Oral

This session will provide a unique opportunity to evaluate the chronic health risks associated with exposure to environmental contaminants. Specific topics include a presentation on arsenic contaminated ground water in the Idaho. Special attention will be placed on assessing gender and county specific cancer incidence calculated with the assistance of GIS software. Two other presentations will describe exposure to persistent organic pollutants and the health risks associated with the development of myocardial infarction and childhood neurodevelopment. Another presentation will examine the natural exposure to sulfur dioxide emissions from volcanic activities on the island of Hawaii. Lastly the issue of idling ships will be discussed. The topic of interest being whether there is an association between changes in air quality during the port strike and cardiovascular mortality among near by residents.

Session Objectives: 1. explore the use of spatial analysis to evaluate cancer incidence associated with exposure to contaminated drinking water 2. identify and discuss the effects of air pollution on cardiovascular and respiratory related health 3. Describe the unique vulnerabilities of children to specific pesticides 4. Discuss public policy implications for environmental contaminates

CE Credits: CME, Health Education (CHES), Nursing