GEORGIA ENVIRONMENTALIST ENVIRONMENTALIST . The official publication of the Georgia Environmental Health Association. In this issue: Tattooing on a Unified Front

GEORGIA ENVIRONMENTALIST The official publication of the Georgia Environmental Health Association

In this issue:

Tattooing on a Unified Front Renovating Right

The Exposome Raw Milk

...and much more!

July 2014

Interstate Environmental Health Seminar hosted by Georgia!

Georgia Environmentalist Volume 36 3

GEORGIA ENVIRONMENTALIST

The official publication of the Georgia Environmental Health Association

Georgia Environmental Health Association, Inc.

397 Eastman Hwy Hawkinsville, GA 31036

[email protected] www.geha-online.org

The Georgia Environmental Health Association, Inc.

is a nonprofit organization incorporated under the laws of

Georgia, and the recognized Georgia affiliate of the

National Environmental Health Association.

Membership dues are $25.00 per year.

COVER ART: This year’s cover art is a word cloud image comprised from the text in this year’s journal. The image was created using software available by Tagxedo at www.tagxedo.com. Words in the word cloud are sized according to the frequency of each word found throughout the text of the entire publication. In other words, Tagxedo describes their software as designed to turn words into “a visually stunning word cloud, words individually sized appropriately to highlight the frequencies of occurrence within the body of text.”

ARTICLES

Why Your Jobs are So Important 9

Raw Milk: To Drink or Not to Drink? 10

Pasteurization Matters 12

Renovating Right: The Price of Ignorance 13

LEED and Public Health 15

The Exposome: A New Framework for the Practice

of Environmental Health 16

Tattooing on a Unified Front 18

Featured Interview: Natalie Adan 24

Changes in Leadership at the Department of

Public Health 27

FEATURES

Message from the President 4

Professional Certification 7

GBREHP Meeting 19

2014 AEC Agenda 20

Conference Snapshots 21

GEHA News 22

Spotlight on Environmental Health 26

Georgia Facts 28

NEHA Board of Directors Update 29

GEHA Awards and Scholarships 31

Farmers and Consumers Market Bulletin 33

Arty’s Garden 35

GEHA Membership Form 36

www.geha-online.org

Volume 36


MESSAGE FROM THE GEHA PRESIDENT by Kathy Worthington

We encourage you to write to us! Send letters to [email protected].

The goal of the Georgia Environmental Health Association (GEHA), is to promote,

support, train, and register individuals working in the environmental health fields

though out government, academia, industry and business. One of the important ways

we accomplish our goal is through the Annual Educational Conference.

In addition to the Annual Education Conference, GEHA will be hosting the 68th

Interstate Environmental Health Seminar this year. We have the opportunity to open

our hearts and our state to the other seven member states: Alabama, Kentucky,

Maryland, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee and West Virginia. These states

have kindly contributed their best and brightest to provide us with educational

opportunities in the fields of food safety and environmental health. In addition, we

have the knowledge and expertise of our dedicated sponsors and exhibitors.

Let’s embrace the opportunity to meet someone new from another state, agency,

industry, or academia; build relationships; and form networks that will result in greater

success as we return to our everyday duties. When you return to your workplace

encourage your co-workers to become members of GEHA, and the National

Environmental Health Association (NEHA). Both are excellent organizations and bring

different items of interest to the table, yet complement each other.

All new Georgia employees with the Department of Public Health, Department of

Natural Resources, and the Department of Agriculture are now entitled to their first

year GEHA membership for free (please submit a membership application). Academia

and industry can still join for just $25. Students are encouraged to join, and

membership is just $10 per year. This year we have added the ability to register and

pay on-line using Pay pal. Next year will bring some more exciting changes as well.

Thank you to all the members, speakers, and sponsors whose hard work and

dedication make our conference possible each year.

We look forward to seeing you in Kentucky next year for the 69th annual

Environmental Health Interstate Seminar.

— Kathy Worthington


Georgia Environmentalist

EDITORIAL STAFF

Julia Campbell, Editor

With special thanks to Hugh and Cathy Coleman

For more information, please contact the following:

Journal [email protected]

Questions about GEHA [email protected]

Membership [email protected]

Georgia Board of Registered Environmental

Health Professionals [email protected]

The Georgia Environmentalist is published annually

by the Georgia Environmental Health Association,

Inc. (GEHA). The contents, or portions thereof, may be reprinted with permission by contacting:

[email protected]. Publication of articles in this

journal does not mean that GEHA endorses, condones, approves, or recommends the use of

materials, methodology, or policies therein.

