 | The 131st Annual Meeting (November 15-19, 2003) of APHA |
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| The 131st Annual Meeting (November 15-19, 2003) of APHA |
Brian C Hobbs, BS, RS, Environmental Health, Polk County Health Department, 300 Polk County Plaza, Suite 10, Balsam Lake, WI 54810, 715-485-8500, brianh@co.polk.wi.us
In the last several years, a growing body of scientific evidence has indicated that the air within homes can be more seriously polluted than the outdoor air. Thus, for many people, health risks may be greater due to elevated exposure to indoor air pollution. In addition, people who may be exposed to indoor air pollutants for the longest periods of time are often those most susceptible to the effects of indoor air pollution.
Because of these concerns, the Polk County Health Department of Wisconsin decided to develop a program to assess indoor air quality (IAQ) at licensed child-care providers throughout the County. The assessment was voluntary, free of charge, and non-punitive.
The Protecting Our Youth IAQ Assessment consisted of an IAQ child-care provider survey, educational materials on various IAQ topics and, if requested, a free on-site inspection. The assessment covered, but was not limited to the following indoor air pollutants: environmental tobacco smoke (ETS), carbon monoxide, radon, lead, mold, and ventilation. Following the inspection, the health department provided each participant with a Protecting Our Youth IAQ Report on its findings and helpful solutions to deal with any IAQ problem that may exist.
Child care providers who participated in the assessment were recognized with a Clean Indoor Air Certificate of Participation from the Polk County Health Department. Participating providers were also highlighted in local media and letters were given to providers for their use to handout to parents indicating their participation in the program.
Learning Objectives:
Keywords: Air Quality, Child Care
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.