The 130th Annual Meeting of APHA

Abstract #50549

Lisa A. Cauldwell, MPH, Indoor Air Program & MPH Program, Marion County Health Department; Indianapolis, IN & Indiana Univeristy (Indianapolis), 3838 N. Rural St., 5th floor, Indianapolis, IN 46205, 317-221-2170, lcauldwe@hhcorp.org

Chemical use, specifically pesticide use in schools is receiving increased attention and concern from the public—including parents, physicians, teachers and the Marion County Health Department (Indianapolis, Indiana.) Pests, such as mice, cockroaches, ants, bees, termites and even dandelions, will seek environments conducive for survival which include any location with adequate air, food and water, including school buildings and grounds. Activities to limit these pests are desirable due to the nuisance and public health problems posed and carried by these vectors including damaging materials, spreading disease, and the triggering of allergies and asthma conditions of occupants. Although data in schools is limited, pesticide use is believed to be the traditional means in accomplishing this task. The Marion County Health Department was interested in the status of area schools on this issue. An assessment of current pest control practices and use of integrated pest management in Marion County schools was performed in the spring of 2001 as part of an Indiana University MPH final project in cooperation with the county health department. The purpose of this project was to assess the current pest problems, control practices, and participation in IPM policy development and implementation for schools within Marion County Indiana. In addition, mechanisms to assist schools to incorporate IPM practices into their programs will be investigated and possibly subsequently be used by Marion County Health Department staff in the near future.

Learning Objectives:

• List 12 components/steps of an IPM program.
• Recognize hazards associated with pests and pesticides.
• Articulate process of performing a (pest control) needs assessment in school systems.
• Apply Procheska's Transtheoretical Model of Change and the Health Belief Model to identify opportunities for changing pest control practices.
• Describe pest control policies and practices of Marion County, IN schools.

Keywords: School-Based Programs, Pesticide Exposure

Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: Indiana University Purdue University Marion County Health Department, Indianapolis,IN
I have a significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.
Relationship: Employee of Marion County Health Department.