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Improving Kids' Environment

Advocates for Children's Environmental Health

Children’s Environmental Health Issues in Indiana

June 2009 Edition

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IKE Turns 10!

Remember what a big deal it was to turn 10?  Double digits at last!  This year marks IKE’s 10^th anniversary, and we will be celebrating with a birthday party fundraiser at 6:30 PM on Wednesday, November 4 at the Indianapolis Children’s Museum.  Please mark your calendar now and look for more details in the coming months.

And now that we are a tween, we decided to join Facebook.  Become a fan, keep in touch, and join the discussion by searching for IKE on Facebook.

Legislative Session Ends with Several Environmental Bills that will be Good for Children’s Health (and the Rest of Us Too)

Several bills that mark forward progress on environmental health were passed by the General Assembly and have been signed by Governor Daniels.  Two key bills that will positively affect children’s environmental health are:

·         SEA 202, which transfers responsibility for the lead-based paint licensing program from IDEM to ISDH and will allow Indiana to retain oversight of the lead-based paint licensing program and the federal funds to administer it.  Thanks to Senator Beverly Gard and Representative John Day for their leadership on this important bill.

·         SB 440 and HEA 1097, which will improve the current ISDH school indoor air inspection program and require ISDH to consider outdoor air quality when it next revises the sanitary schoolhouse rule.  Thanks to Senator Gard and Representative John Barnes for their work on this issue.

In addition, the following laws were passed:

·         SEA 221, which establishes a “good character” requirement for companies seeking permits to operate confined animal feeding operations;

·         HEA 1589, which requires manufacturers of electronics to safely recycle a certain percentage of e-waste (computers, TVs, cell phones, etc.) to ensure that it does not go to landfills or overseas.

Unfortunately, several other important children’s health initiatives, notably the statewide smoke-free ordinance and several renewable energy-related bills, did not pass this year.  Thanks to the many citizens and organizations who spent untold hours at the Statehouse during the Session to work for advances in environmental and public health protection and are watchful for bills that would weaken existing protection.

IKE Is Environmentalist Finalist for Prestigious Impact 100 Awards

IKE was chosen as the environmental finalist for this year’s Impact 100 grant program with a proposal to provide grants to low income homeowners in Marion County so that they could participate in the HUD Lead Remediation program.  Impact 100 Greater Indianapolis is a charitable women's giving circle that awards high impact grants to nonprofits in the Indianapolis area in the areas of arts and culture, education, environment, family, and health and wellness.  Though not chosen to receive the top $100,000 grant, IKE is very appreciative that it will receive a $16,000 grant to help support its work.

Administrative rules drive environmental and health policy in Indiana.  IKE monitors rulemaking by IDEM, ISDH, the Pesticide Review Board, and other agencies where children’s health may be affected.  In this newsletter, we will highlight the most significant or active.  You can always contact IKE for more information about these or other rulemakings.

ISDH Lead Poisoning Rules Revisions Are Now Effective

ISDH’s rulemaking to update the case management rules and to add provisions to require training for paint store clerks and better information about the dangers of working with old paint to consumers is effective as of May 20, 2009.  The rule (410 IAC 29) is available at www.in.gov/legislative/iac/iac_title?iact=410.  ISDH plans to hold regional trainings on the revised rule later this summer.  Questions can be addressed to Carol Thacker at cathacker@isdh.in.gov or Dave McCormick at dmccormick@isdh.in.gov.

