EnvironmentalCommittee
2009 2008 2007 2006
SF Asthma Task Force Environmental Committee MINUTES
Wednesday, May 6, 2009, 1:30-3:30 pm
Children's Environmental Health Promotion, FoxPlaza, 1390 Market St. #410, San Francisco94102
Attendees: Cynthia Knowles, Ray Manion, Karen Cohn, Sabrina Adler, Lisa Fricke, Rene Gonzalvez, Krista Ward
1) Introductions & Review Minutes
¨ Minutes: Change spelling to “All Hallows.” Fix type error p. 1 and take out bullet p. 2
2) Updates:
§ Rene followed up with dollar stores and they got rid of makeshift bottles (possibly as a result of previous questioning)
§ KPOO (89.9) radio show with Maurice Cambell went well. Received over 1,000 calls about asthma (specifically, people wanted to know how to clean clothes and were worried about asbestos)
§ Possible future shows - KMEL (1-2pm every 2 weeks on Th). Topic ideas: Bed bugs, pesticides.
§ Channel 2 & 7 – news story about schools cleaning with bleach following swine flu closures. SF schools using Alpha HP.
§ Eight products with asthmagens found in GS8 approved products. Need to continue to work on GS 8 letter to change guidelines (last update 2006). AOEC is currently being asked to substantiate their list. Discussion re: corrosiveness and sensitivity. Sensitization has no threshold (allergic reaction). Need to clarify definitions in letter.
o Note: Press release March 2009 – Simple Green Naturals are now GS8 certified
3) Next Steps
§ Work with Women’s Voices for the Earth to co-author GS-8 letter (Specify 10 chemicals that can’t be introduced in order to get certified).
§ Write article for SF Apt Assoc (Lisa will send Marval Maids article from last issue). Article can be done in an interview format.
§ F/u with Sara Shortt and Kyle Peterson re: NW training
§ F/u with CPR re: surveys/pilot project (Sabrina may be able to help)
§ F/u with San Jose woman who contacted Breathe re: wood & formaldehyde. Ask her to send resources to task force. Note: CARB has existing policy.
§ Ideas:
o Work with HA to convert cleaners to green
o Target HA tenants at yearly contract renewal re: asthma trigger education
o Can we work with Walgreens or other store to develop flyer similar to Dept of Env green cleaner flyer to promote cleaning alternatives?
§ Qualitative survey re: camera project
o How did the flyers get distributed?
o How have the cameras been used?
o How did project change beliefs about mold sources, tenant/property manager responsibilities?
o Did project change proactive rehab procedures?
o Did project change contracts with Sparkle Bright?
o Were any cost savings observed as a result of this project?
§ SFGH asthma clinic will invite asthma patients in November. Cynthia will connect with Stephanie Williams.
