Tuesday, August 24, 2010
Friday, August 20, 2010
Green buildings full of smoke
If it’s a “green” building, shouldn’t it – by definition – be smoke-free?
Green buildings are not just about reducing the carbon footprint. Green standards for building are promulgated by the International Code Council, which states as its vision: “Protecting the health, safety, and welfare of people by creating better buildings and safer communities.” The International Green Construction Code (IGCC) embraces the same vision.
And yet, smoking is somehow OK with green building design. Both IGCC and LEED (Leadership in Energy & Environmental Design) Certification for buildings make allowances for indoor smoking.
In California and other progressive places that ban indoor smoking, this isn’t an issue. But in the rest of the world, we’re witnessing the irony of so-called green buildings filled with toxic smoke.
By now, everybody should know that second-hand smoke is dangerous and deadly. Residue from tobacco smoke — called third-hand smoke — is dangerous too. Basically, anything that smells like tobacco smoke is toxic.
In fact, there is no such thing as “safe” indoor smoking. The guidelines by IGCC and LEED for indoor smoking areas do not protect the health of people inside buildings – contrary to their vision statements claim.
According to the World Health Organization’s Tobacco Free Initiative, indoor designated smoking areas just don’t work. Heating, ventilation and air conditioning systems usually re-circulate air from smoking areas to non-smoking areas. When special ventilation and filtration systems are installed, the concentration of indoor smoke may be reduced, but never to a safe level. There is no such thing as a safe level of exposure to tobacco smoke. So any building that allows smoking cannot be considered green.
The IGCC is holding public comment hearings on building standards; comments can be emailed to igcc@iccsafe.org. When it comes to smoking, IGCC needs to hear it clearly: It can’t be a green building if indoor smoking is allowed.
Monday, August 16, 2010
Arizona Public Health Association's 2010 Annual Meeting & Fall Conference Registration
You are invited to the following event:
2010 Annual Meeting & Fall Conference Registration
Date:
Wednesday, September 15, 2010 at 8:00 AM
- to -
Friday, September 17, 2010 at 3:30 PM (MT)
Location:
Scottsdale Plaza Resort
7200 N. Scottsdale Rd.
Scottsdale, AZ 85253
To view the Agenda, click here.
2010 Annual Meeting & Fall Conference Registration
Date:
Wednesday, September 15, 2010 at 8:00 AM
- to -
Friday, September 17, 2010 at 3:30 PM (MT)
Location:
Scottsdale Plaza Resort
7200 N. Scottsdale Rd.
Scottsdale, AZ 85253
To view the Agenda, click here.
Smoke-Free Apartments Available
Ann figured out why she coughed and had trouble breathing especially when she opened up her kitchen cabinets. Her apartment home was making her sick. She did not smoke, but her neighbors did and the smoke seeped into her apartment. Ann suffers from emphysema because of decades of Secondhand Smoke exposure in the workplace. She called Smoke-Free Arizona for help and was given information on disability rights and Fair Housing. Before she could file a claim, she got better—her neighbors had moved out and the new renters did not smoke inside their apartment.
The Coconino County Health Department (CCHD) announced that smoke-free apartments are available in Flagstaff and other areas of Coconino County.
After receiving complaints of smoke entering multi-unit housing rentals, CCHD compiled a list of smoke-free units to make it easy for renters to find smoke-free accommodations. The project helps both tenants and property owners with information about secondhand smoke. The list of smoke-free apartments available in Coconino County is available at www.coconino.us.gov/smokefreehousing.aspx.
“Smoke can seep into apartments from outside or from other apartments through spaces and cracks in walls, electrical outlets, or ventilation systems. According to the U.S. Surgeon General, there is no safe level of exposure to secondhand smoke,” said CCHD Chief Health Officer Barbara Worgess.
Secondhand smoke contains many chemicals that are known to cause cancer, lung and heart disease as well as birth defects and Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS). It is especially harmful for those with respiratory and/or heart problems, elderly, children and pets.
The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development Department (HUD) recommends providing smoke-free rental units for public housing. This option is rapidly gaining popularity across the country. Apartment managers who have implemented smoke-free policies have also found it much easier to implement than they had imagined.
Smoke-free apartment rentals not only protect the health of the tenants, but also save money for apartment owners creating a win-win situation.
“The health of our residents comes first. It is a much more pleasant environment,” said Angie Ramirez, Forest Meadows Assistant Manager.
Visit www.coconino.az.gov/smokefreehousing.aspx for more information. Apartment owners interested in promoting their smoke-free apartment rentals through Arizona Smokefree Housing/Coconino should call the Coconino County Health Department at 928-679-7263.
The Coconino County Health Department (CCHD) announced that smoke-free apartments are available in Flagstaff and other areas of Coconino County.
After receiving complaints of smoke entering multi-unit housing rentals, CCHD compiled a list of smoke-free units to make it easy for renters to find smoke-free accommodations. The project helps both tenants and property owners with information about secondhand smoke. The list of smoke-free apartments available in Coconino County is available at www.coconino.us.gov/smokefreehousing.aspx.
“Smoke can seep into apartments from outside or from other apartments through spaces and cracks in walls, electrical outlets, or ventilation systems. According to the U.S. Surgeon General, there is no safe level of exposure to secondhand smoke,” said CCHD Chief Health Officer Barbara Worgess.
Secondhand smoke contains many chemicals that are known to cause cancer, lung and heart disease as well as birth defects and Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS). It is especially harmful for those with respiratory and/or heart problems, elderly, children and pets.
The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development Department (HUD) recommends providing smoke-free rental units for public housing. This option is rapidly gaining popularity across the country. Apartment managers who have implemented smoke-free policies have also found it much easier to implement than they had imagined.