Conclusions and opinions are those of the individual authors only, and do not necessarily reflect the

policies or views of GEHA.

CALL FOR ARTICLES

and PHOTOS The Georgia Environmental Health Association, Inc.

(GEHA) invites environmental health professionals,

educators, researchers, and other persons or entities to

submit manuscripts for possible publication in the Georgia

Environmentalist. Original technical papers, review articles

or reports on experiences, research, endeavors,

management techniques, or current issues are considered.

Guest commentaries, letters to the editor, cover art, and

other items of interest to the readership are also

encouraged. Authors receive no monetary compensation for

their contributions. All material is subject to peer review.

GEHA is also accepting photos for journal publication.

Photos may include natural scenes of Georgia,

photos of Environmental Health in practice. Please, no

pictures of pets. Submit articles, letters, and photos for

publication to: [email protected], or call

404.862.2100 for information. If you would like to be

added to the mailing list for this publication, you must

become a member of GEHA. Please complete the

membership form on page 36 or contact GEHA

Membership at [email protected].

GEHA OFFICERS AND BOARD MEMBERS

2013-2014

President Kathleen Worthington

President-Elect Chris Rustin

Vice President Maggie Rickbaker

Past President Tad Williams

Treasurer/Finance Chad McCord

Secretary Tamika Pridgon

Kathryn Bennett Philip Cadwell

Simone Charles Krissa Jones

Jill Reade COMMITTEES CHAIRS Audit. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Christy Blair Audio Visuals . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Sandy Shepherd Awards . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Dwain Butler Board Operations. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Hugh Coleman Clerk . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Cathy Coleman Constitution and Bylaws . . . . . . . . …Hugh Coleman Conference Coordinator . . . . . . . .Allison Strickland/ Dwain Butler/ Maggie Rickenbaker Door Prizes. . . . . . . . . . . .Christy Blair and Glen Lee Editorial . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Julia Campbell Education/Scholarships . . . . . . . . . . Phillip Cadwell Ethics . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Sandy Shepherd Exhibits . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Katherine Bennett Golf Tournament . . .John Szymanski/Chris Calhoun Historian . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Melinda Scarborough GBREHP . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . . . . Travis Sheppard Legislative. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Philip Cadwell Membership Academia . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Dr. Simone Charles Industry . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . John Ford DPH. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Chris Rustin Agriculture . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Chris Carter DNR. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Dominic Guadagnoli Photography . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Chris Carter Program . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Maggie Rickenbacker Public Relations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Vacant Resolutions.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Chad McCord Student Affiliate. . . . . . . . . . . . . .Dr. Simone Charles Silent Auction . . . . Chris Carter and Jessica Badour Ways and Means . . . . . . . . . . . . . .John Szymanski


~ GEHA GEAR ~ Purchase GEHA Logo shirts and pins in time

for next year’s Annual Education Conference! GEHA Logo Polo Shirts $20.00

GEHA Logo Lapel Pins $3.00

GBREHP Logo Pins $5.00

Send order and check made payable to GEHA at: Georgia Environmental Health Association

397 Eastman Highway

Hawkinsville, GA 31036

[email protected]

STAY INFORMED!

Check out our website at

WWW.GEHA-ONLINE.ORG

to get valuable information about GEHA

Membership Send in the membership form and you will get the

official publication of GEHA, Georgia Environmentalist, a discount on annual education conference registration, GEHA publications, voting

privileges in GEHA, and much more!

Conferences The 2015 GEHA Annual Education Conference is

a great place to network with peers, attend interactive educational seminars, and get your continuing education credits. Contact GEHA for

more information!

Professional Registration Professional credentials are one way of telling your clientele that your training and experience have enabled you to answer their questions and

improve their safety. The Georgia Board of Registered Environmental Health Professionals

offers opportunities for internationally recognized registration, continuing education, responsible

leadership, and job growth.

In addition, the website contains:

Pictures from the annual conference

Environmental health links

Award recipients

GEHA publications

Details about the UK Partnership agreement

Over 30 documents (including lists of certified tank installers and pumpers, study guides, product approval documents, committee reports, rules and regulations, educational materials, and much more!).

GEHA is always open to comments or suggestions for improving the website.

Please direct all comments to: [email protected].

WWW.GEHA-ONLINE.ORG

GET YOUR MESSAGE OUT!

Advertise in the Georgia Environmentalist

and increase your business potential!

