Public health engineering

Abstract

The public health engineer has, and must continue to perform, a leading role in the field of preventative medicine because, unless his efforts are successful, community life cannot develop and flourish satisfactorily. Some of his work may lack glamour and is frequently taken for granted, but it is worthwhile looking back over the present century and seeing how much has been achieved. Public health engineering is defined as the art, science, technology, profession and practice of designing, supervising, executing, undertaking, advising upon and administering works intended to assist, develop and control the forces of nature in order to maintain and improve the health of the community. The fundamental needs of human beings in order to maintain and improve their health - or even to remain alive - are adequate supplies of clean air, potable water, suitable and sufficient food, and hygienic waste disposal. Other amenities such as shelter, clothing and warmth can, where necessary, be contrived, but air, water and food cannot be manufactured and waste, if allowed to accumulate untreated, can so pollute the environment as to make it untenable.