The Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR), under the umbrella of HHS, is included in a major restructuring plan that involves significant mass layoffs and cost-cutting measures, including reductions in DEI spending, raising concerns about worker rights and effective public health service delivery.

A DOGE Analysis article reviews the functions of the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR), noting its vital role in assessing toxic exposures and educating the public, but also criticizing the agency for constitutional overreach, redundant functions, high operational costs, and inefficiencies. The analysis recommends either abolishing the agency and reallocating its resources or streamlining its operations, arguing that the current structure may dilute effective public health protection and weaken local oversight.

An investigation revealed that in 1997, ATSDR altered its report on Camp Lejeune’s water contamination after pressure from military officials, downplaying health hazards such as benzene exposure. This report was later retracted in 2009, underscoring the agency’s compromised role in protecting public health.