Reducing the risk of chemical exposures in schools.

In the past five years, the Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) has completed several different aativities aimed at reducing the risk of chemical spills and exposures in schools, including chemical collections, training workshops, and a mercury needs assessment. IDP found that many schools store and use hazardous chemicals in ways that increase the risk of accidents and exposures. As a result of these activities and findings, IDPH developed strategies for educating teachers and drafted recommendations for schools.

Chicago area methyl parathion response.

The Illinois Department of Public Health participated in the Chicago, Illinois, area methyl parathion (MP) response with several other federal, state, and local government agencies beginning in April 1997. This response was initiated on evidence that hundreds of homes in the Chicago area were illegally treated for cockroaches with MP over a period of several years. Through applicator receipt books and information reported by property owners and tenants, 968 homes were identified as having been treated with MP. Upon implementation of a response plan developed by the Methyl Parathion Health Sciences Steering Committee, environmental sampling and urine monitoring were provided for eligible households. Environmental sampling was conducted in 903 homes, with MP detected above levels of concern in 596 residences. Residents of these homes were offered urine sampling to determine the extent of exposure to MP. Urine samples were collected and analyzed for p-nitrophenol in 1,913 individuals. Implementation of the protocol resulted in 550 residents being relocated during the remediation of 100 households.