ABOUT THE ATSDR WASHINGTON, D.C. OFFICE

The Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry, ATSDR is located in Atlanta, Georgia.  Therefore, ATSDR’s Washington Office provides a critical information link in Washington between the Agency and the legislative branch and the other executive branch agencies of government.

ATSDR’s Washington Office improves the environmental health policy-making process by sharing ATSDR’s science-based recommendations and conclusions with Congress. That is why ATSDR leadership emphasizes the importance of providing timely responses to congressional inquiries.  Congressional interest in ATSDR is far reaching.  ATSDR Washington often provides information to members and their staffs who are trying to identify environmental health resources for communities exposed to hazardous substances.  Additionally, the ATSDR Washington Office responds to Congressional requests for views on legislation affecting public health.  The Washington Office also represents the agency in meetings with officials of the Department of Health and Human Services and other federal agencies and consults with national health and environmental organizations.

The timely responses from ATSDR, through the Washington staff, promote the Agency's mission and goals to prevent exposure and the adverse human health effects and the diminished quality of life associated with exposures to hazardous substances from waste sites, unplanned releases, and other sources of environmental pollution.

The Washington Office provides ATSDR with vital legislative and regulatory information pertinent to ATSDR activities.  ATSDR Washington Office staff monitor legislation and attend congressional committee hearings to enable ATSDR to stay informed of the issues affecting ATSDR.  Congressional committees hold hearings to discuss issues of interest to ATSDR such as Superfund, toxic substances, the Resources Conservation and Recovery Act, children’s health, lead poisoning prevention, brownfields, risk assessment regarding human exposure to chemicals, bioterrorism (chemical terrorism), and community right-to-know laws.