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NURSES Maine nurses are helping lead the campaign to remove dangerous chemicals from everyday products and promote sustainable economic development based on safer alternatives. This page provides information especially for nurses about environmental health and ways to support Maine campaigns for safer products. Above: Sandra Armington, RN speaks at the Alliance for a Clean and Healthy Maine's annual Environmental Health Day at the Maine Capitol in March 2008. Nurse Action Opportunities
Check back each month for new action opportunities - or just sign up for e-updates!
Environmental Health Karen Ballard of Health Care Without Harm (far right), Nurse Luminary Bettie Kettell of Mid Coast Hospital (second from right) and other nurses enjoy the first Maine nurse environmental health luncheon convened by the Environmental Health Strategy Center on June 4. On June 4th, EHSC brought together nurses - including Maine State Representative Anne Perry, RN - from several area facilities, nurse-educators, and students for a luncheon in Mae's Cafe in Brunswick. The aim of the luncheon was to recognize those nurses who are taking on leadership roles in improving environmental health, and to encourage each of us to learn and do more to protect people from unnecessary toxins at work and in our homes. We were joined by Health Care Without Harm's Karen Ballard, who shared information about their Luminary Project which honors nurses who lead on environmental issues. To learn more about the luncheon, or how you can get involved in future events and activities, please contact Kristine Jenkins at kjenkins[AT]gwi.net, 207-878-0082 or 207-409-9193 (cell).
Maine Nurses Speak Out for Safer Products Over the past five years, Maine has led the nation in phasing out dangerous chemicals like lead, mercury, and brominated flame retardant chemicals from everyday consumer products in favor of safer alternatives. Maine nurses provided critical leadership in these campaigns as organizers and advocates. Here are some key examples. "In my work as a Pediatric Nurse, I see the effects of toxic chemical exposure. There has been a documented increase in the incidence of diabetes, seizure disorders andautism in children. I am frustrated by how many of these dangerous chemicals continue to be used when safer alternatives are available."
"As I continue to learn about the complexities of chemical policies, I am astounded to learn that virtually all products come to market without pre-market testing for potential human health or ecological effects. There are an estimated 85,000 chemicals that have been developed since World War II, yet fewer than 7 percent have been tested for human health effects."
Environmental Health Resources for Nurses Nurses and nurse organizations have advocated for safer products and workplaces for many years. Here are some of the best places to learn more. Information and National Organizations RN No Harm >> (nurse environmental health resources at Health Care Without Harm) The Luminary Project >> (nurses lighting the way to environmental health) ANA Environmental Health Page >> AAOHN Environmental Health Page >> EnviRN >> (enviro health education center on U-Maryland nursing web site) ATSDR Environmental Health Nursing Initiative >> Maine Nurse Organization Links American Nurses Association - Maine >> Maine State Nurses Association >>
** Help us build our nurse environmental health resources section! Do you know of a great web page or an article posted online about environmental health that should be shared with other nurses? Click here to send us the link!
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