What to know
The Minnesota (MN) Tracking Program collects, analyzes, and shares data about environmental hazards, people’s exposures to them, and the health of Minnesotans. Their work helps inform and evaluate policy decisions; support new funding for local actions; and track progress of programs working to improve public health.
Background
Minnesota is known as the Land of 10,000 Lakes. Geographically, it is the 12th largest state. At 86,935 square miles, 8.5% of this is water.
Tracking environmental contaminants in drinking water from public water systems and private wells are high priority. Top concerns include heavy metals like arsenic, agricultural chemicals, and chemicals of emerging concern, like perfluorochemicals.
The MN Tracking and Biomonitoring programs were established in 2007 by Minnesota Legislature statutes. MN was among the first states to create these programs. Tracking and Biomonitoring programs work together to identify environmental health disparities and provide actionable risk information to communities and decision-makers.
In 2009, Minnesota received funding from CDC to join the National Tracking Program.
Accomplishments
Increasing Efficiency and Quality of State Services
In 2013, Minnesota Tracking received a Governor's Award for Continuous Improvement. They were recognized for their outstanding achievement in increasing efficiency, quality, and value of state services. MN Tracking estimated that it saves $3.6 million in staff time each year by handling requests for data in a timely, cost-effective way.
Informing State Law to Prevent Skin Cancer in Youth
The Minnesota Department of Health used MN Tracking data on melanoma, tanning beds, and other topics to support a new state policy initiative. The initiative is called Minnesota's Tan-Free Teens legislation. It prohibits children under 18 years old from using commercial tanning equipment, which exposes skin to harmful levels of cancer-causing ultraviolet radiation.
Unique Data
All state and local tracking programs collect and display a set of standard data. But individual programs may host other data that are important to their populations. MN Tracking's unique data include the following.
Contacts
Website: http://www.health.state.mn.us/tracking/
Email: health.dataportal@state.mn.us
X (formerly Twitter): @mnhealth
Resources and tools
The MN Biomonitoring: Chemicals in People program tracks chemical exposures in groups most at risk for negative health outcomes. Data from this work helps inform decisions and evaluate actions to protecting future generations and advance health equity.
This Health Impact Assessment toolkit helps local public health departments determine the public health effects of proposed projects or legislation.
County profiles show the most recent available data at the county level.
MN Tracking displays drinking water system contaminants for both community water systems and private wells. Users can search community water system data by county and city.