The 130th Annual Meeting of APHA

Abstract #50040

Charlie Atherton, Calcasieu Parish, LA, 122 Vine Street, Sulphur, LA 70663, 337-625-7613, Charlie@structurex.net

In areas that have extensive industrial histories, community concern regarding environmental issues are in the forefront of public attention. This is especially true when chemicals or hazardous waste from these facilities are found to be migrating offsite, or when water supplies located near these facilities are found to be contaminated. Residents in the area become justifiably concerned about health effects which may result from exposure to these contaminants, and their concerns are heightened when they learn that others in their area are suffering from the same health effects. Public health agencies at the local, state and federal level are routinely asked to investigate these concerns and determine what, if any, exposures are occurring and what the risk to nearby residences may be.

This session will focus on the concerns of affected communities regarding potential environmental exposures as well as their expectations of the public health and regulatory agencies that attempt to provide answers to their questions. This session will also focus on questions community residents expect answered by the investigation, what they perceive their role in the process is, and if they feel that the investigating agencies usually provide information about the results of their study in a timely and informative manner.

Learning Objectives: At the conclusion of this session, the participant in this session will be able to

• Identify three reasons why communicating scientific research to community members is difficult;
• Identify three reasons why professional scientists’ credibility is questioned by community members; and
• Discuss methods to ensure participation of affected communities in the research process.

Keywords: Environmental Health, Community Participation

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.