Faculty from The University of New Mexico College of Nursing are stepping up to assist local leaders in enhancing disaster response after recent plastic fires in Albuquerque.
In February, Dr. Roberta Proffitt Lavin and Dr. Mary Pat Couig presented at a meeting of the Albuquerque-Bernalillo County Air Quality Control Board. This board is a group of volunteers working to tackle air pollution in the area.
Dr. Thomas De Pree, a board member and a professor in Civil, Construction, and Environmental Engineering at UNM, invited them to share valuable resources from the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences (NIEHS). He emphasized the need for better disaster response strategies and research post-event.
This conversation comes after the significant Atkore United Poly Systems fire in 2023 and a warehouse fire last year. Both incidents released large amounts of smoke, stirring worries about community health and chemical exposure.
Dr. Couig discussed the challenges of conducting research after a disaster. She pointed out that access to affected areas can be limited, making it hard to gather information on potential toxic exposures. Additionally, any study involving people needs approval from an Institutional Review Board, which can delay research efforts.
To overcome these hurdles, she highlighted the NIEHS Disaster Research Response (DR2) Program. This program offers vital resources for health research following disasters. Couig noted, “It’s an excellent resource and easy to access online.” It provides funding, training, and a database of over 500 research tools to help communities respond effectively when emergencies strike.
An important part of this effort is the Rapid Acquisition of Pre- and Post-Incident Disaster Data (RAPIDD) protocol. It allows researchers to prepare ahead of time so they can spring into action quickly after a disaster.
During the meeting, board members pondered if ongoing environmental issues, like frequent industrial fires, qualify as disasters for research purposes. “It’s possible,” Couig noted, explaining that funding calls often specify what qualifies as a disaster.
Lavin stressed the importance of preparation and teamwork. “One of the biggest things we can do is give you quick protocols,” she said. While getting quick approval for research involving people is tricky, advance planning can make a difference.
Some community members voiced concerns about the health risks posed by repeated fires and environmental challenges. The College of Nursing is committed to collaborating with local officials to develop research-based strategies for protecting community health.
Recent statistics show an increase in environmental health issues linked to industrial activity. According to a 2023 report by the Environmental Protection Agency, communities near industrial sites are at a higher risk of health problems, highlighting the need for proactive measures and thorough research.
As we face these ongoing challenges, the partnership between academic experts and community leaders is crucial in creating effective responses to protect public health. The collective effort may not only lead to improved disaster management but also foster resiliency in affected communities.
Learn more about resources available through the NIEHS Disaster Research Response Program.
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