Integrated Pest Management in Health Care Facilities Project

BACKGROUND:
As evidenced by a 2004 Healthy Hospitals report published by Beyond Pesticides and Healthcare Without Harm, our most vulnerable populations—newborns, the sick and the elderly—are unknowingly exposed to pesticides used in health-care facilities across the country.  —newborns, the sick and the elderly—are unknowingly exposed to pesticides used in health care facilities across the country. Yet few health care facilities are aware of this critical issue, and most are not protecting patient and employee health by implementing a sustainable Integrated Pest Management (IPM) program to reduce or eliminate toxic pesticides in their facilities.

As the Healthy Hospitals Report states, "Hospital patients who have compromised immune and nervous systems, the elderly, infants and children and those who have an allergy or sensitivity to pesticides are particularly vulnerable to their toxic effects. Patients taking certain medications may also have heightened reactions to pesticides." While it is important that health care facilities be free from pests that pose health risks, it is also critical that patients and employees be protected from chemicals that also threaten health. For example, pulmonary patients are put at risk when exposed to pesticides that exacerbate respiratory illness, and cancer patients may be exposed to pesticides that are probable carcinogens.

Results of a more recent survey of Maryland health care facilities' pest management practices, conducted by project partners MPN and Beyond Pesticides, indicate that pest management at most of the facilities depends to a significant degree on toxic chemical pesticides. A report on the survey, to be released in early 2008, indicates that pesticides being used in a significant number of Maryland's heath care facilities are associated with a range of health effects including nervous system damage, respiratory effects, and endocrine disruption.

PROJECT ACTIVITIES AND ACHIEVEMENTS

The Integrated Pest Management (IPM) in Health Care Facilities Project promotes the adoption of IPM through research, education, and outreach to heath care facilities, and by working directly with select health care facilities through pilot partnerships on IPM strategies to reduce or eliminate patient and employee exposure to toxic pesticides. Phase I of the Project, initiated in 2005 by project partners MPN and Beyond Pesticides in collaboration with MD Hospitals for a Healthy Environment (MDH2E), paved the way for implementation of IPM at seven health care facilities in Maryland, including major hospitals, elder care, and psychiatric facilities. These facilities are transitioning to IPM and natural land care through non-chemical pest prevention, with least-toxic pesticides only used as a last resort.

Phase II of the IPM in Health Care Facilities Project, initiated in fall 2007, is building on the accomplishment s of Phase I, transitioning health care facilities to pest management systems that do not rely on toxic pesticides to protect the health of facility patients/residents and employees. Phase II is focused on three major components:

• IPM in Health Care Facilities pilot projects at an additional seven health care facilities
• Partnering with Morgan State University on outreach and education to disadvantaged communities surrounding select pilot facilities in Baltimore.
• Outreach, consultation, and education for health care facilities across Maryland. Information and technical support to facilities will be available on this website in 2008.