NEW YORK NURSE: July/August 2007
by Joely Johnson
On a regular basis, nurses see and manage the end results of exposure to toxins in the environment: birth defects, certain cancers, allergies, and asthma are a few examples. In addition, hospitals and other facilities contain chemicals and substances known to be hazardous to the health of nurses and other caregivers.
The first meeting of NYSNA’s new RN Healthy Environment Task Force (RN-HEAT) took place May 30 at the New York City office. The group was launched to equip RNs to educate the public, legislators, and others about the problem of environmental risks to health. “I am building a cadre of nurses who want to take on environmental health as an issue,” said Thomas Lowe, NYSNA’s occupational safety and health representative and founder of the group. “We will provide information and contacts so RNs can have a positive impact.”
Attendees discussed timely issues such as rising rates of autism and asthma that may be the result of environmental shifts; the effects of Hurricane Katrina, including lead released during the storm that is now leaching into soil; and potentially hazardous chemicals found in personal care products. “Becoming aware of these things gave me a whole different perspective,” said Catherine Hiner, registered nurse and NYSNA release time nursing representative at New York Presbyterian Hospital in Manhattan. “You become more proactive as a professional regarding these issues.”
RN-HEAT will next meet on Wednesday, September 19, at the Environmental Protection Agency Office in Manhattan. The meeting is open to any RN or LPN who is interested in learning more about promoting and protecting environmental health.