Specific public health organizations in the United States implement public health
regulations and policies in focused areas of expertise for the protection and benefit of
the public. For example, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration regulates drug and
medical equipment safety and usage. The ultimate goal of epidemiology is to eliminate
or reduce the influence of risk factors that cause disease and promote health in
the community.
In the 19th century most scientists believed the cause of disease was infection
(Germ Theory). We now know that diseases are caused not only by infection, but also
through other factors related to nutrition, environment, and trauma. Most of the epidemiological
studies in the past were observational. Our current ability to integrate
technology into studies for the investigation of disease causation has proved to be advantageous
in preventing the spread of disease. The availability of advanced microbiological,
chemical, and drug testing devices as well as our ability to communicate
instantaneously have had a tremendous positive effect on our efforts toward prevention
and planning. Both scientific and technological advances have permitted conclusions
to be reached in less time while conserving resources and operating in a fully
ethical manner.