The health of every nation depends on the quality of its environment. Toxic chemicals in food, soil, water, and air are intimately linked to human health. The health and safety of the American public, including its workers, are at risk due to the broad reduction in the workforce in federal agencies established to safeguard the public and worker health. The uncertain future of federal support for academic institutions that serves as a vital engine working to protect environmental public health through critical research, training, and public outreach is of pressing concern.

I am writing as the President of the International Society of Exposure Science (ISES) to share the Society’s support for exposure science and the scientists who make America healthy.

The health of every nation depends on the quality of its environment. Toxic chemicals in food, soil, water, and air are intimately linked to human health. The health and safety of the American public, including its workers, are at risk due to the broad reduction in the workforce in federal agencies established to safeguard the public and worker health. The uncertain future of federal support for academic institutions that serves as a vital engine working to protect environmental public health through critical research, training, and public outreach is of pressing concern.

ISES unequivocally supports the bold goal of making America healthy and recognizes that this cannot be accomplished without advancing and integrating exposure science into research and public heath practice. The deregulation of industry and the dismantling of research that supports the scientific basis for public health regulations threaten the health of all Americans.

As an international society representing exposure scientists across multiple sectors in the United States and around the globe, ISES stands firmly in support of scientists at the EPA, NIOSH, CDC, and other federal agencies whose work provides the evidence base for policies that protect public health and the environment. We have hosted listening sessions with our members to better understand how recent policy changes and workforce reductions are affecting critical environmental health research and monitoring programs.

The complex challenges we face—from contaminants of emerging concern, including PFAS, to extreme weather events—pose significant threats to the health of Americans. These challenges require robust scientific infrastructure. We commend the US state and federal policymakers for their recognition that investments in environmental research and infrastructure are investments in the nation’s health and well-being.

ISES remains committed to advancing the field of exposure science. We will continue to advocate for the essential role that exposure scientists play in meeting humanity’s needs for public health and environmental protection for current and future generations.