The author presents her experience with the introduction and implementation of the system of monitoring of the health status of the population and environmental factors on the territory of the Karviná district after 1989. It provides evidence that the results of monitoring need not be conceived only as systematic collection and analysis of data and evaluation of trends but also as valuable material for supervision by organs of the hygiene service. It provides also information for authorities of the state administration and self-administration, the public, teaching and training of students incl. theses etc. It draws attention to the necessity of organizational changes in the activities of the District hygiene station, to increased demands on the professional standard of workers and the need of close collaboration of field and laboratory departments.

        Key words: monitoring of the environment – monitoring of the health status.