Recent Developments from the Environmental Protection Agency 3/18/2004
From: Suzanne Ackerman of the Environmental Protection Agency, 202-564-7819 or ackerman.suzanne@epa.gov WASHINGTON, March 18 -- The following are some agency developments which may be of interest. For more information on any of these subjects, call the appropriate contact. Aquatic Ecosystems Research Applications Requested Contact: Suzanne Ackerman: 202-564-7819 or ackerman.suzanne@epa.gov To protect the environment from both man-made and natural disturbances, EPA is seeking applications for research on the response of ecosystems to major stressors. An example of a human stressor is the discharge of pollutants into water; a natural event could be a severe storm and subsequent flooding. There are two objectives of this research. The first goal is to improve understanding of the resilience of ecosystems, meaning the amount of disturbance that an ecosystem can withstand and how long it takes an ecosystem to recover. The second goal is to use practical insights from analysis of past thresholds (conditions beyond which there was an abrupt change in the ecosystem) to develop adaptive management practices for similar ecosystems to prevent problems before they occur. This work will help anticipate and assess future environmental stressors before their effects can adversely impact people or the environment. Applications may be submitted electronically through the new Federal Funding Opportunities (FedGrants) system (http://www.fedgrants.gov). EPA will use this web site to provide the public with an efficient and simple electronic means to find and apply for grants. EPA anticipates making 10 awards, each in the range of $150,000 per year for three years through its Science to Achieve Results (STAR) program. Applications must be received by June 22. To learn more about this request for applications, visit: http://es.epa.gov/ncer/rfa/2004/2004_aqua_sys.html or go to: http://www.fedgrants.gov. For more information about the STAR grants program, visit: http://www.epa.gov/ncer. EPA's Campaign for National Poison Prevention Week Advises Parents to "Lock it Up" Contact: Suzanne Ackerman: 202-564-7819 or ackerman.suzanne@epa.gov National Poison Prevention Week will be observed from March 21- 27 to increase awareness of the danger to children of accidental poisoning from pesticides and household products. This year, EPA's childhood poison prevention campaign message is "Lock it Up," to encourage parents and care givers to keep potentially harmful chemical products in a high cabinet out of the reach of children. U.S. poison control centers receive a call every 15 seconds about an accidental poisoning, with 40 percent of the calls involving a child under three years of age. The National Safety Council records show that over 50 percent of two million poisoning incidents each year involve children under six years of age. In most cases, children have swallowed common household substances such as prescription drugs, non-prescription pain killers, vitamins, cosmetics and personal care and cleaning products. These poisonings also involve house plants, tobacco products and alcohol. National Poison Prevention Week was first authorized by Congress in 1961 with the theme, "Children Act Fast...So Do Poisons!" Many poisonings happen when adults are distracted for just a few moments by the telephone or doorbell, which is why locking chemical products up is so important. Twenty-three thousand posters have been distributed to poison centers, clinics, hospitals and health departments by EPA. Local area Washington, D.C. commuters will also see the poster inside the local Metro trains this week. Parents and community organizations can obtain free poison prevention materials, including the "Lock It-Up" poster, "Ten Tips to Protect Children from Pesticide and Lead Poisonings," and "Poison Prevention: Read the Label First Community Action Kit" by calling EPA's Environmental Publications line at 1-800-490-9198. Additional information on Poison Prevention Week is available at: http://www.poisonprevention.org |