Journal Advertising Rates $1500 - Full page ad, recognition at annual

conference, banner at golf tournament

$500 - Full page

$250 -1/2 page

$125 - 1/4 page

$75 - 1/8 page

$50 - 1/12 page (business card size)

If you would like to advertise in the Georgia Environmentalist,

please contact Julia Campbell, Editor at:

[email protected]

ADVERTISING POLICY

GEORGIA ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH

ASSOCIATION, INC.

1 The advertisement of any product in the Georgia

Environmentalist does not constitute an endorsement of

said product by the journal or by the Georgia

Environmental Health Association, Inc.

2 Advertisers alone are responsible for all performance

claims which are made for any advertised products.

3 The Board of Directors reserves the right to reject any

advertisement by returning all copy and any fees paid.

4 Fees collected for advertisements are incorporated into the

general funds of the Georgia Environmental Health

Association, Inc.


Contact us and join the team! The Georgia Board of Registered Environmental Health Professionals

397 Eastman Hwy, Hawkinsville, GA 31036

Executive Clerk, Cathy Coleman, [email protected]

Top 3 Reasons To Be A Registered Environmental Health Professional

1. Professional credentials are one way of demonstrating your earned expertise and validating your

credibility. It is a way of telling your clientele that your training and experience have enabled

you to answer their questions and to improve their safety. In a time of continuous budget-cutting,

it is important for our clientele to know that you have the broad-base expertise important to com-

munity and individual health and safety.

2. Professional credentials are a way of expressing your commitment to achieving your personal

best for the clientele you serve. Credentials proclaim that you care, that you are on the leading

edge of your profession and that you endeavor to stay current on emerging issues in environmen-

tal health through continuing education.

3. The Georgia Board of Registered Environmental Health Professionals is a growing, mentoring

body. It offers the environmental health professional opportunities for continuing education, re-

sponsible leadership, and job growth. Credentials make you more marketable, affording better

flexibility, mobility and job security. Position upgrades for environmental health professionals

are slowly being implemented throughout the state, partially as a result of the work of this Board.

Getting the credential is just the first step. We have a lot of work to do, and we need every envi-

ronmental health professional's participation to make environmental health in Georgia the best it

can be.

ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH SPECIALIST/SANITARIAN REGISTRATION PROGRAM

Those desiring to be registered as a environmental health specialist/sanitarian in Georgia shall make a written

request to the Board to take the environmental health specialist/sanitarian examination. The application shall:

Qualify that the applicant will possess, within 30 days after the examination and as certified by the head or

Dean of the applicant’s college or university, or already possesses, a degree from a four-year accredited

college or university with a minimum of 45 quarter hours/30 semester hours plus one algebra or higher level

math class, with exception that those with at least four years experience as of April 2002 may qualify with 40

quarter hours/27 semester hours of science.

If you believe you are qualified, the first step toward becoming registered is to request an application from the

GBREHP address listed below. Examinations are given each July in conjunction with the GEHA Annual

Education Conference and at other times and locations under the supervision of an approved proctor. An admission

letter will be sent prior to the exam date. Registration will depend upon the final grade attained on the examination

and evaluation of the applicant’s experience.

GEORGIA BOARD OF REGISTERED ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH PROFESSIONALS

www.geha-online.org/Pages/Registration.htm


The GEORGIA ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH ASSOCIATION, INC. promotes and supports the

efforts of, and provides training and registration for, individuals working in environmental health fields in

government, academia, industry and business. The field of Environmental Health developed decades ago

by successfully using the epidemiologic model for the sole purpose of preventing disease. Today,

environmental concerns are becoming more prevalent among our citizens and, in Georgia; GEHA

members are leaders in the field of Environmental Health.

GEORGIA DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC HEALTH

ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH SECTION

Inspecting and permitting on-site sewage management systems, food service establishments, tourist

accommodations, and public swimming pools - childhood lead poisoning prevention - rabies and vector

control - injury prevention - hazardous materials exposure investigations - epidemiologic investigations -

indoor air quality - nuisance complaints - individual and non-public water systems - Georgia healthy

farmers.

GEORGIA DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE

CONSUMER PROTECTION DIVISION

Inspecting and permitting food products including meat, eggs and milk in grocery stores, bakeries, food

processing plants, bottled water and soft drink bottling plants, farmers markets and meat, and seafood

dealers - inspecting commercial scales and fuel pumps for accuracy - licensing and monitoring commercial

nurseries, lawn care companies, exterminators, pesticides, pet and animal industries - testing dairy cattle

and equipment - assuring proper formulation of fertilizers, pesticides, feeds and fuels - enforcing fair

standards in the purchase of grain and livestock - monitoring the health of livestock in the state as well as

those imported into Georgia.

