ATSDR stands for the Agency for Toxic Substances. It is a public health agency that is a part of the US Department of Health and Human Services. This agency has a primary focus on helping to minimize the health risks for humans that are associated with exposure to hazardous substances. This agency does work with other agencies, including OSHA as well as state and local agencies, to accomplish this goal.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention also perform a variety of different administrative functions for the ATSDR, which is another example of how this agency works closely with a variety of others.
Since the ATSDR is primarily concerned with the impact that hazardous substances have on humans, especially in the workplace, they are helpful when establishing regulations. It is important to note, however, that they are an advisory agency, not a regulatory one. This means that they do not directly create or enforce any regulations that must be followed. What they do, however, is advising the regulatory agencies within the government, so paying attention to this agency can be very helpful for many types of companies.
All workplaces that have any type of hazardous substance will want to be very familiar with this agency and the information that it put out. It can help not only make sure that your workplace is in line with relevant regulations, but also helps you to maintain a safe workplace.
