Recorded presentation

Kagan Owens, Program Director, Beyond Pesticides, 701 E Street, S.E., Suite 200, Washington, DC 20003, 202-543-5450, kowens@beyondpesticides.org

Health care facilities are intended to be places for health and healing. Yet the findings of a new report by health advocacy groups Health Care Without Harm and Beyond Pesticides, which include a first-of-its-kind survey of top U.S. hospitals, shows that many major hospitals are using toxic pesticides, unnecessarily risking the health of patients, staff and visitors and raises questions about the safety of health care facilities. While it is essential that hospitals maintain a clean environment free of pests that threaten health, it is also important that patients, staff and visitors be protected from exposure to pesticides. Pesticides are hazardous chemicals, many of which contain volatile compounds that contribute to poor indoor air quality. Pesticides can cause an array of health problems, particularly in infants and children, the elderly, people with asthma, chemical sensitivities or with compromised immune systems. There is an urgent need for more hospitals to protect people's health by using safer pest management practices, in keeping with the medical profession's commitment to 'First, do no harm.’ The presentation will highlight strategies and resources for how health care facilities can manage pests while also protecting the health of people and the environment.

Learning Objectives: Following the presentation, the participant (learner) will

• Identify potential health hazards associated with health care facilities' use of pesticides
• Discuss the findings of a national hospital pest management practices survey
• Describe and implement the six principles of Integrated Pest Management (IPM)

Keywords: Environment, Health Care Delivery

Presenting author's disclosure statement:
I have a significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.
Relationship: I am employed with Beyond Pesticides. The presentation will focus on the policy reviews, reports and organizing assistance the organization provides on the issues surrounding school pesticide use and pest management practices.

Recorded presentation