UNIVERSITY OF GEORGIA

SCHOOL OF AGRICULTURAL AND ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES

The college of agricultural and environmental sciences promotes economic viability and global

competitiveness of Georgia agriculture, fosters environmental stewardship and wise management of

natural resources, and ensures the production and distribution of safe food, feed and fiber.

Mission:

To provide baccalaureate and graduate education in agricultural and environmental sciences that

promotes excellence in student achievement and prepares students to effectively contribute and

excel in a changing world;

To inquire into the nature of agriculture and the environment, through the discovery,

interpretation and creative application of knowledge;

To serve the public through timely education of producers, consumers and agribusiness using

relevant, accurate and unbiased research-based information, and

To improve the quality of life through youth development and life-long education.

BUSINESS AND INDUSTRY

Georgia business and industry support and encourage a wide variety of environmental leadership

initiatives. They share a commitment to the environment based on the principle that they shall conduct

business in ways that protect and preserve our environment. Furthermore, they promote a philosophy of

shared responsibility, where all participants in the supply chain accept responsibility for the environmental

impacts occurring in their specific part of the chain. Working together with suppliers, customers,

regulators and other environmental partners, Georgia business and industry achieve an effective balance

between responsible environmental and economic stewardship.


Why Your Jobs Are Important* by Bill Marler, JD

Lauren Beth Rudolph died on December 28,

1992, in her mother’s arms due to complications of an E.

coli O157:H7 infection—hemolytic uremic syndrome.

She was only 6 years, 10 months, and 10 days old when

she died. Her death, the deaths of three other children,

and the sicknesses of 600 others were eventually linked

to E. coli O157:H7–tainted hamburger produced by

Von’s and served undercooked at Jack in the Box

restaurants on the West Coast during late 1992 and

January 1993. Roni Rudolph, Lauren’s mom, and I have

known each other for 20 years. As a parent of three

growing daughters, I cannot imagine what it must be like

not to share their lives.

Dave Theno became head of food safety for Jack

in the Box shortly after the outbreak. I have also known

Dave for 20 years. I put him under oath more than a few

times, and I faced him and his team of lawyers in several

courtrooms from 1993 to 1995.

I learned only a few years ago, however, a

significant fact about Dave—one that made me admire

him—one that I think all in food safety should emulate.

Dave and I shared the stage at the National Meat

Association (NMA) annual convention a few years ago.

The NMA is an association representing meat processors,

suppliers, and exporters. Dave spoke just before I did and

was rightly lauded as someone who takes food safety to

heart. It was his story about Lauren Rudolph and his

relationship with Roni, however, that struck all in the

room.

Dave told the quiet audience about Lauren’s

death. He told us how her bowels liquefied and she

suffered several strokes. Dave also told us that the death

of Lauren and his friendship with Roni had changed him.

He told us all that he had carried a picture of Lauren in

his briefcase every day since he had taken the job at Jack

in the Box. He told us that every time he needed to make

a food safety decision—who to pick as a supplier, what

certain specifications should be—he took out Lauren’s

picture and asked, “What would Lauren want me to do?”

I thought how powerful that image was. A

senior executive charged with making a company’s food

safety decisions holds the picture of a dead child—

seeking guidance to avoid the next possible illness or

death. The image is stunning, but completely appropriate.

I wonder if other people responsible for food

safety—whether in industry or government—would ever

do such a thing. If they do not, perhaps they should?

Shortly after seeing Dave at NMA, I spent time

in South Carolina with the family of a four-year-old who

had eaten E. coli O157:H7–tainted cookie dough and was

hospitalized for months, suffering weeks of dialysis and

seizures. She still faces a lifetime of complications.

I then left South Carolina for Ohio, where I sat

across the kitchen table from a family who lost their only

daughter because she died from an E. coli O157:H7

infection. A hamburger was to blame.

These and dozens of other visits over 20 years

have left an imprint on me.

I have thought much about how we should all be

like Dave Theno. We should run our businesses,

inspections, and lives like Dave ran food safety at Jack in

the Box after the outbreak. We should go meet these

families. Sit across their kitchen tables. Go to a hospital

room and see more tubes and wires than you can count.

