Children’s Environmental Health Issues in Indiana

February 2008 Edition

Version in pdf

IKE Highlights

IKE and American Lung Association of Indiana to partner on air quality issues.  Both strong advocates for cleaner air in Indiana, IKE and ALA-I will be working together on projects such as proposed federal and state air regulations, state clean air implementation plans, air quality designations, and other issues as they may come up. 

Indianapolis Congregations Share and Inspire at Second Green Sanctuary Workshop.   42 people from 13 local congregations and other organizations attended the second annual Green Sanctuary Workshop in early December, hosted by IKE and the Unitarian Universalist Church of Indianapolis.  The amount of energy and activity in the gathering was wonderful, especially compared to the 2006 Workshop, which had much interest, but few congregations with much underway.  The Workshop presentations and resources are available at www.ikecoalition.org/Green_Sanctuary/Green_Sanctuary.htm.

IKE welcomes Lauren Stanisic.  Thanks to a generous grant from the Nina Mason Pulliam Charitable Trust, IKE now has an Administrative Assistant!  Lauren Stanisic is a graduate student at IUPUI in the Public Health and Social Work programs and is a great and welcome addition to IKE’s mighty workforce.  Lauren can be reached at stanisic@ikecoalition.org or 574-339-6625.

IKE loses lease!  IKE has enjoyed several wonderful years as a tenant in the Old Centrum, but the building is being vacated due to needed repairs.  IKE will likely be moving with the Indianapolis Peace Institute to new quarters in the NUVO building at 39^th and Meridian Streets sometime in March.

Legislative News

The 2008 Indiana General Assembly is underway, with a number of bills that concern environmental health.  By the time you receive this newsletter, the information in it will likely be out of date, so we will just identify key bills here, and direct you for more detailed and up to date information to:

·         www.in.gov/legislature (click on Bills and Resolutions)

·         www.ikecoalition.org/Lead/2008_indiana_general_assembly .htm 

·         http://www.hecweb.org/content.cfm?n=takeaction

SB 43:  Various Environmental Matters.  This bill addresses several issues discussed by the Environmental Quality Service Council this fall, including the issue raised by IKE and Sierra Club about notice of rules IDEM intends to let sunset (see discussion below).  A matter of concern to the Indiana Recycling Coalition and others is the provision that would allow the Solid Waste Management Fund (so far used exclusively for recycling and waste reduction education and program) to be used for grants and loans for waste to energy projects, such as waste tires.

SB 143:  Childhood Lead Poisoning.  Senator Beverly Gard, who has authored most of Indiana’s current law on childhood lead poisoning prevention, has introduced a comprehensive bill that, for the first time, takes a “primary prevention” approach to identifying rental property with lead-based paint before children are exposed, in addition to provisions that will:

·         Increase screening of children for blood lead;

·         Require daycare centers to perform risk assessments and have staff trained in lead awareness;

·         Require remediation in homes that have caused or contributed to elevated blood lead levels;

·         Prohibit retaliatory eviction of tenants who report lead hazards to the local health department;

·         Establish an Advisory Committee to make recommendations on long term programs and sources of funding to eliminate childhood lead poisoning.

SB 199:  Environmental Crimes.  Last year, the General Assembly passed a substantial revision to Indiana’s Environmental Crimes bill, which provided much more specificity to the types of actions that would constitute an environmental crime.  It also required that there be actual harm and causation between that harm and the alleged criminal act.  A number of stakeholders felt that would it make it extremely difficult ever to prove an environmental crime.  After review of Indiana’s law, the US EPA determined that it was not as strict as the federal definition of environmental crimes.  This bill substantially rewrites the law, and removes the causation requirement but allows such factors to be considered during sentencing.

SB 200:  IDEM Matters.  A key provision of this bill is to transfer responsibility for administration of the Lead Licensing Program from IDEM to ISDH.  This transfer was accomplished administratively in the fall of 2007.  IKE believes it makes sense for all of Indiana’s programs related to lead and lead poisoning to be administered by a single program.

