Promoting integrated approaches to reducing health inequities among low-income workers: applying a social ecological framework.

Background: Nearly one of every three workers in the United States is low-income. Low-income populations have a lower life expectancy and greater rates of chronic diseases compared to those with higher incomes. Low- income workers face hazards in their workplaces as well as in their communities.

Complementary and alternative medical practice: self-care preferred vs. practitioner-based care among patients with asthma.

Background: Interest in disease self-management has increased as the US population ages, as health care costs skyrocket, and as more evidence is gathered on the etiologic basis of most chronic diseases. This study uses National Health Interview Survey (NHIS) data to analyze the association between asthma episode during the past 12 months and patterns of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) use within the same period among adults, controlling for comorbid conditions.

Methods: Using questions taken from the adult sample questionnaire and the Alternative Supplement of the 2002 NHIS, responses of those ever having asthma (N=3327) were analyzed in this cross-sectional, correlational study.

Occupational injuries and illnesses in the solid waste industry: a call for action.

Work-related injuries and illnesses are multi-factorial and remain major problems of public health magnitude requiring the attention of all stakeholders in the solid waste industry. The objective of this article was to describe the patterns of occupational injury and illness (OII) reporting incidence among workers in a major private U. S.

Integrated pest management policies in America's schools: is federal legislation needed?

America's school children are at risk of developing asthma and other respiratory illnesses as a result of exposure to hazardous pesticides. Integrated pest management (IPM) policies are being implemented in states and school districts across the country; however, the content and regulation of these policies vary. The need for standardization of such policies and a federal IPM law is the only way to ensure that children in America's schools are adequately protected from exposure to hazardous pesticides used to control pests.

The U.S. Chemical Safety and Hazard Investigation Board: reflections of a former board member.

Through the eyes and experiences of a former board member, this article discusses the U.S. Chemical Safety and Hazard Investigation Board (CSB), its formation and development, its victories and accomplishments, and its challenges as a new and independent agency of the federal government in environmental and occupational health.