Understand what these people have lived though.

We should take their stories into our hearts. It is

hard, very hard, but it will give us all a real clear reason

to do our jobs.

Bill Marler is managing partner of at Seattle-based MarlerClark, LLP, PS

(www.marlerclark.com). He began litigating foodborne illness cases in 1993.

Since then, he has dedicated his law practice to representing victims of

foodborne illnesses, including E. coli, Salmonella, and Listeria. In addition to

his law practice, Bill is a food safety advocate and publisher of Food Safety

News.

Marler Clark has developed a nationally known practice in the field of food

safety. They represent people who have been seriously injured or the families

of those who have died after becoming ill with foodborne illness during

outbreaks traced to restaurants, grocery chains, and other food suppliers.

*This article was reprinted with permission from the Journal of Environmental Health, June 2013, (Volume 75,

Number 10, p 56), a publication of the National Environmental Health Association (NEHA), www.neha.org.


Raw Milk: To Drink or Not to Drink?

That is the Question

by Jessica Badour and Angie Corder, Georgia Department of Agriculture

Raw milk is a national hot topic, and there is a movement in Georgia to legalize the sale for human consumption. During the 2014 regular session of the Georgia General Assembly, House Bill 718 was introduced to allow for the sale of raw milk to consumers. In February, a state hearing was held on the proposed legislation but the bill subsequently died and the topic has been tabled…for this year, at least. Here in Georgia, we have about 230 dairy farms with more than 84,000 dairy cows producing 1.6 billion gallons of milk annually. The Georgia Department of Agriculture (GDA) Food Safety Division licenses and regulates Georgia’s 11 Grade A processing plants, 42 manufacturing plants and 17 single service plants. Inspectors routinely collect samples of raw and finished product for analysis, and conduct equipment tests to verify proper pasteurization processes. Meanwhile, Georgia consumers can legally purchase raw milk for animal/pet consumption under the label of “pet treats.” The GDA Ag Inputs Section licenses and regulates animal feed and pet treats, including those made with raw milk.

There is a growing trend of consumers looking to purchase raw cow’s milk in today’s marketplace. Often referred to as “moonshine milk,” raw milk proponents often go to extremes to get their hands on it – especially in states that do not allow it. Georgia is one such state where the retail sale of raw milk for human consumption is prohibited.

The GDA advocates for increased consumption of milk, which is essential for maintaining proper health. While we regulate food safety for consumers, we also recognize milk has the potential to serve as a vehicle of disease transmission and has been associated with foodborne illness outbreaks. Since the establishment of the National Conference of Interstate Milk Shipment and Georgia’s adoption of the Pasteurized Milk Ordinance, milk-borne illness has been reduced to less than 1 percent of all reported foodborne outbreaks, which can be attributed to improved sanitation and pasteurization processes of raw milk. Try visiting a dairy farm. Take a tour of a raw milk operation and the potential avenues for introducing harmful bacteria into milk are

Jessica Badour is currently the Recall Outreach Specialist for the Georgia Department of Agriculture under cooperative agreement with the Food and Drug Administration. She works on recall communications for the State of Georgia while facilitating educational and promotional outreach opportunities for the Food Safety Division. Prior to moving into this position in 2012, Jessica worked for GDA in the Public Affairs Office since 2010. Jessica has a Bachelor of Arts degree in English from Hood College.

Angie Corder has worked for the Georgia Department of Agriculture for seven years, for seven years, starting as an Agriculture Compliance Specialist, responsible for conducting food safety inspections. In 2012, she was promoted to Training Coordinator and is in the process of building the department’s food safety training program to meet the Manufactured Food Regulatory Program Standards (MFRPS) and the Voluntary National Retail Regulatory Program Standards (VNRFRPS). Angela has Bachelor’s degrees in both Business Administration for Marketing and Science and Agriculture for Animal Science both from Mississippi State University.

Photo of a dairy farm in Americus, Georgia.


Raw Milk, continued…

GEHA on FacebookGEHA on Facebook! “Like” the GEHA Facebook Page, or

“Join” the GEHA Members Group through your

Facebook profile.