HB 1090:  Climate Change Registry.  This bill would require Indiana to sign on the Climate Change Registry, a collaboration between states, provinces and tribes aimed at developing and managing a common greenhouse gas emissions reporting system with high integrity that is capable of supporting various greenhouse gas emission reporting and reduction policies for its member states and tribes and reporting entities.  Indiana is one of 11 states that have not yet signed on.

HB 1280:  Energy Efficient Buildings.  This bill would require public buildings to be built to meet certain environmental and energy efficiency design standards, such as LEED or Green Globes standards.

Confined Animal Feeding.  Several bills deal with confined animal feeding operations this session.  More information at www.hecweb.org/content.cfm?n=cafos.

USEPA Review of Lead Air Quality Standard

USEPA has issued an Advanced Notice of Proposed Rulemaking for possible revisions to the lead ambient air quality standard.  Copies of the notice and technical support documents are available at www.epa.gov/ttn/naaqs/standards/pb/s_pb_cr_fr.html.  Although it appears that USEPA may no longer be considering elimination of the standard and that the revised health-based standard will be more stringent than the current standard, comments are still needed urging USEPA to set the level to protect the greatest possible number of children.  With leaded gasoline no longer a source of airborne lead, the key sources of exposure to children are industrial emissions and very localized emissions that would result from building demolition (the latter very difficult to address through a traditional ambient standard).  USEPA’s Children’s Health Advisory Committee, of which IKE is a member, has sent comments on the Notice to the agency.  A proposed rule is expected in March.

USEPA Review of Ozone Air Quality Standard

In July 2007, USEPA proposed to revise the ambient health standard for ozone from 0.080 ppm to somewhere in the range of 0.070 – 0.075 ppm.  IKE submitted comments urging that the standard be set somewhere in the range of 0.060 – 0.070 ppm, based on evidence from health studies.  USEPA’s final rule is expected March 12, but don’t hold your breath (!).

IDEM Seeks Attainment Status for Lake and Porter Counties for Fine Particles

On January 28, IDEM put out for public comment a proposed request to redesignate Lake and Porter Counties to attainment for fine particles.  See the document at www.in.gov/idem/programs/air/redesignations/index.html (scroll down to Lake and Porter Counties—Annual Fine Particles.  Watch out—the document is huge!).  IDEM will hold a public hearing on February 27 and written comments are due by March 11, 2008. 

Randolph County Commissioners Reject Planning Commission Rules and Put Moratorium on CAFOs

The unexpected happened at the recent Randolph County Commissioners’ meeting. First, the Commissioners rejected rules developed by the Area Planning Commission that would have established 75% of the county as an “agricultural zone” intended to encourage the development and expansion of confined animal feeding operations.  Second, they voted to put a moratorium on any new projects. The moratorium will be in place until a study is conducted on the following issues:  property values, odor controls, manure handling issues such as soil incorporation, zoning issues such as industrial agricultural parks, county level inspectors, and water quality and quantity impacts.  For local coverage, go to  hoosier.sierraclub.org/chapter/n0029.html.

Second-hand or environmental tobacco smoke is the most significant environmental threat to children’s health, especially children with asthma. IKE strongly supports efforts to reduce children’s exposure to tobacco smoke. 

A statewide smoke-free bill failed to pass this year, but as of now 33 Indiana communities have adopted some kind of smoke-free ordinance.  Is your community on the list?  Find out at www.in.gov/itpc/files/Smokefreecommunities_May2007.pdf.

Federal Court of Appeals overturns USEPA’s Utility Mercury Rule

Good news for water quality!  On February 8, the US Court of Appeals issued a decision overturning USEPA’s controversial mercury emission reduction rule (called Clean Air Mercury Rule), the rule that established a cap and trade program for mercury emissions from coal-fired electric utilities.  The Court found that USEPA’s decision to regulate utilities in a different way from other sources of hazardous air pollutants was in violation of the Clean Air Act and it directed that the rule be vacated.  Last fall, Indiana adopted a rule for its utilities based on CAMR, despite strong advocacy from IKE and others that greater mercury reduction was not only required by the Act, but also feasible, cost-effective and more protective of public health.  Too soon to know how USEPA will respond, but IKE will pay attention and keep you posted.

