Cornell Cooperative Extension

Environment

Lead Education and Prevention

Lead Risk Assessment

This lead risk assessment is a quick and simple tool for parents to use for young children.

Click here for a lead risk assessment questionnaire.

Lead Product Recall Notebook

The Federal Consumer Products Safety Commission (CPSC) issues recalls for many different kinds of products that pose a risk for serious injury or death. Cornell Cooperative Extension Albany County has compiled a notebook listing recent recalls that are related to lead hazards. It is recommended people stop using these products immediately. Information provided on the lead product recall sheets include the product description, where the product was sold, where to get more details about the health hazard, and what consumers can do, if anything, to return or replace the product. CPSC's recall hotline is 1-800-638-2772.

These lead product recall notebooks are available at the main branch of the Albany Public Library and also on the library’s bookmobile. There is no charge for obtaining lead product recall information sheets.

More information about lead awareness and prevention can be obtained by calling (518) 765-3521.

2012 Lead Training Schedule

People should be aware of the potential presence of lead paint in homes built before 1978. For those involved in the building trades it is especially important to learn how to perform work in a lead-safe manner. There are simple, effective ways to make sure that an individual's heath is not endangered by exposure to lead during or after the work. This includes electricians, plumbers, carpenters, and do-it-yourselfers.

Cornell Cooperative Extension Albany County offers programs to teach attendees lead-safe work practices and the strategies for implementing them. Call 518-765-3521 for 2011 dates or click on the link above for more information.

What You Should Know About Lead…

Lead paint was banned in U.S. residential paint in 1978.
(It was banned in France and many other countries prior to 1920.)
Three-quarters of the nation's housing contains lead paint.
Lead poisoning is a serious disease.
Children under six are most at risk.
Children from every region, race, and socioeconomic level are at risk.
Lead poisoning causes learning and developmental disabilities.
There are usually no symptoms.
Even children who appear healthy can have dangerous levels of lead in their blood.
Lead poisoning is preventable.
Most lead poisoning happens at home.
The primary cause is tiny particles of lead dust from deteriorated paint or from painted surfaces disturbed during remodeling, repair or renovation.
Lead dust is invisible, so tiny in fact that it passes through most masks & filters.

Lead poisoning affects adults as well as kids.

Cornell Cooperative Extension Albany County offers free resource information, programs and trainings on lead awareness and prevention. Contact Nancy Learner at NKL1@cornell.edu or 518-765-3521 for more information. The National Lead Information Center offers resources via a toll-free hotline at 1-800-424-LEAD (5323).

Helpful links:
http://www.health.state.ny.us/environmental/lead/

http://www.albanycounty.com/departments/health/news.asp?id=2065

http://www.epa.gov/lead/

http://www.epa.gov/lead/pubs/nlic.htm

Asthma

Cornell Cooperative Extension Albany County works with the Pediatric Asthma Coalition of the Capital Region and other groups to help educate individuals about asthma.

Asthma is a chronic respiratory disease that makes breathing difficult. Asthma affects more than 20 million Americans. One in 11 children and adults in New York State currently have asthma (NYS Asthma Surveillance Summary Report, 2009).

Asthma symptoms

Not everyone exhibits similar asthma symptoms. The same person’s asthma symptoms may also vary from one asthma attack to the next. Below is a list of some common asthma symptoms:

Coughing, especially at night
Wheezing
Shortness of breath
Chest tightness, pain, or pressure

Asthma Triggers

Many indoor conditions could trigger an asthma attack. Common indoor environmental asthma triggers include secondhand smoke, dust mites, pets, molds, cockroaches and pests.

Controlling asthma

There are two types of asthma medications: relievers and controllers. Everyone with asthma should have a reliever medicine. Relievers are also called rescue medicines. Some people with asthma also need a controller medicine, which needs to be taken every day. Individuals should always rinse their mouth after using an inhaled controller medicine. People that use an inhaler should always use a spacer with their inhalers so more medicine gets into their lungs.