IDEM initiates CAFO rulemaking

The Indiana Department of Environmental Management (IDEM) has begun a rulemaking to regulate large confined-feeding operations in accordance with federal requirements. The USEPA wants to see states adopt the new requirements by the end of this year.  While the new rule would apply some tougher standards to Concentrated Animal Feeding Operations (CAFOs), such as requiring an enforceable manure management plan, it also provides a huge loophole. CAFO operators won’t have to apply for a permit if they claim that they don’t discharge to surface water. This would allow them to avoid all of the new requirements. The Indiana Farm Bureau has indicated that it expects that most, if not all, CAFOs in Indiana will not apply for a permit.  CAFOs would still have to comply with Indiana’s confined-feeding rule, and the Farm Bureau is calling on IDEM to rewrite that rule as it proceeds with the rule incorporating the federal requirements. IDEM’s current position is that it can’t get both rules completed by the end of the year, so it prefers to do the federal rule first.  IDEM is reviewing the comments it received in response to the First Comment Period and expects to form a workgroup for the rule this summer.  Contact Bowden Quinn at the Sierra Club for more information (bowdenquinn@gmail.com).

Pesticide Review Board Considering Separate Daycare and School Rules

The Pesticide Review Board is continuing its discussion of rules that would require anyone applying pesticides at a school or daycare be a licensed applicator or under the direct supervision of a licensed applicator.  At its May 6. 2009 meeting, the Board discussed writing separate rules for the two types of facilities and appears to be leaning towards addressing only the licensing requirement.  In 2001, with pressure from the legislature and Pesticide Review Board, the Indiana School Board Association adopted a school pesticide policy and encouraged voluntary adoption at school districts throughout the state.  The rule now being considered would make the licensing provision of that policy mandatory, and the board is considering how best to include other provisions of the policy.  A key provision of the current policy that the board is not likely to include in the rule is notification of parents and staff prior to pesticide application at schools.  The next step for the rule will be preparation of a fiscal impact statement by the State Chemist’s Office.

Indianapolis Air Pollution Control Board to Consider Odor Ordinance

Indianapolis City County Councilor Jose Evans has proposed an ordinance that would give the City authority to address sources of odor within Marion County.  At the DPW Committee hearing on May 28, the proposal was referred to the Indianapolis Air Pollution Control Board for study.  Odor ordinances are notoriously difficult to adopt and enforce, but the public debate is worthwhile--there are several sources in Indianapolis that pose chronic odor issues to their neighbors.  IKE will be working on this issue, as Janet is a member of the Air Board, so if you have comments about the proposal or know of an odor ordinance in another jurisdiction, please send information about it to mccabe@ikecoalition.org.  The Indianapolis proposed ordinance can be viewed at www.indy.gov/eGov/Council/Proposals/Documents/PROP09-202.pdf.

ISDH Public Swimming Pool Rule Open for Comment

When IKE made a recent presentation to Indiana school nurses, one of them raised the question of how shared snorkel equipment is (or isn’t) disinfected between students at public schools.  After a chance meeting with an ISDH staff person at the Environmental Health Summit, IKE learned that the rule covering public swimming pools is currently under review, so this is an opportune time to raise this issue, and any others that might be of concern.  The rule is found at 410 IAC 6-2.1 and the rulemaking notice at http://www.in.gov/isdh/files/Notice_of_Intent.pdf.

Two New Websites Now Live

Hosted by the ISDH, the INJAC website is now up and running, and provides all sorts of resources, including on-line training for coaches and gym teachers, the Indiana Asthma Burden report and more.  Check it out at http://www.injac.org/.  And also check out the revamped, very cool, Indianapolis Knozone site at www.knozone.com and Indianapolis area air quality data at http://cms.indygov.org/aqi/default.aspx.   

IDEM Proposes Changes to Air Monitoring Network—new monitors will provide more data  

IDEM’s annual review and proposed changes to the state’s air monitoring network are available for public review at www.in.gov/idem/5342.htm.   IDEM is proposing to add new monitors for airborne lead, primarily around steel mills and in Muncie, where there is an existing source of lead emissions, and fine particle monitors in Hamilton County (Fishers) and Bloomington.  Since IDEM has assumed responsibility for air quality monitors in Evansville, Indianapolis, and Terre Haute from the local air agencies in those cities, a number of monitors have been or will be relocated.