Check out the most recent issue of the Indiana Lead-Safe and Healthy Homes Newsletter:  www.ikecoalition.org/LSITF_Newsletter/LSITF_Newsletter_December_2007.htm.

The University of Connecticut’s Healthy Environments for Children Initiative has produced a clear, short video about using Lead Safe Work Practices when doing home repairs.  Watch it here. 

Presentations from the 2007 Lead Safe and Healthy Homes Conference are available to see and download at www.ikecoalition.org/Lead_Conf_2007/2007_summary.htm.  Lots of great information … and it’s never too soon to mark your calendars for next year!  The 2008 Lead Safe and Healthy Homes Conference will be held on November 5 and 6 at the Marten House in Indianapolis.   

Perry Township School Flies a Flag for Clean Air

First thing every morning so far this year, Ms. Ramos’ 5^th graders at Douglas MacArthur Elementary check the internet to find out what the Air Quality Index is for Indianapolis.  They record that data and then raise a flag on a flagpole outside the school of the corresponding color.  The Fly a Flag for Clean Air program, based on a similar program in California, is sponsored by Anthem Hoosier HealthWise, which donated the five brightly colored flags, the American Lung Association of Indiana, the Asthma Alliance of Indianapolis and Improving Kids’ Environment.  Douglas MacArthur Elementary is no stranger to environmental awareness—it has one of the first outdoor classrooms in Indiana and is an active participant in the Smart Schools Don’t Idle program, among other activities.

IDEM’s Five Star Childcare Program Encouraging Providers to Apply

IDEM wants to recognize Indiana’s childcare centers and providers who go above and beyond what’s required to provide a safe and healthy environment for the more than 100,000 Hoosier children who spend time in daycare.  Its Voluntary 5-Star program evaluates applicants based on their efforts to reduce children’s exposure to mercury, asbestos, radon, pesticides, carbon monoxide, lead and PCBs. Applicants must also address issues such as the cleaning and maintenance of their facility, proper employee training, energy efficiency, indoor and outdoor air quality, vehicle idling, recycling and environmental education.  IDEM can assist centers with tools, resources and good ideas.  For more information go to www.idem.IN.gov/childcare or contact Karen Teliha (Community  Environmental Health & Education Director) at(800) 988-7901 or kteliha@idem.IN.gov.

Indianapolis Green Commission issues recommendations

In early December, the Indianapolis Green Commission issued its Phase 1 Action Agenda, with 29 recommendations in the areas of Energy and Emissions, Natural Resource Protection, and Smart Growth.  You can read the summary at   and the full report at More information about the Green Commission is available at www.indygov.org/eGov/Mayor/GreenPrint/home.htm.

More sidewalks in Indianapolis? 

On February 7, the City of Indianapolis Metropolitan Development Commission voted unanimously to adopt an ordinance amendment that would require sidewalks along any property that is being developed in Indianapolis or any property undergoing substantial renovation or redevelopment.  This is one important step toward making Indianapolis more walkable.  Currently, sidewalks are only required in a few circumstances.  So many people turned out to support the amendment that the Commission decided it didn’t need to hear them all!  The ordinance will now go to the City-County Council for consideration. A copy of the proposed ordinance is available at www.ikecoalition.org/documents/Indianapolis_Sidewalk_Ordinance_draft_7.pdf.

Chemicals in Cosmetics and Personal Care Products. 

