What role does the Environmental Protection Agency play in public health?

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) plays a critical role in public health primarily by protecting individuals and communities from environmental hazards. This protection involves regulating and monitoring pollutants that can harm human health, such as air and water quality standards, hazardous waste management, and chemical safety. By ensuring that the environment is safe, clean, and conducive to health, the EPA helps to prevent diseases and other health problems related to environmental factors.

While the other options involve aspects of health care or medical practice, they do not align with the core functions of the EPA. The agency's focus is not on providing healthcare services, conducting medical research, or issuing medical licenses, but rather on safeguarding public health by creating and enforcing regulations that mitigate environmental risks.