sanitary science

sanitary science, principles of health preservation, embracing hygiene, on an individual level, and public health, on a communal level. Those who specialize in sanitary science are sanitary engineers. They endeavor to eliminate or reduce health hazards associated with the supply of water and milk, the collection and disposal of sewage and refuse, and the prevalence of rodents and insects. Conditions of noise, air pollution, and improper food handling that threaten the well-being of the public are also their concern. Sanitary engineers have had to develop methods for safely disposing of radioactive waste material at sea and on land. See solid waste.

See G. E. Mitchell, Sanitation, Drainage and Water Supply (6th ed. 1960); E. S. Hopkins et al., Practice of Sanitation (4th ed. 1970); J. A. Salvato, Environmental Engineering and Sanitation (2d ed. 1972).

The Columbia Electronic Encyclopedia, 6th ed. Copyright © 2012, Columbia University Press. All rights reserved.