Recorded presentation

Kagan Owens, BS, Beyond Pesticides, 701 E Street, S.E., Suite 200, Washington, DC 20003, 202-543-5450, kowens@beyondpesticides.org

Health care facilities are intended to be places for health and healing. Yet the findings of a new report by health advocate groups Health Care Without Harm and Beyond Pesticides that includes a first-of-its-kind survey of top U.S. hospitals, shows that many major hospitals are using toxic pesticides, unnecessarily risking the health of patients, staff and visitors and raises questions about the safety of health care facilities. While it is essential that hospitals maintain a clean environment free of pests that threaten health, it is also important that patients, staff and visitors be protected from exposure to pesticides. Pesticides are hazardous chemicals, many of which contain volatile compounds that contribute to poor indoor air quality. Pesticides can cause an array of health problems, particularly in infants and children, the elderly, people with asthma, chemical sensitivities or with compromised immune systems. Some pesticides being used on hospital grounds are linked to cancer and birth defects, as well as neurological and reproductive disorders. There is an urgent need for more hospitals to protect people's health by using safer pest management practices, in keeping with the medical profession's commitment to 'First, do no harm.’ The workshop will highlight strategies and resources for how health care facilities can manage pests while also protecting the health of people and the environment.

Learning Objectives:

• · Identify potential health hazards associated with health care facilities' use of pesticides
• · Discuss the findings of a national hospital pest management practices survey
• · Describe and implement the six principles of Integrated Pest Management (IPM)
• · Utilize model hospital IPM programs to gain support for IPM in their facility
• · Evaluate their own health care facilities' pest management and pesticide program

Keywords: Health Care, Pesticides

Related Web page: www.beyondpesticides.org

Presenting author's disclosure statement:
I have a significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.
Relationship: I am employed by Beyond Pesticides. The presentation will cover policy reviews, reports, outreach materials and organizing assistance the organization provides on the issues pesticide use and pest management practices.

Recorded presentation