Implementation Plan: National Strategies for Health Care Providers: Pesticides Initiative
Author:
Date Published: 2002
Pesticides are ubiquitous in our society in both agricultural and urban environments. We use pesticides in our homes, schools, in our workplaces, and in our communities. Due to widespread dissemination of pesticides, and the potential for related illnesses and injury (especially among farmworkers and pesticide handlers), health care providers should be prepared to recognize, manage, and prevent pesticide-related health conditions in their patients and communities. Communities expect that their primary care providers will be prepared to deal with pesticide related health conditions, as well as other environmental-related illnesses, but often times they are not. This report sets out a strategic direction for the nation to improve the recognition, management, and prevention of pesticide-related health conditions. It will lead to health improvements in both agricultural and urban sectors. The Implementation Plan's vision is for all primary care providers on the front lines of our health care system to: Possess a basic understanding of the health effects associated with pesticide exposures as well as broader environmental exposures; and take action to ameliorate such effects through clinical and prevention activities. The Implementation sets forth a three-pronged approach to move toward the vision, and includes both short and long-term components. The Implementation Plan will be used to build national consensus on this issue and to gain funding and resource support to implement and evaluate the entire initiative.