Smoke-free apartment rentals not only protect the health of the tenants, but also save money for apartment owners creating a win-win situation.
“The health of our residents comes first. It is a much more pleasant environment,” said Angie Ramirez, Forest Meadows Assistant Manager.
Visit www.coconino.az.gov/smokefreehousing.aspx for more information. Apartment owners interested in promoting their smoke-free apartment rentals through Arizona Smokefree Housing/Coconino should call the Coconino County Health Department at 928-679-7263.
New Website Warns Teen Athletes About Drinking
The New Mexico Department of Transportation has teamed up with a state school athletic group to launch an interactive alcohol education website aimed at high school athletes - but with a twist on typical teen anti-drinking messages.
LifeOfAnAthlete.com emphasizes the negative effects of alcohol on athletic performance, in addition to other dangers. For example, teens taking the online course learn that one night of getting drunk can undo two weeks of athletic conditioning.
"The key is to start speaking to kids in a way they've never been spoken to before," said New Mexico Activities Association associate director Robert Zayas at a press conference announcing the website, reported by the Albuquerque Journal.
The online program also features stories about New Mexico athletes who have learned the hard way about the harms of alcohol, including an interview with former football star Gabe Gurule, who was convicted of vehicular homicide after killing three people in an alcohol-fueled crash.
New Mexico ranks first in the nation in the percentage of kids who have their first drink prior to the age of 13. The new site received national publicity in USA Today last month.
LifeOfAnAthlete.com emphasizes the negative effects of alcohol on athletic performance, in addition to other dangers. For example, teens taking the online course learn that one night of getting drunk can undo two weeks of athletic conditioning.
"The key is to start speaking to kids in a way they've never been spoken to before," said New Mexico Activities Association associate director Robert Zayas at a press conference announcing the website, reported by the Albuquerque Journal.
The online program also features stories about New Mexico athletes who have learned the hard way about the harms of alcohol, including an interview with former football star Gabe Gurule, who was convicted of vehicular homicide after killing three people in an alcohol-fueled crash.
New Mexico ranks first in the nation in the percentage of kids who have their first drink prior to the age of 13. The new site received national publicity in USA Today last month.
Thursday, August 5, 2010
Act now to save the Prevention and Public Health Fund
The Prevention and Public Health Fund is in jeopardy. Senator Mike Johanns (R-NE) has proposed an amendment to the Small Business Jobs and Credit Act which would use money from the Prevention Fund to offset other costs in the bill. Such an action would virtually eliminate the Prevention Fund.
The Prevention and Public Health Fund offers a historic opportunity to support health, safety, and equity of individuals, families, and communities across the country. Community prevention efforts-from building safe and accessible play areas to farmers' markets-are essential to saving money, saving lives, and building equity.
This isn't the first time that the Prevention Fund has been threatened. And it may not be the last. To ensure that the Fund is used for its intended purpose, you must urge your senators today to protect the Prevention and Public Health Fund:
• Click here and we'll help you send an email to your Senators to oppose the use of the Prevention Fund as an offset.
• Add your organization to Trust for America's Health sign on letter by August 20th.
• Sign on to the Principles for Quality Prevention in Health Reform, a shared platform and commitment to quality prevention on behalf of organizations across the country.
Many have worked tirelessly to secure this federal commitment to prevention. We simply cannot afford to allow other interests to jeopardize the Prevention and Public Health Fund.
The Prevention and Public Health Fund offers a historic opportunity to support health, safety, and equity of individuals, families, and communities across the country. Community prevention efforts-from building safe and accessible play areas to farmers' markets-are essential to saving money, saving lives, and building equity.
This isn't the first time that the Prevention Fund has been threatened. And it may not be the last. To ensure that the Fund is used for its intended purpose, you must urge your senators today to protect the Prevention and Public Health Fund:
• Click here and we'll help you send an email to your Senators to oppose the use of the Prevention Fund as an offset.
• Add your organization to Trust for America's Health sign on letter by August 20th.
• Sign on to the Principles for Quality Prevention in Health Reform, a shared platform and commitment to quality prevention on behalf of organizations across the country.
Many have worked tirelessly to secure this federal commitment to prevention. We simply cannot afford to allow other interests to jeopardize the Prevention and Public Health Fund.
Wednesday, August 4, 2010
Free Workshop: Protecting Families through Advocacy
Presented by Tim Schmaltz, Lobbyist and Coordinator of Protecting Arizona's Family Coalition in Arizona (PAFCO). This training will teach you:
• How to advocate on behalf of vulnerable children and families
• What is PAFCO and why it exists
• Advocacy tips
• The Societal need to advocate for the most vulnerable
• Influential bills and referendum
After participants hear from Tim Schmaltz, there will be a presentation on current ballot initiatives affecting children, youth and families for the coming November election.
DATE: September 17, 2010
TIME: 1:30p.m.-4:30p.m (Sign-In begins at 1:15)
LOCATION: Flagstaff Medical Center, McGee Auditorium, 1200 North Beaver St.
Required RSVP: resuding@coconinokids.org or 679-7318
Sponsored by the Coconino Coalition for Children & Youth.
• How to advocate on behalf of vulnerable children and families
• What is PAFCO and why it exists
• Advocacy tips
• The Societal need to advocate for the most vulnerable
• Influential bills and referendum
After participants hear from Tim Schmaltz, there will be a presentation on current ballot initiatives affecting children, youth and families for the coming November election.
DATE: September 17, 2010
TIME: 1:30p.m.-4:30p.m (Sign-In begins at 1:15)
LOCATION: Flagstaff Medical Center, McGee Auditorium, 1200 North Beaver St.
Required RSVP: resuding@coconinokids.org or 679-7318
Sponsored by the Coconino Coalition for Children & Youth.
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