Asthma Action Plan

This is a comprehensive plan that patients make with their doctor or nurse practitioner. An asthma action plan helps patients know what to do when they have asthma symptoms, reminds them when to take controller medicines, helps them decide when to use their reliever medicine, and when they need to see their doctor. An asthma plan has all information on one page. Children should have a copy at home, at school, and with caregivers. A sample asthma action plan can be found at http://www.epa.gov/asthma/pdfs/asthma_action_plan.pdf

Asthma Resources

www.wmyhealth.org/paccr
http://www.ccealbany.com/documents/Asthma-freebedroom-final.pdf
http://www.cdc.gov/asthma/faqs.htm
http://www.childrenshealthfund.org/sites/default/files/publications/CHF_Asthma_Eng_2009.pdf
http://www.health.state.ny.us/statistics/ny_asthma/pdf/2009_asthma_surveillance_summary_report.pdf

Radon Program

What You Should Know About Radon…

Cornell Cooperative Extension Albany County offers free resource information and free radon testing kits for county residents. Contact Nancy at NKL1@cornell.edu or 518-765-3521 for more information.

What Contractors and Builders Can Do About Radon...

Cornell Cooperative Extension Albany County is working with the NYS Department of Health to increase awareness of and promote use of Radon Resistant New Construction (RRNC) techniques. This radon education program is targeting counties in New York State at high risk for radon.

Trained educators will be performing in person visits with local contractors and builders to distribute RRNC educational materials, conduct an interest survey, and promote the use of RRNC.

The NYSDOH Radon Program will hold a RRNC workshop designed for builders, code inspectors, officials, and engineers throughout New York in the fall of 2009. This four-hour program is designed to provide a better understanding of the market benefits of radon-resistant new construction (RRNC) installation, and how to properly install these systems.

Builders and contractors that participate in the fall training and practice RRNC techniques in home construction will be included on the NYS Radon web site. Their company name, address, web site, and phone number will be made available to NYS residents interested in using RRNC in their future home construction.

Helpful links:
http://www.health.state.ny.us/environmental/radiological/radon/
http://www.healthyindoorair.org/facts_radon.html
http://www.epa.gov/radon/

For more information about radon and Radon Resistant New Construction (RRNC), contact:
NYS DOH Radon Program
Flanigan Sq. Room 530, 547 River Street, Troy, NY 12180
518-402-7556
radon@health.state.ny.us
www.nyhealth.gov/radiation
OR
Cornell Cooperative Extension Albany County
24 Martin Road
Voorheesville, NY 12186
518-765-3500
NKL1@cornell.edu