Second Indiana Environmental Health Summit on Water Quality Draws 200+

More than 200 students, academics, activists, government staff and business representatives heard about microbial and chemical contamination in Indiana’s water and engaged with key Indiana experts in a panel discussion about Indiana’s key challenges.  The speakers’ presentations are available at www.ikecoalition.org/Environmental_Summit_2009/index.htm.

Indiana Study Finds Correlation Between Pesticides in Water and Birth Defects

IU School of Medicine pediatrician Paul Winchester has studied the connection between birth defects and levels of pesticides in water during months of conception and found a statistically significant correlation.  The study does not establish cause and effect, but does suggest that further study would be appropriate.  More information is available at http://homepages.indiana.edu/web/page/normal/10531.html.

Pediatricians Recommend Yearly Well Water Tests

The American Academy of Pediatrics, with assistance from researchers at the National Institutes of Environmental Health, has recommended that private well water used for drinking should be tested yearly, and in some cases more often.   The key contaminants to test for are nitrate and microorganisms such as coliform bacteria, which can indicate that sewage has contaminated the well.  Because children drink relatively more water than adults, they are more susceptible to the waterborne illnesses that can result from contaminated wells.  Additional testing may be needed, for example, when there is a new infant in the house or if the well is subjected to structural damage.   Residents can contact their local health department for information and assistance.   Read the policy at http://pediatrics.aappublications.org/cgi/content/full/123/6/1599. 

2008 ISDH Legislative Report on Lead Poisoning Available

On March 11, 2009, Dr. Monroe transmitted to the General Assembly ISDH’s 2008 Report to the Legislature on Childhood Lead Poisoning.  The report presents in tabular form by county information about lead testing rates, blood lead levels, the number of children not returning for a confirmatory test, false positives, number of risk assessments performed, average number of days needed to perform a risk assessment, and number of housing units with documented hazards.    In 2008, 63,320 children received at least one blood test, with 34% of Medicaid-eligible children younger than 7 and 46% of Medicaid-eligible children 2 and under receiving at least one test.  That’s better, but more work is needed here.   ISDH continues to work with the data to provide accurate information about screening rates and elevated blood lead levels.  IKE is very concerned about how many children are not returning for a confirmatory test (90% in one county and 50% or more in several other counties).  Read it at www.ikecoalition.org/Lead/ISDH_2008_Legislative_Report.pdf.   

Indiana Lead Safe Housing Advisory Council

The next meeting of the Indiana Lead Safe Housing Advisory Council will be on June 19, 1 – 4 PM at ISDH (2 N. Meridian St., Indianapolis), or you may call in at 317-233-4556.   The topic of the meeting will be housing issues.  That topic will continue to be discussed at the next two meetings on July 10 and July 24.  The next full Advisory Council meeting will be on Monday, August 17, 2009.    Minutes of the meetings are posted at www.ikecoalition.org/SEA143/index.htm.  As a reminder, Senate Enrolled Act 143 (2008) charged the Council with developing recommendations for a primary prevention program for childhood lead poisoning by November 1, 2009.

Renovation, Repair and Painting Rule Updates

Training  USEPA has now released its model training curriculum for contractors and training firms may now apply for accreditation so that they may train and certify contractors in lead-safe renovation.  The agency has also published “Steps to Lead-Safe Renovation, Repair and Painting”, available at www.epa.gov/lead/pubs/steps.pdf, a simple summary of the RRP rule requirements and good guide for contractors.  Local training course provider Environmental Management Institute expects to start offering RRP training courses in July, pending EPA approval, and is offering “train the trainer” training on June 22-23 and 29-30 in order to build up a cohort of trainers across the state.  If you are interested in being an Institute instructor for the RRP rule, enroll in one of these two sessions by contacting Judy Davis at (317) 248-4848 or judy.davis@envtlmgmt.org.   You must have at least 16 hours of lead certificate training to be eligible to be an instructor.  There is a lead inspector/risk assessor offering in June (15-17, 18-19) that will satisfy the requirement.  Contact Joan Ketterman at 317-248-4848 or Joan.Ketterman@envtlmgmt.org for more information.

