Small automotive repair shops present an environmental justice quandary. Approximately 1,200 legal and 2,400 illegal automotive repair shops operate in Boston, many located in mixed zoning areas where they operate out of the "backyards" of private residences. Disproportionately located in low income communities of color, these businesses represent a significant source of income and employment, but also a large burden of air, water, and soil pollution and fire/safety hazards. Closing these illegal operations would prevent pollution and health risks, but also adversely affect the community's economy. The Office of Environmental Health (OEH) has worked independently and as part of the Boston Environmental Strike Team or with a neighborhood health center to identify these illegal businesses and educate their owners about environmental health issues and requirements. The educational program was designed to promote behavior changes resulting in the businesses coming into compliance with local, state, and federal regulations and adopting best work practices to prevent pollution and protect the health and safety of workers and neighbors. OEH uses a variety of educational tools including training videos, workbooks, and one-on-one consultations using the Health Belief Model, the Theory of Reasoned Action, and the Multiattribute Utility Theory of education and behavior change. OEH has used this approach to educate the owners of 128 businesses. Of these, 99 (77.3%) adopted a large proportion of the training materials and came into compliance with regulations and best work practices while only 29 (22.6%) failed to make any improvements and were shut down.
Learning Objectives: At the conclusion of this presentation, participants will: 1. Be able to identify the environmental and economic issues posed by small automotive repair shops. 2. Understand the practical application of education and behavior change models by a local public health department to help auto shop owners come into compliance with with regulation to prevent environmental health hazards without having a negative economic impact. 3. Understand the value of a multidisciplinary approach to environmental enforcement and education
Keywords: Health Education Strategies, Environmental Justice
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: Boston Public Health Commission
I have a significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.
Relationship: employment