States. Legal interventions have been widely used to control availability, reduce consumption and minimize the harms caused by legal and illegal drugs. Research shows that law can reduce the harms of drug use, but also that the legal cure can sometimes have serious side effects. -
Novel infectious diseases like H1N1, re-emergent drug-resistant diseases like MDR-tuberculosis, and well-known viruses like HIV/AIDS still spread suffering and often shorten lives. These diseases evolve and so must policies. Continuing efforts and new tools, all informed by rigorous research, are needed to reduce the spread of known diseases and prevent the emergence of new ones. -
Safe, healthy housing is an important factor in individual and public health. Poor housing often leads to poor health: respiratory infections, asthma and lead poisoning as well as injuries and mental disease. Public health law research is investigating how legal interventions like lead abatement programs and housing subsidies can help ensure that everyone has a healthy place to call home. -
Oral health is a critical public health concern. Painful dental decay afflicts far too many Americans, particularly poorer Americans. Research demonstrates that fluoridation of public water supplies, which reduces tooth decay, is one of great success stories of the modern public health movement. Other legal interventions promoting the use of fluoride are being proposed and evaluated. -
Violence is a leading cause of death and injury in the U.S., and one that strikes younger people and minorities with disproportionate frequency. Researchers are working to understand violence as a public health issue and to discourage violent behavior. Researchers are beginning also to understand how criminal laws and other legal systems – such as mental health law – affect crime rates and communities. -
Health research has demonstrated that obesity is a major public health problem. Overweight people have higher risks of heart disease, diabetes and other mental and physical harms. Public health law research is needed to identify ways in which law can make a difference in individual choices and the environment. From including calorie information on restaurant menus to using zoning rules to promote greater physical activity, law is being asked to play a major role in combating the problem. -
Driven by changes in diet, exercise and life-span, the burden of chronic disease continues to grow. Public health is challenged to help Americans live healthier lives. Law can shape our decisions in key areas like diet and exercise, and can help foster an environment with healthier options to choose from. Research plays an essential role in supporting the development and adoption of innovative legal interventions. -
In an industrialized society, health risks are often hidden where we work, play, and learn. These risks can result in acute injuries or exposure to pathogens, such as asbestos, lead and a host of others. Factories and offices, schools and colleges, playgrounds and many other public places present unique challenges to public health practice. Laws has been a prominent tool in regulating the construction, maintenance and sanitation of public and private places, but more research is needed to identify the most effective approaches. -
Environmental exposure to harmful pathogens and health-promoting resources like parks for recreation is a key determinant of population health. Law plays numerous and varied roles in shaping the environment. Environmental regulations limit the use and disposal of harmful industrial materials. Zoning laws influence the creation and maintenance of community spaces that facilitate physical activity. Laws that target unhealthy features of the environment are some of the best and most well-supported levers for improving population health. -
Mental disorders are a significant source of public health harms. As much as a quarter of Americans age 18 and older suffer from one or more mental disorders each year. These mental disorders contribute to rates of suicide, violence, homelessness, and a host of other negative health outcomes. A number of legal interventions are essential to addressing mental health problems at the individual and population levels. -
All available topics
© RWJF 2012
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Public Health Law Research is a national program of the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation. It is housed at the Temple University Beasley School of Law.