The 130th Annual Meeting of APHA

Abstract #52213

Patricia Meinhardt, MD, MPH, MA, Arnot Ogden Medical Center, Center for Occupational and Environmental Medicine, 600 Ivy Street, Elmira, NY 14905 and Ginger Anderson, American College of Preventive Medicine, 1307 New York Avenue, NW, Suite 200, Washington, DC 20005, (202)466-2044, ext. 111, epidoc@twcny.rr.com.

According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), research indicates that people spend approximately 90% of their time indoors. Further, people exposed to indoor air for the longest periods of time are often those most susceptible to the effects of pollution (infants and young children, the elderly, and the chronically ill, especially those suffering from respiratory or cardiovascular disease). In the interest of energy efficiency, homes and offices are commonly tightly sealed, further exacerbating the problem, as inadequate ventilation helps sustain indoor air pollution by not bringing in enough outdoor air to dilute indoor air pollution and by not carrying pollution out of the home.

Fortunately, there are actions patients can take to minimize exposure to the harmful gases and particles that cause indoor air quality problems. With funding from the EPA, the American College of Preventive Medicine (ACPM) has developed Indoor Air Pollution: Detecting Illness, Educating Patients, an educational program to help health care providers recognize symptoms and give them tips on how to advise patients. This poster session will feature an overview and information on gaining access to the full module on-line or for in-person delivery.

Learning Objectives:

At the conclusion of this poster session, participants will(
• Be aware of sources of indoor air contamination and some of the dangers they pose; (
• Be more aware of the possibility of patient symptoms being related to indoor air pollution, which are often non-specific and can mimic those of other conditions; and (
• Know where to look for more knowledge on detecting patient exposure to indoor air pollution.

Keywords: Indoor Environment, Air Pollutants

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.