The 131st Annual Meeting (November 15-19, 2003) of APHA

Abstract #68355

Karla R. Armenti, ScD, MS, Consulting in Occupational and Environmental Sciences, COES, LLC., 26 Harrod Lane, Bedford, NH 03110, 603-472-8721, armeka@attbi.com

This presentation will offer an introduction to the session on “Occupational Health & Pollution Prevention: Key Partnerships.” It will highlight past and present work by professionals in the fields of both occupational and environmental health promoting the importance of considering risk to both workers and the environment simultaneously when implementing occupational or environmental interventions.

The presenter will highlight the current literature as well as current projects promoting the "integration concept" and will provide links to pertinent articles and case studies establishing strategies for integrating environmental and occupational health protection. This work supports pollution prevention and sustainability through new approaches that include worker health and safety.

Some of the projects to be highlighted include: The Sustainable Hospitals Project, the Toxics Use Reduction Act of Massachusetts (using environmental laws to regulate occupational hazards), research projects on worker participation in pollution prevention, and case studies of the effects of pollution prevention on worker safety and health.

Learning Objectives:

• At the conclusion of the session, the participant (learner) in this session will be able to:
• 1)Articulate the need for simultaneous consideration of occupational and environmental hazards that prevent risk shifting.
• 2)Identify the key research projects that promote the integration of occupational and environmental health.
• 3)Discuss additional opportunities to support current and future efforts that build on the work presented here.

Keywords: Occupational Health Programs, 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.