Earth Day Facts: 10 Environmental Hazards You Can Live Without

April 17, 2002
The list from the American College of Occupational and Environmental Medicine can help improve the quality of indoor environments.

The American College of Occupational and Environmental Medicine (ACOEM) wants you to know there are "Ten Environmental Hazards You Can Live Without." The checklist was released to commemorate the 32nd annual observance of Earth Day on April 22.

"ACOEM''s Earth Day checklist provides 10 practical steps that all of us can take to improve the quality of our indoor environment," said Robert K. McLellan, M.D., author of the checklist and chair of the college''s Environmental Medicine Committee. "Earth Day reminds us of an ancient wisdom: People are inextricably linked with their environment. The environment does not stop at the walls of our houses and buildings."

The checklist is part of ACOEM''s ongoing commitment to protect the health and safety of workers, workplaces and the environment. The checklist focuses on household environmental hazards such as tobacco smoke, radon, asbestos, lead, combustion gases, water pollution, hazards of household chemicals, proper use of pesticides, avoiding allergens and how to avoid food poisoning - all issues with which the occupational and environmental medicine physician is familiar. The 6,000-plus members of ACOEM want everyone to implement the recommendations contained in the checklist to improve their living environment and to preserve the environment for future generations.

A poster-sized version of the checklist, suitable for framing in an office, clinic or home, is available for a nominal fee. For order information, call the ACOEM Communications Department at (847) 818-1800.

ACOEM is an international medical society with more than 6,000 members. The College provides leadership to promote optimal health and safety of workers, workplaces and environments. ACOEM is headquartered in Arlington Heights, Ill.

by Sandy Smith ([email protected])

About the Author

EHS Today Staff

EHS Today's editorial staff includes:

Dave Blanchard, Editor-in-Chief: During his career Dave has led the editorial management of many of Endeavor Business Media's best-known brands, including IndustryWeekEHS Today, Material Handling & LogisticsLogistics Today, Supply Chain Technology News, and Business Finance. In addition, he serves as senior content director of the annual Safety Leadership Conference. With over 30 years of B2B media experience, Dave literally wrote the book on supply chain management, Supply Chain Management Best Practices (John Wiley & Sons, 2021), which has been translated into several languages and is currently in its third edition. He is a frequent speaker and moderator at major trade shows and conferences, and has won numerous awards for writing and editing. He is a voting member of the jury of the Logistics Hall of Fame, and is a graduate of Northern Illinois University.

Adrienne Selko, Senior Editor: In addition to her roles with EHS Today and the Safety Leadership Conference, Adrienne is also a senior editor at IndustryWeek and has written about many topics, with her current focus on workforce development strategies. She is also a senior editor at Material Handling & Logistics. Previously she was in corporate communications at a medical manufacturing company as well as a large regional bank. She is the author of Do I Have to Wear Garlic Around My Neck?, which made the Cleveland Plain Dealer's best sellers list.

Nicole Stempak, Managing Editor:  Nicole Stempak is managing editor of EHS Today and conference content manager of the Safety Leadership Conference.

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