Oral

The session will explore some of the research relevant to school siting (EPA’s study of schools downwind of toxic emitters and studies of schools in Los Angeles sited close to freeways) and present for discussion proposals for policies related to siting new schools. Few policies and guidelines now exist. The session will include a presentation and discussion of the use and usefulness of Health Impact Assessments in evaluating proposed sites. Extensive environmental impact statements may now be required but health impact is often not considered or is considered within rather narrow boundaries. The purpose of the session is to present the latest research on the impact of environmental pollution and the built environment on school children and use that research to advance the discussion on guidelines for siting schools. This is a particularly timely issue as 1000s of new schools are being built for the baby boomlet that is or is approaching school age.

Session Objectives: 1. List 3 criteria for evaluating whether a potential site is acceptable for use as a school from the standpoints of public health and the environment. 2. Explain how to use Health Impact Assessments for making school citing decisions. 3. Explain how to integrate environmental justice, public health and built environment concerns into school site assessment. 4. Explain the need for better school siting policies to protect the health of students, teachers and school workers. 5. Describe several school siting policies recommended by EPA.

CE Credits: Medical (CME), Health Education (CHES), Nursing (CNE), Public Health (CPH) , Masters Certified Health Education Specialist (MCHES)