Cleaning Verification Card 

Have you seen the card?  For those of us who preach how very, very clean areas need to be after lead remediation work, USEPA’s cleaning verification card is troubling.  As reported by the Alliance for Healthy Homes, “Some advocates were shocked at the very yellow appearance of the image, likening it to a baby’s wet diaper, and questioned whether it’s an appropriate standard for determining that cleaning had been adequately done.”  Although it’s not a perfect picture, see what you think at http://www.ikecoalition.org/Lead/Cleaning_verification_card.pdf.

Indiana Lead Safe and Healthy Homes Task Force

Do you participate in the Indiana Lead Safe and Healthy Homes Task Force bimonthly meetings?  Do you find them useful?  What should this organization be doing to help you do your job?  Please help us by answering a short questionnaire, posted at ..\Lead\Questionnaire_2009.htm or download a Word version here.  

Workshop to Focus on Safer Pest Control in Indiana Schools

On July 16, 2009, the Pike Township School District, IKE and the Indiana State Department of Health will host a one day free workshop for school facilities managers, nurses, educators and anyone else interested in learning how an approach called “integrated pest management” can reduce chemical use in school, reduce the cost for pest control, and reduce the presence of pests.  The workshop will include a hands-on tour of Pike Township school facilities.  More information available here [JMc include url]

Anthem Hoosier Healthwise Offers “Fly a Flag for Clean Air” Program to Schools Statewide

The 4^th graders at Douglas McArthur Elementary School in Perry Township on Indianapolis’ south side know what the air quality is every day.  First thing in the morning, they look up the air quality index on the internet.  A flag matching the color of the AQI for that day (usually green for good or yellow for moderate) is run up a flagpole outside the school and the level is announced as part of morning announcements.  It’s a wonderful way for the children to learn the basics of air pollution, how air quality can affect their health and to be of service to their community.  Anthem Hoosier Healthwise, which sponsors the Fly a Flag for Clean Air program, is now making it available to schools across the state.  Contact April Thayer at april.thayer@anthem.com for more information.

EPA and IDEM to Monitor Air Quality at 4 Indiana Schools

After USA Today published an article about toxic air pollutants near schools across the country, the USEPA announced a program to collect air samples at some of the schools identified in the article.  In IKE’s view, the USA Today article was alarmist—the key pollutants identified were ones found at comparable levels in most urban areas.  However, collecting actual air quality data is a good idea if done properly and explained carefully and accurately.   Four Indiana schools are part of the program:  Abraham Lincoln Elementary School in East Chicago;  Jefferson Elementary School in Gary;  Pittsboro Elementary School in Pittsboro; and Lincoln Elementary School in Warsaw.  This study will be a snapshot--the air will be sampled several times over a 60 day period for one or more groups of chemicals and evaluated to determine whether further monitoring is necessary.  USEPA will be posting data on their web site once sampling starts.  Data and more information about the study are available at www.epa.gov/schoolair/.

USEPA Generally OK with IDEM’s Revisions to Compliance/Enforcement Guidance, but Will Monitor Performance

On May 21, USEPA responded to concerns IKE, other environmental groups and local air agencies have raised about recent policy changes at IDEM, including its revised enforcement guidance and decision to cancel longstanding local air agency contracts.  USEPA’s letters to IKE and IDEM, available at www.ikecoalition.org/IDEM_Compliance/EPA_IDEM_5-21-09.pdf, state that USEPA will continue to monitor IDEM’s implementation of federally delegated programs and highlight concerns about the lack of transparency in decision-making.  IDEM’s revised enforcement guidance is available at www.in.gov/idem/files/MP-005-R1-NPD.pdf.    

Bedbugs on the Rise Across the Nation (and in Indiana too)

According to IU entomologist (and IKE Board member) Dr. Marc Lame, bedbugs are on the rise in Indiana as elsewhere in the country, reappearing in conducive locations such as dormitories, hotel and apartment complexes.   Education, monitoring and prevention are key to dealing with possible infestations.  More information is at http://newsinfo.iu.edu/news/page/normal/10613.html and www.epa.gov/oppfead1/cb/ppdc/bedbug-summit/.