Enjoy the convenience of connecting with your

friends and colleagues. Share your favorite

Environmental Health photos, videos, and other

The Georgia Department of Agriculture, along with the Departments of Transportation and Economics, initiated an Agritourism Program in the state of Georgia. Agritourism road signs provide tourists unique opportunities to enjoy Georgia’s resources and companies as they travel the roads. For more information, go to: http://georgiagrown.com/activities/agri-tourism

evident all around you: fecal contaminants, infections of the udder (mastitis), bacteria on the udders, insects, rodents and other animals, disease, cross-contamination from humans – and many, many others. Bacteria in raw milk can lead to illness and disease such as Listeriosis, typhoid fever, tuberculosis, diphtheria and brucellosis. Symptoms range from diarrhea to vomiting, kidney failure to paralysis, chronic health disorders and even death. The young, the elderly, pregnant women and people with weakened immune systems are most at risk for infection if they drink raw, contaminated milk. The only defined method to eliminating bacteria in milk is pasteurization, which heats milk to temperatures high enough to annihilate risky bacteria. Raw milk supporters say the process also destroys the “good” bacteria and digestive enzymes. Advocates also list benefits such as better nutritional value, reduced susceptibility to asthma and allergies, prevention of heart disease and cancer, getting “back to nature” and having freedom of choice. While many products in today’s marketplace can pose a potential risk to consumers, raw milk (purchased illegally or under the pretense of pet

food) may pose the greatest risk of all due to lack of inspection and regulatory oversight. It is our position that raw milk for human consumption jeopardizes Georgia’s dairy industry while endangering the consumer. Instead, consider processors who minimally process milk using vat pasteurization without homogenization (this ensures safety while maintaining what many consider a more natural taste). Consumers should always read the label when purchasing dairy products to confirm pasteurization, and only purchase dairy products from approved sources. Follow the Georgia Department of Agriculture Food Safety Division on Twitter and Instagram @GDAFoodSafety for food safety tips, recalls, and agriculture news and updates.

Jessica Badour or Angie Corder Georgia Department of Agriculture

19 Martin Luther King, Jr. Drive Atlanta, GA 30034

(404) 656-3627

http://georgiagrown.com/activities/agri-tourism


Cameron Wiggins is currently the Director of the Food Service Program for the Georgia Department of Public Health. Cameron has worked for the state of Georgia for more than 10 years, first at the county level, then at the University of Georgia, and lastly with the Georgia Department of Public Health. He has a Bachelor of Science degree in Environmental Science from Alabama A&M University, a Masters Degree in Urban and Regional Planning from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, a Masters Degree in Public Health from the University of Georgia, and he is a graduate of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC) Environmental Public Health Leadership Institute (EPHLI).

Pasteurization Matters

by Cameron Wiggins, Georgia Department of Public Health

When food service establishments offer foods or

drinks that contain fluid milk, dry milk, or milk products

in the state of Georgia, they must be pasteurized. The

Georgia Food Service Rules and Regulations are based on

the 2005 Food and Drug Administration’s (FDA) Model

Food Code, and it is designed to provide the minimal

controls necessary to protect public health. Therefore, the

sale, offering for sale, or delivery of ungraded milk is

prohibited for human consumption in the state of Georgia

as per the Official Code of Georgia Annotated (O.C.G.A.)

§ 26-2-242.

Raw milk is generally derived from hoofed animals

such as cows, bison, goats, or sheep. Since raw milk has

not been treated to kill potentially harmful bacteria, it can

become contaminated by various means. Contamination

can occur from feces, infection, the environment (e.g.

feces, dirt, processing equipment), animal diseases (e.g.,

bovine tuberculosis), and even from human cross-

contamination. Its consumption poses significant health

risks from pathogens such as shigella producing

Escherichia coli O157, Campylobacter jejuni, and

Salmonella. According to the Centers for Disease Control

and Prevention (CDC), infection with these pathogens can

cause severe, long-term consequences in consumers such

as hemolytic uremic syndrome or Guillan-Barré

syndrome, which can result in kidney failure or paralysis,

respectively.

According to a recent analysis by CDC (2012),

between 1993 and 2006 more than 1,500 people in the

United States became sick from drinking raw milk or

eating cheese made from raw milk. In addition, CDC

reported that unpasteurized milk is 150 times more likely

to cause foodborne illness and results in 13 times more

hospitalizations than illnesses involving pasteurized dairy

products. Compilations of outbreaks of milk-borne

disease by the United States Department of Health and

Human Service’s Public Health Service (USPHS) and

FDA over many years indicate that the risk of contracting

disease from raw milk is approximately fifty (50) times

greater than from milk that has been pasteurized.

