Gas Masks and Smooth Hair

Blog #13

1. Given that there are an estimated 21,000 excess deaths from lung cancer associated with exposure to radon in the US along, how would you develop a national radon awareness campaign? Consider you potential collaborations (stakeholders).
1. To develop a national campaign I would begin by working with companies to develop a program for free tests. These should be handed out to neighbors to test their homes and gain a better understanding of where they stand.
2. Once we have free tests that have been disseminated to communities, taking these results and working with local community leaders, state leaders and asking the federal government for action.
3. I believe that local/ community and state leaders could make a huge impact. I feel blessed to be in a state that takes environmental concerns so seriously, but the rest of the county needs to jump on board; and I am sure that California has its faults. Monterey is so heavily invested in the health of the environment, that possible we can take lessons from our local leaders. 
1. I would have research further everything that is needed to revitalize contaminated ground and to make homes safe again.
4. In regards to a national campaign; it all begins at the state level. Taking statistics and a plan to the federal level with medical research behind us; who know who would listen, but as this can effect everyone, not just underprivileged communities, no one is immune from this exposure according to the USA map. Being that I am not familiar with federal and legal proceedings, I would hope that I would be able (with a medical team) to meet with members of our federal system to place into action a screening and revitalization requirement for all homes.
2. How would you incorporate carbon monoxide exposures into your patient assessments?
1. I'm wouldn't in this point in my career, but if I chose to work in the community, this assessment would be vital for the safety of the community I was serving. I would begin with asking about basic home assessments, then about detectors (when batteries were last changed, is there one in every room, do you have any at all). Based on these answers I would be able to assess their needs and hopefully have the resources to provide them with techniques to make their home as safe as possible and reduce the risk of exposure.
3. Can you name 3 VOCs in your home? How about your workplace? How might you reduce your exposure to these VOCs?
1. 3 VOCs that I know are currently in my home are: Acetone, Formaldehyde and Butanal. Acetone from painting my nails almost weekly, Formaldehyde from the nee carpet we have our home and Butanal from all the candles we burn. Everyday after work, I light my favorite candle and relax.
2. In my workplace, possible: Ethanol I'm sure from all the cleaning chemicals used on a daily basis, Alcohol for sure, my pockets are filled with pads of alcohol and are commonly used on almost all surfaces and finally acetic acid, our environmental services department cleans patient room with a vinegar solution to eliminate odors (afterwards, because when they are first cleaning- it smells awful!). 
3. I have made some changes in my home, especially my new home to avoid exposure. Or if exposure occurs, having proper ventilation. The nee carpet at this time, I am not going to do anything about, but the plan for the near future is to replace the carpet with tile floors and to look for carpets that are more eco friendly and for a smaller area.
4. How would you coach your pregnant patients if they ask whether they should straighten their hair?
1. At the beginning of this prompt, I didn't understand the question; ti seemed so odd to think, why would a future mom ask me about hair; but then the videos. At the beginning of this course I wouldn't have thought twice about the products I use or laying on my nice new carpet, but this has all changed! I have gone to Target to and replaced my products and will work to get my new carpet out of my home.
1. I found that in the GMA video, it states that customers using this products aren't at the risk level as those stylists being exposure day after day, multi times a day. But if I had pregnant patients I would encourage them to forgo smooth hair; the risk on the newborn and mother to formaldehyde does not out-weight the benefit of smooth hair.
2. Plus I'm sorry if you have to wear a gas mask to administer this treatment something is way not right!!