Figure out how walkable your neighborhood is at www.walkscore.com  

Some good healthy homes information at:  www.webmd.com/health-ehome-9/default.htm#nav

The Environmental Working Group has published an updated Shoppers’ Guide to Pesticides.  Read it at www.foodnews.org/.

Upcoming Meetings

Indiana Joint Asthma Coalition 2009 Meetings

INJAC meets quarterly on the 8^th floor of the ISDH building, 2 N. Meridian St., Indianapolis from 1:30 - 4.  The 2009 meetings will be on Thursday, June 18, Thursday, September 16, and Thursday, December 17^th.  Check www.in.gov/isdh/20233.htm. All are welcome.

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/. 

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 and there is telephone participation available.  The remaining 2009 meetings are on the first Tuesday of every other month (August 4, October 6 and December 1).  Contact Janet McCabe at 317-902-3610 or mccabe@ikecoalition.org to confirm meeting dates or for the call-in number.

Events and Conferences

The Earth Charter National Momentum Conference (June 19-21) -- It's not too late to register!

The first national conference for Earth Charter chapters from across the country will be hosted at Butler University and the Earth Charter Indiana Chapter.  The Earth Charter is a blueprint for sustainable living, environmental and economic justice and peace that has catalyzed action by local groups throughout the world.  More information is available about the Earth Charter and the conference at www.earthcharterindiana.org/.   

Integrated Pest Management Workshop for Schools (July 16)

See note above, and register here.

Indianapolis Greater Chamber of Commerce Annual HobNob event to focus on Sustainability (September 3)

The Chamber’s annual HobNob event at the Indiana State Museum from 1 – 7 PM will feature seminar topics on Sustainability, Sprawl, Transportation, Water Resources and similar topics.  More information is available at www.indychamber.com/hobnob.asp.

Indiana Lead Safe and Healthy Homes Conference (November 4-5)

It’s not too soon to put this annual event on your calendar.  The Conference will be held at the Marten House Hotel and Conference Center in Indianapolis.  More details in a future newsletter.

IKE 10^th Anniversary Party (November 4)

Help IKE celebrate 10 years of protecting children’s health in Indiana.  The event will be at the Indianapolis Children’s Museum, 3000 N. Meridian Street, from 6:30 – 8:30 PM.  You won’t want to miss it.

2009 Mercury Science and Policy Conference (November 17-18)

This Conference will have a Special Focus on the Northeast and Great Lakes Regions.  November 17-18, 2009 at the Union League Club of Chicago: This Conference will bring together public, private, and non-governmental leaders that are focusing on reducing mercury in the environment. 
www.newmoa.org/prevention/mercury/conferences/sciandpolicy/index.cfm

Training

o        Accredited Lead (and Other) Training at the Environmental Management Institute in Indianapolis.  Contact EMI at 800-488-8842, 317-248-4848 or www.envtlmgmt.org.

o        National Center for Healthy Housing Training.  The NCHH maintains a list of upcoming trainings across the country.  Find it at www.healthyhomestraining.org/upcoming.htm.

State Health Commissioner Judy Monroe has appointed Loren Robertson the new Deputy State Health Commissioner, replacing Mary Hill.  Loren is one of Indiana’s greatest supporters of children and environmental health protection and local public health programs.  Congratulations, Loren!

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 3951 N. Meridian St., #160 Indianapolis, IN  46208.  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. 

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

Donations are gratefully accepted to help the organization achieve its mission. Please donate!

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Please make checks payable to: Improving Kids’ Environment and mail to 3951 N. Meridian St. #160, Indianapolis, IN 46208.. IKE also accepts payments by personal or corporate credit cards (Mastercard, Visa, or American Express).  Or donate on-line through the DONATE button on IKE’s homepage.

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