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Abstract #158258

Bernadette M. Longo, PhD, RN, Orvis School of Nursing, University of Nevada-Reno, Mail Stop 134, Reno, NV 89557, 1-775-682-7149, longo@unr.edu

Throughout recorded history humans have been challenged to interact with volcanoes. Today, over 500 million people live near the world's 600 active volcanoes. These volcanoes continuously emit sulfurous gases and particle air pollution into the troposphere during eruption and in states of quiescence. Many of the world's active volcanoes are proximal to urban population centers in developing countries, potentially adding to the local air pollution burden. Sulfurous air pollution is associated with increased morbidity and mortality worldwide. Statistically significant associations have been found between chronic exposure of volcanic emissions and increased prevalence of cardiorespiratory symptoms and diseases. Therefore, long-term residency in active volcanic areas may adversely influence health of the population. At Kilauea Volcano in Hawai`i, nursing research on volcanic health has resulted in new public health policy. Nursing is uniquely qualified to conduct surveillance of disease, provide treatment, educate, and promote health to exposed communities. Public health nursing should survey prevalence and incidence of cardiorespiratory disease, educate in cardiac risk factor reduction, and encourage exercise régimes that reduce exposure to the volcanic emissions. Cardiovascular screenings and pulmonary function testing could allow for early diagnosis and, if appropriate, initiation of treatment. Residents with diagnosed asthma or hypertension should be encouraged to comply with treatment regimens to reduce disease progression. Smoking prevention efforts and cessation protocols are likely the most effective health promotion interventions. Efforts by public health nurses are vital to improving health and ensuring equity of health services to populations residing in volcanic areas around the world.

Learning Objectives:

• Describe two health promotion interventions that public health nurses can provide populations residing near active volcanoes.
• Articulate the role(s) of public health nursing to conduct environmental research and disseminate findings that influence formation of health policy for vulnerable populations.

Keywords: Cardiorespiratory, Nurses

Presenting author's disclosure statement:

Any relevant financial relationships? No
Any institutionally-contracted trials related to this submission?

I agree to comply with the American Public Health Association Conflict of Interest and Commercial Support Guidelines, and to disclose to the participants any off-label or experimental uses of a commercial product or service discussed in my presentation.