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Working with the Health Commission

The mission of the Boston Public Health Commission (BPHC) is to protect and promote the health of all Bostonians. 

Inspections

The Boston Public Health Commission and its partner organizations conduct home and work inspections. The inspections protect residents and  employees from dangerous living or working conditions.

The Environmental and Occupational Health Division​ responds to public requests for inspections related to a range of environmental health hazards. The office addresses hazards in private residences, public buildings, workplaces, and outdoor spaces. To report a health hazard or request an inspection, contact the Environmental Health Office at 617-534-5965. ​​

Breathe Easy at Home​ allows doctors, nurses, and other health professionals to refer patients with asthma for a home inspection. Patients must be Boston residents. The Boston Inspectional Services Department (ISD) conducts home inspections. ISD inspectors enforce the state sanitary code for housing in Boston. ISD inspectors can identify asthma triggers covered by the state sanitary code. ISD inspectors work with the property owners to end poor housing conditions.

To contact the Breathe Easy at Home Coordinator, please call 617-534-2635 or email asthma@bphc.org.

Permits

BPHC works with businesses, vendors, and community partners to regulate certain industries and activities in Boston. They aim to ensure the safety and wellbeing of residents. BPHC’s Board of Health issues yearly licenses and individual project permits to businesses and individuals.

Our Environmental Health Inspectors perform routine and complaint-based checks of businesses. They make sure businesses follow applicable laws and regulations.

Our Burial Permits Department works with funeral home staff issuing necessary documentation for burials within the City of Boston.

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