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DC Project To Help Residents Safely Control Pests

Release Date: 05/05/2007 EMBARGOED TILL 11:30 A.M.
Contact Information: Enesta Jones, (202) 564-4355 / [email protected]

EMBARGOED UNTIL SATURDAY, MAY 5, 2007, 11:30 A.M. EDT
(5/5/07) EPA issued a grant that will provide information to residents at a District of Columbia apartment complex on how to use safer and more effective pest control measures, and to reduce cockroach and mouse allergens in the home, which are known triggers of asthma. These practices adopt the Integrated Pest Management approach, which provides safer options for controlling pests.

In a ceremony today, at the Potomac Gardens Apartments, EPA awarded a check for $74,526 to the University of the District of Columbia Cooperative Extension Service (UDC) to fund the one-year project.

In addition, UDC is teaming up with the National Capital Asthma Coalition (NCAC). With funding from the District of Columbia Department of Health, NCAC will assist Potomac Gardens' residents to reduce their exposure to dust mites, tobacco smoke, and other common asthma triggers, and to use a written asthma action plan to manage their asthma. NCAC also will provide $30,000 in asthma-friendly supplies to residents, including 50 HEPA vacuums donated by ProTeam, and 60 Asthma Kits produced by Careguide Systems Inc., featuring mattress encasings and other user-friendly, self-care tools.

More information on safe pest control: epa.gov/pesticides/controlling/tips.htm

More about indoor air asthma triggers: epa.gov/iaq/asthma/about.html