Pasteurization is a process whereby raw milk is heated

for a set period of time at a set temperature to eliminate

pathogens within the milk or milk product. Pasteurization

is recommended for all animal milk consumed by humans

by CDC, FDA, the American Academy of Pediatrics, the

American Academy of Family Practitioners, the

American Veterinary Medical Association, the National

Association of Public Health Veterinarians, and many

other medical and scientific organizations.

According to the Grade “A” Pasteurized Milk

Ordinance (PMO), the terms "pasteurization",

"pasteurized", and similar terms mean the process of

heating every particle of milk or milk product, in properly

designed and operated equipment, to one of the

temperatures given in the following chart below and held

continuously at or above that temperature for at least the

corresponding specified time1:

*If the fat content of the milk product is ten percent

(10%) or greater, or a total solids of 18% or greater, or if

it contains added sweeteners, the specified temperature

shall be increased by 3ºC (5ºF)1.

Temperature Time

63ºC (145ºF)* 30 minutes

72ºC (161ºF)* 15 seconds

89ºC (191ºF) 1.0 second

90ºC (194ºF) 0.5 seconds




Cameron Wiggins, Director Environmental Health-Food Service Unit

Georgia Department of Public Health 2 Peachtree Street NW, 13th Floor

Atlanta, GA 30303 (404) 657-6534

1. Source Document: Grade A Pasteurized Milk Ordinance, 2009 Revision available at: www.fda.gov/downloads/Food/GuidanceRegulation/UCM209789.pdf.


Renovate Right: The Price of Ignorance by William Spain , Department of Natural Resources

What owners and contractors performing renovations, repair, and painting of pre-1978 homes do not know can hurt them and others, and trigger substantial expenses. Fortunately this is curable, and Environmental Specialists, especially those associated with Health Departments, can help administer the cure.

Homes and other structures built before 1978 often contain lead paint and coatings. The definition of lead-based paint includes paint, enamel, varnish, shellac, stains and primers. Before they were prohibited, these were used on a variety of interior and exterior residential components where durable coatings were desirable. The U.S. Housing and Urban Development Administration (HUD) estimates that 38 million residential units in the United States have lead-based paint.

Lead-based paint can be the cause of health and financial consequences. When a contractor or owner does not follow lead-safe work practices in doing renovation, repairs or painting that disturbs lead paint, lead-containing dust is produced. Activities like sanding, cutting, and demolition can cause hazardous lead dust and chips. Exposure to lead dust has been shown to be a significant health risk for adults, children, and even pets. Lead can cause health problems in adults by raising blood pressure, increasing risk of heart attack or stroke, increasing potential for miscarriage and impotence, and decreasing brain functions making it difficult to think, learn and remember.

In children, exposure to lead can cause permanent learning, behavior and medical problems and substantive social costs in the billions per year. The Centers for Disease

Control and Prevention (CDC) has reported that as many as 535,000 children at any one time have had elevated blood lead levels from this and other lead exposure sources. Additionally, lead-based paint or dust on a property may cause a hazard with significant ongoing financial consequences, including clean-up costs and fines resulting in reduced property value.

In response, congress passed legislation requiring regulations aimed at minimizing these exposure risks as a result of renovation, repair and painting (RRP) activities in pre-1978 residences and child occupied facilities issued and enforced by U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). In 2010, Georgia became an EPA approved state program enforced by the Georgia Environmental Protection Division (GEPD). The Georgia Lead Rules (Lead-Based Paint Hazard Management, Chapter 391-3-24) apply to anyone who is paid to do work that disturbs paint and coatings in or on components of homes or child-occupied facilities built before 1978.

In Georgia, allowing lead dust or paint chips to get on a property is a violation of the Georgia “open dumping” rule and can cause a lead-hazard with significant ongoing financial consequences, including clean-up costs, fines, and reduced property value. The rules are intended to protect residents, renters, visitors, and neighbors, especially young and unborn children, from lead poisoning. Also, since 1996, disclosure has been required at the time of rental, lease or sale, even if identified lead-based paint or lead hazards have already been abated. The Real Estate Disclosure requirements for all pre-1978 residential units are enforced by EPA and HUD.

William Spain works for the Lead-Based-Paint & Asbestos Program at the Georgia

Environmental Protection Division. He is a Magna Cum Laude degreed chemist with

45 years of Occupational and Environmental Health experience working for the

aerospace industry, federal government, academia, and now state government. He has

held multiple health and safety professional certifications.

1. Elise Gould, 2009. Childhood Lead poisoning: Conservative Estimates of the Social and Economic Benefits of Lead hazard Control, Environ Health Perspectives, 117(7): 1162–1167


Renovate Right, continued...

