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Results of a study in Boone County, Indiana--a high radon potential geographic area--show that residents' knowledge about radon is at a relatively superficial level. A significant correlation between radon knowledge and home radon tests is observed. Respondents chose the newspaper as the favorite medium through which to launch radon health education campaigns. (AIM)

This study suggests that staphylococci may be the preferred microbial indicators of swimming pool water quality because these organisms met all criteria for best microbial indicators in terms of amount of recovery, resistance to disinfectants, and risk to bathers using water samples from nine swimming pools in Linn and Benton Counties, Oregon. (30 references) (Author/JJK)

To determine how infectious waste is being defined, treated, and disposed, the Seattle/King County Department of Public Health conducted a waste survey and facility inspection at 26 hospitals and 22 medical offices. The results and conclusions are discussed in connection with a contemporary literature review. (65 references) (Author/JJK)

Residents of Larimer County, Colorado, were surveyed to determine their level of awareness and attitudes concerning the disposal of household waste. Results indicated that approximately 40 percent of the population were unable to identify hazardous products within their homes and nearly 70 percent were unaware of the potential environmental effects caused by improper disposal of these products. (Author)

The role of the Environmental Protection Agency as ombudsman concerning waste disposal is examined with respect to both the current options of source reduction and recycling as pollution prevention, and alternative approaches that expand upon these current options, particularly with respect to toxic and medical waste. (JJK)

Reports on an assessment of a sample of environmental health practitioners in Illinois which dealt with overall job satisfaction and the characteristics that contribute to job satisfaction/dissatisfaction. Results indicated that 36 percent of the respondents were satisfied with their jobs, with 64 percent somewhat dissatisfied. (TW)

Provides an overview of the past, present, and future environmental health activities of the Bureau of Health Professions, United States Department of Health and Human Services. Contains a summary of workshops, conferences, and monographs funded by the Bureau, as well as others, which characterize the environmental health work force. (TW)

Describes the University of Michigan Hospital organizational system which is an attempt to comprehensively address environmental health issues, including the management of regulatory liaison functions. Topics discussed include the impact of regulatory and accreditation standards on hospital management, and organization and management of environmental health programs. (Author/DS)

This article presents the results of a study to identify problems and recommend solutions to training and education deficiencies of the environmental workforce for risk assessment and hazardous waste. Cites five recommendations developed as a result of a workshop held in March 1986. (Author/CW)

The state of Arizona Department of Education operates a successful program to remove asbestos-containing building materials from schools, drawing from the expertise of the Department of Health Services, Bureau of Environmental Hygiene and Sanitation, Bureau of Waste Control, and eliciting cooperation of school officials. Includes an asbestos detection/control flow chart. (Author/JN)

Catalogued is the diversity of lead contaminated sources which, only recently, have been acknowledged as the principal producers of devastating toxic effects, particularly among children, despite only low-level exposure to these sources. A multifaceted approach in the effort to correct this serious health hazard to children is presented. (JJK)

Discusses the need for environmental health inspections in schools. Reports on the results of a survey of Clackamas County (Oregon) school kitchens, in relation to a high incidence of hepatitis A. Describes the variety of violations found and urges that schools no longer be exempt from state health division regulations. (TW)

Describes a prototype hazard communication and training program for manufacturers. Discusses the necessary ingredients of such a program, including chemical inventorying, labeling hazardous chemicals, maintaining a current file of material safety data sheets, and written training programs. Includes samples of material safety data sheets, labeling codes, and written programs. (TW)