	Environment Lead Education and Prevention Lead Risk Assessment This lead risk assessment is a quick and simple tool for parents to use for young children. Click here for a lead risk assessment questionnaire. Lead Product Recall Notebook The Federal Consumer Products Safety Commission (CPSC) issues recalls for many different kinds of products that pose a risk for serious injury or death. Cornell Cooperative Extension Albany County has compiled a notebook listing recent recalls that are related to lead hazards. It is recommended people stop using these products immediately. Information provided on the lead product recall sheets include the product description, where the product was sold, where to get more details about the health hazard, and what consumers can do, if anything, to return or replace the product. CPSC's recall hotline is 1-800-638-2772. These lead product recall notebooks are available at the main branch of the Albany Public Library and also on the library’s bookmobile. There is no charge for obtaining lead product recall information sheets. More information about lead awareness and prevention can be obtained by calling (518) 765-3521. 2012 Lead Training Schedule People should be aware of the potential presence of lead paint in homes built before 1978. For those involved in the building trades it is especially important to learn how to perform work in a lead-safe manner. There are simple, effective ways to make sure that an individual's heath is not endangered by exposure to lead during or after the work. This includes electricians, plumbers, carpenters, and do-it-yourselfers. Cornell Cooperative Extension Albany County offers programs to teach attendees lead-safe work practices and the strategies for implementing them. Call 518-765-3521 for 2011 dates or click on the link above for more information. What You Should Know About Lead… Lead paint was banned in U.S. residential paint in 1978. (It was banned in France and many other countries prior to 1920.) Three-quarters of the nation's housing contains lead paint. Lead poisoning is a serious disease. Children under six are most at risk. Children from every region, race, and socioeconomic level are at risk. Lead poisoning causes learning and developmental disabilities. There are usually no symptoms. Even children who appear healthy can have dangerous levels of lead in their blood. Lead poisoning is preventable. Most lead poisoning happens at home. The primary cause is tiny particles of lead dust from deteriorated paint or from painted surfaces disturbed during remodeling, repair or renovation. Lead dust is invisible, so tiny in fact that it passes through most masks & filters. Lead poisoning affects adults as well as kids. Cornell Cooperative Extension Albany County offers free resource information, programs and trainings on lead awareness and prevention. Contact Nancy Learner at NKL1@cornell.edu or 518-765-3521 for more information. The National Lead Information Center offers resources via a toll-free hotline at 1-800-424-LEAD (5323). Helpful links: http://www.health.state.ny.us/environmental/lead/ http://www.albanycounty.com/departments/health/news.asp?id=2065 http://www.epa.gov/lead/ http://www.epa.gov/lead/pubs/nlic.htm Asthma Cornell Cooperative Extension Albany County works with the Pediatric Asthma Coalition of the Capital Region and other groups to help educate individuals about asthma. Asthma is a chronic respiratory disease that makes breathing difficult. Asthma affects more than 20 million Americans. One in 11 children and adults in New York State currently have asthma (NYS Asthma Surveillance Summary Report, 2009). Asthma symptoms Not everyone exhibits similar asthma symptoms. The same person’s asthma symptoms may also vary from one asthma attack to the next. Below is a list of some common asthma symptoms: Coughing, especially at night Wheezing Shortness of breath Chest tightness, pain, or pressure Asthma Triggers Many indoor conditions could trigger an asthma attack. Common indoor environmental asthma triggers include secondhand smoke, dust mites, pets, molds, cockroaches and pests. Controlling asthma There are two types of asthma medications: relievers and controllers. Everyone with asthma should have a reliever medicine. Relievers are also called rescue medicines. Some people with asthma also need a controller medicine, which needs to be taken every day. Individuals should always rinse their mouth after using an inhaled controller medicine. People that use an inhaler should always use a spacer with their inhalers so more medicine gets into their lungs. Asthma Action Plan This is a comprehensive plan that patients make with their doctor or nurse practitioner. An asthma action plan helps patients know what to do when they have asthma symptoms, reminds them when to take controller medicines, helps them decide when to use their reliever medicine, and when they need to see their doctor. An asthma plan has all information on one page. Children should have a copy at home, at school, and with caregivers. A sample asthma action plan can be found at http://www.epa.gov/asthma/pdfs/asthma_action_plan.pdf Asthma Resources www.wmyhealth.org/paccr http://www.ccealbany.com/documents/Asthma-freebedroom-final.pdf http://www.cdc.gov/asthma/faqs.htm http://www.childrenshealthfund.org/sites/default/files/publications/CHF_Asthma_Eng_2009.pdf http://www.health.state.ny.us/statistics/ny_asthma/pdf/2009_asthma_surveillance_summary_report.pdf Radon Program What You Should Know About Radon… Radon is an invisible odorless gas. It comes from the breakdown of uranium in soil, rock, and water. Radon gas is found all over the world, and in every state in the U.S. It is present here in Albany County. Levels can vary widely, even from home to home in the same neighborhood. Radon gas becomes a health hazard when it accumulates indoors and is breathed in. The radioactive energy bursts can irritate the lung tissue and damage DNA. Radon exposure is the second leading cause of lung cancer in the U.S. after smoking. Radon levels can be lowered, and homes can be built radon-resistant. Testing for radon is simple and inexpensive. Cornell Cooperative Extension Albany County offers free resource information and free radon testing kits for county residents. Contact Nancy at NKL1@cornell.edu or 518-765-3521 for more information. What Contractors and Builders Can Do About Radon... Cornell Cooperative Extension Albany County is working with the NYS Department of Health to increase awareness of and promote use of Radon Resistant New Construction (RRNC) techniques. This radon education program is targeting counties in New York State at high risk for radon. Trained educators will be performing in person visits with local contractors and builders to distribute RRNC educational materials, conduct an interest survey, and promote the use of RRNC. The NYSDOH Radon Program will hold a RRNC workshop designed for builders, code inspectors, officials, and engineers throughout New York in the fall of 2009. This four-hour program is designed to provide a better understanding of the market benefits of radon-resistant new construction (RRNC) installation, and how to properly install these systems. Builders and contractors that participate in the fall training and practice RRNC techniques in home construction will be included on the NYS Radon web site. Their company name, address, web site, and phone number will be made available to NYS residents interested in using RRNC in their future home construction. Helpful links: http://www.health.state.ny.us/environmental/radiological/radon/ http://www.healthyindoorair.org/facts_radon.html http://www.epa.gov/radon/ For more information about radon and Radon Resistant New Construction (RRNC), contact: NYS DOH Radon Program Flanigan Sq. Room 530, 547 River Street, Troy, NY 12180 518-402-7556 radon@health.state.ny.us www.nyhealth.gov/radiation OR Cornell Cooperative Extension Albany County 24 Martin Road Voorheesville, NY 12186 518-765-3500 NKL1@cornell.edu