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APHA Scientific Session and Event Listing

Christa L. Smolenski¹, Julie Becker, PhD, MPH², Teresa Méndez-Quigley, MSW, LSW², and Andrea Crivelli-Kovach, PhD, CHES³. (1) Arcadia University, 450 Easton Road, Philadelphia, PA 19130, 215-763-0298, ja.becker@verizon.net, (2) Women's Health & Environmental Network (WHEN), 704 N. 23rd Street, Philadelphia, PA 19130, (3) Department of Community Health, Arcadia University, 450 Easton Road, Glenside, PA 19038

Growing children need safe, secure educational environments in which they can learn and socialize. Specific environmental factors and practices, such as the use of conventional pesticides and commercial cleaning products can adversely affect normal development in infants and young children. This group is especially vulnerable to environmental exposures because of their body weight and immature immune and endocrine systems. Presently, there are few regulations regarding the use of conventional pesticides and commercial cleaning products in and around child care facilities. The purpose of this project was to assess a) the awareness level concerning the pesticide and disinfectant use among directors and mangers of child care centers in Philadelphia County, and b) their knowledge of Integrated Pest Management (IPM) and Green Cleaning. More than 20 childcare centers in 45 zip codes were surveyed via the telephone through a collaboration of childcare credentialing agencies. The researchers examined the type and use of commercial cleaning products among childcare staff, awareness of IPM and parental notification prior to pesticide application, and practice of IPM and Green Cleaning considering the location of the facility. Preliminary results from this study suggest there is little awareness of either Green Cleaning practices or IPM. The results from this study will be used to structure new interventions to educate childcare providers and parents about these issues. The ultimate aim of this project is to encourage and/or establish a mandate in the state of Pennsylvania requiring all childcare centers to practice IPM and Green Cleaning.

Learning Objectives:

• Participants attending this poster session/presentation will discover the value in alternative pest control and cleaning methods in childcare centers. Participants will learn of the risks associated with the use of conventional pesticides, bleach products and commercial cleaning products. Furthermore, attendees to this session will recognize why alternative methods such as Integrated Pest Management (IPM) and Green Cleaning are both precautionary and preventative measures that ought to be established in childcare facilities. At the conclusion of the session, participants will be able to a) identify pest control and cleaning hazards in their personal and /or professional environments, b) define and describe the benefits of IPM and Green Cleaning, and c) adopt and implement IPM and Green Cleaning strategies to create a safer living and/or learning space.

Keywords: Child Care, Environmental Health

Presenting author's disclosure statement:

Not Answered