The Environmental Working Group has developed Skin Deep, a database that pairs ingredients in more than 25,000 personal care products against 50 definitive toxicity and regulatory databases and generates a score based on the toxicity of those ingredients.  It is easy to search by individual products and can also produce lists of products in different categories by score.  www.cosmeticdatabase.com/  You can also check out www.safecosmetics.org/ for more information about the Campaign for Safe Cosmetics, a coalition of women’s, public health, labor, environmental health and consumer-rights groups whose goal is to protect the health of consumers and workers by requiring the health and beauty industry to phase out the use of chemicals linked to cancer, birth defects and other health problems, and replace them with safer alternatives.

IDEM Commissioner Easterly’s Speeches and Presentations Available on IDEM Website. 

Thanks to IDEM for posting Commissioner Tom Easterly’s public presentations and speeches for the public.  You can find them at www.in.gov/idem/commissioner/index.html.

Find Green Tips at www.greenpieceindy.com.  Green Piece Indy is a twice-weekly email with tips on living greener in Indianapolis. 

Upcoming Meetings and Events                                                                            

Indiana Joint Asthma Coalition 2008 Meetings

All meetings are on the 8^th floor of the ISDH building, 2 N. Meridian St., Indianapolis.  Check www.in.gov/isdh/programs/asthma/index.htm for more information. 

March 19,  9-11:30

June 19,   1:30-4

September 17, 9-11:30

December 11, 1:30-4

Indianapolis Asthma Alliance

This group of health care and other professionals works to reduce the asthma burden in Indianapolis through education and development of policies and programs to reduce asthma triggers.  More information is available at www.asthmaindy.org/ and the next meeting will be on February 22 at 8:30 at the Marion County Health Department, 3838 N. Rural St., Indianapolis.

Indiana Lead Safe and Healthy Homes Task Force

Staff from local health departments, state agencies, and others who seek to improve environmental conditions for children in their homes meet quarterly to discuss issues, challenges and projects.  Meetings are held at the Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield facility at 2425 N. Meridian St., Suite A, Indianapolis, IN 46208.  The 2008 meetings will be:

February 23, 9:30 – 11:30

May 15, 9:30 – 11:30

August 21, 9:30 – 11:30

November 20, 9:30 – 11:30

Contact Janet McCabe at 317-902-3610 or mccabe@ikecoalition.org to confirm meeting dates or for the call-in number.

Indianapolis Green Commission

Next meeting:  February 13, 3 PM at Holliday Park, Indianapolis.  Check www.indygov.org/eGov/Mayor/GreenPrint/home.htm for more information about the Green Commission.

Smoke Free Air: Past, Present and Future Training 

Join Smoke Free Indy for a half-day training on current tobacco issues in Indianapolis and Indiana.  The training will cover the history of smoke free air here in Indianapolis and Indiana, current activities in smoke free air and strategies for making our current law stronger here in Indianapolis and within Indiana.

When: February 28, 2008

Time: 9:00-11:30 a.m.

Where: Martin Luther King Multi-Service Center -Conference Room, 40 W. 40^th St. Indianapolis, IN 46208, 317-923-4581

Who: Aaron Doeppers, Director Midwest Region, Campaign for Tobacco Free Kids

RSVP: Liza Sumpter, esumpter@hhcorp.org or at 317-221-3099 by February 25, 2008

Thanks for improving kids' environment!   

If you have any questions or comments about this newsletter or Improving Kids’ Environment, contact Janet McCabe at mccabe@ikecoalition.org , 317-902-3610 or 1201 N. Central Avenue, #9, Indianapolis, IN  46202...  Please let us know if you do not want to receive this newsletter.  You may get enough emails and faxes already.  We do not want to add to the burden if you are not interested in receiving the materials.  IKE also publishes the “Indiana Lead-Safe & Healthy Homes” newsletter on behalf of the Indiana Lead-Safe Task Force.  This newsletter deals with issues and events involving lead-poisoning and healthy homes in Indiana.  Let Janet McCabe know if you want to get copies of those newsletters. 

YOU CAN BECOME A SUPPORTER OF CHILDREN’S ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH BY MAKING A TAX DEDUCTIBLE CONTRIBUTION

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