Increased public understanding of environmental disease: Translating research findings into public policy

A major goal of the Community Outreach and Education Core (COEC) is to utilize new avenues of communication to assimilate community concerns and to respond by providing scientifically accurate information to the public and policy makers. Recently, high levels of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) were found in Barton Springs Pool, a local recreation area used by Austin residents. Scientists from the Center for Research on Environmental Disease (CRED) worked with regulatory officials to evaluate the exposure and risk, and translate scientific data to aid city officials in addressing the problem. The COEC organized a community forum to provide this information to the public. Subsequently, the source of the contamination was found to be coal tar-based pavement sealants used on a parking lot upstream of the pool. As the Austin City Council (ACC) considered a ban on coal tar sealants that were leaching carcinogenic PAHs into the environment, the COEC director provided information on risk assessment and the precautionary principle of using the least toxic materials. Based on information provided by scientists, regulatory and public health experts, the ACC voted unanimously to make their city the first to ban the use of coal tar-based sealants. This issue is now being considered at the national level, and two US senators have petitioned the EPA to consider restricting the use of coal tar sealants. This is an example of how scientists and public health officials can collaborate to address public concerns and provide risk assessment and prevention information to guide policy decisions.