The 130th Annual Meeting of APHA

Abstract #45745

Anastasia Antoniadis, MPH and Julie A. Becker, PhD(c), MPH. Department of Health Studies, Temple University, 62 Old Forge Crossing, Devon, PA 19333, 610-688-6633, stacya@pattan.k12.pa.us

Although a young child spends on average 28 hours per week in child care, little is known about the types or levels of exposures from pesticides and cleaning agents associated in this microenvironment. In order to gain information from child care providers about the chemicals and pesticides used in their programs a survey tool, Pesticide and Cleaning Agent Management in Child Care Centers Questionnaire, was developed and implemented in a pilot study. Surveys were completed via telephone interview and mail. Overall, child care centers reported little knowledge about pesticide products used on their premises, use of specific written guidelines on cleaning and pest management, or notifying parents prior to pesticide applications. These gaps between knowledge and practice present numerous considerations in the planning and design of future research and health prevention efforts.

Learning Objectives: After attending this session, the learner will be able to

• identify what topics need to be included when doing a needs assessment or survey with child care centers about pesticides and cleaning agents,
• list potential barriers in data collection from child care centers regarding the use of pesticides and cleaning agents, and
• describe health messages to child care personnel about pesticide and cleaning agent use within a developmentally appropriate practices framework.

Keywords: Child Care, Environmental Health Hazards

Presenting author's disclosure statement:
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.