The Prevention Puzzle: How Local Environmental Health Fits into Cancer Control in Iowa

The Iowa Cancer Consortium and partners have been helping Iowans see how our everyday environments can reduce cancer risk or raise it, depending on the exposures, resources, and policies in them. No one understands that environmental protection is health protection and cancer prevention better than environmental health experts working across all 99 of Iowa’s counties. One such expert is Consortium member Chris Behrens from Tama County, who shares more about his work below. 

Can you tell me about yourself and your role as Tama County Sanitarian?  

I serve as the Environmental Health Officer (Sanitarian) for Tama County. I have been in the position for a little over five years. I am part-time, working approximately 20 hours a week, with a very varied schedule. Most of my work (75%) involves giving permits and inspections for septic systems that treat wastewater from houses and businesses that are not on public sewer systems. I also permit private wells and do water testing through Iowa’s Private Well Grant. I also inspect local tanning bed facilities, tattoo facilities, and swimming pools while also handling nuisance complaints.   

How does working in a rural county shape your work? 

Working in a rural county shapes nearly every aspect of the job. Many residents rely on private wells and private wastewater systems rather than municipal utilities, which means individual property owners play a larger role in managing their own environmental health risks. Rural communities also face unique challenges related to agriculture, aging infrastructure, distance from services, and access to resources. 

What services and resources do you provide for community members? Does cancer come up often in your work? 

Cancer is not typically the primary reason someone contacts our office, but it does come up indirectly. Residents often have concerns about contaminants in drinking water, such as nitrates, pesticides, or other substances that may have long-term health implications. We also provide access to lower-cost radon testing kits. When questions arise, we work to provide accurate information, connect residents with testing resources, and help them understand ways to reduce exposure to environmental risks. 

 What inspired you to work in environmental health? 

What drew me to environmental health was the opportunity to help protect our natural resources like clean water. I enjoy hiking, fishing, boating and hunting as my hobbies and knowing that I am helping to protect the beauty and health of Iowa’s natural resources is rewarding.    Environmental health focuses on prevention—protecting air, water, and environmental conditions that influence health every day. I appreciate the combination of science, problem-solving, and public service that the field offers.   

What is the most rewarding part of your job? Most challenging? 

One of the biggest challenges is balancing limited time/resources with a wide range of responsibilities. My position is only funded 20 hours a week. Environmental health issues can be complex and often require education, investigation, and collaboration among multiple agencies. Additionally, many environmental risks are not immediately visible. For example, just because your toilet is getting rid of your waste does not mean it is necessarily working in regard to the environment. Environmental health covers so much that it’s often hard to find time to address the many different risks that arise each day.  

What role do you see yourself and others in your field playing in cancer prevention in Iowa? 

Environmental health professionals play an important supporting role in cancer prevention. While cancer has many causes, reducing exposure to environmental hazards is one piece of the prevention puzzle. Our work helps ensure safe drinking water, proper wastewater treatment, radon mitigation, and awareness of environmental risks that may contribute to chronic disease.  Environmental health professionals are often on the front lines of identifying concerns, educating the public, and connecting residents with resources. By promoting testing, monitoring environmental conditions, and encouraging risk-reduction strategies, we help create healthier environments that support long-term health outcomes. 

What is something you wish cancer control professionals knew about your work? 

I would like cancer control professionals to recognize that environmental health staff often have direct connections to residents and communities, especially in rural areas. We regularly interact with people who have concerns about water quality, environmental exposures, and other factors that can influence health. Because of these relationships, environmental health professionals can be valuable partners in outreach, education, and prevention efforts. I also think there is a significant opportunity for collaboration. Cancer prevention and environmental health share a common goal of reducing risks before disease occurs. Working together allows us to combine expertise and reach people through multiple trusted channels within the community. In many ways, environmental health is public health prevention at its earliest stage—addressing potential hazards before they become health problems. 

If you have questions related to your environment, such as your water quality, your best source of information is your county environmental health expert. County personnel like Chris are well-connected to the community and here to support your health. Find your county sanitarian’s contact information on Iowa Department of Natural Resources’ spreadsheet: https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/e/2PACX-1vSN9_vM3stj69X3-4qojMfxrkIGuP4dkCfZYo1DI9g8FSyJrs4SbfRYuDRPulMxStPClHPxdB1io1GR/pubhtml.