RRP Rules apply, but are not limited, to: Painters; Remodeling Contractors; Electricians; Plumbers; Heating, Ventilation, & Air Conditioning Contractors; Maintenance Workers; Landlords; and Weatherization Contractors. Hiring or becoming a Certified Lead RRP Contractor can help protect property value, assure professionalism, ensure compliance with federal and state laws, maintain safety, and protect owner’s and children’s health. According to the Economic Policy Institute, for every dollar spent on controlling lead hazards, between $17 and $221 would be returned in health benefits, increased IQ, higher lifetime earnings, tax revenue, less spending on special education, and reduced criminal activity1.

Contractors and employees certified for RRP activities are trained to avoid creating lead hazards during their projects. To become certified, the supervisor must take an approved eight-hour course. That course teaches them how to: test to see if the paint/coatings contain lead; train others who work for them; set up a work space to prevent the spread of lead dust; use work methods that generate a minimum amount of dust; clean up safely after the work is completed; check the work area to make sure that no lead dust remains; keep and share the required lead and project information and records. Renovator/Supervisor are indications of having additional qualifications to perform these activities in a compliant and professional manner.

Lead-safety requirements will increase project costs by a small percentage. The additional costs cover professional training and certification, some materials such as plastic sheeting to prevent lead dust from spreading, and some extra time to set up, work and clean up safely. Good contractors already spend time and money to complete a job safely and well; the RRP Rules simply help make sure their methods are lead-safe.

A contractor or owner violating the federal EPA or Georgia Lead Rules is subject to regulatory actions up to and including monetary

penalties. The U.S. Occupational Health and Safety Administration cited an Atlanta contractor during December 2013 and levied a penalty of $14,000 for failure to comply with their lead worker protection standard (29CFR1926.62) during a residential renovation project. EPA announced in another press release on February 18, 2014 that they had just taken action against 35 additional violators of their Lead RRP

Standards and imposed new penalties totaling $274,000 against those violators.

The Georgia Lead-Based Paint and Asbestos Program issues 12 to 18 Notices of Violations per month with penalties up to several hundreds of dollars for some of the violations and the required correction of all violations. Most are issued to contractors; however, some

are issued to the home owner who allowed or caused lead-containing paint chips to be generated and accumulate on their property. Open dumping violations trigger the Real Estate Disclosure requirement, and can potentially affect their property value for a long time. It is an unanticipated expense to all involved parties.

Do the Georgia RRP requirements make the project cost prohibitive? The cost is minor in comparison to the cost and heartache of poisoning a child, family member, employee, or even a pet, then also being stuck with clean-up costs and reduced property value.

Ignorance or neglect of these potential hazards can be both harmful and expensive. It is not easy or quick to educate 38 million home owners plus additional child-occupied facility owners, especially landlords. Members of the environmental profession are in an excellent position to help accomplish this justifiable social need. The EPA booklets titled Renovate Right and Protect Your Family From Lead In Your Home are two of the readily available tools.

Georgia Environmental Protection Division Lead-Based Paint & Asbestos Program

www.gaepd.org/Documents/index_land.html 404-363-7026

There are several reasons to hire a Certified Lead RRP Contractor, or become qualified to do renovation, repair or painting on a pre-1978 residence or child-occupied facility:

Protect the property value. Protect children’s health. Protect adult health. Maintain the safety of the home or

child-occupied facility. Assure professionalism. It is the law.


LEED and Public Health

by Laura Case, Southface Energy Institute

The indoor environment has a significant impact

on human health. According to the U.S.

Environmental Protection Agency, Americans

spend an average of 90% of their time indoors. In

order to ensure that building design, construction,

and maintenance team members provide a high-

quality environment for the occupants of a

building, several sustainable building programs and

tools are available. The most recognized building

certification program is the Leadership in Energy

and Environmental Design, or LEED, developed by

the nonprofit U.S. Green Building Council

(USGBC). The LEED programs are designed to fit

in several building types and conditions, including

K-12 schools, hospitals, new construction, major

renovations, and existing buildings operations and

maintenance, to name a few.

All of the LEED programs have five main credit

categories. Each category has a number of

requirements and credits. Credits have a point

value associated with them, and a team must

provide documentation and be awarded credits in

order for the building to be certified. There are

levels of certification, depending on how many

credits are awarded. The levels are certified, silver,

gold and platinum. A building team chooses which

credits to pursue for their building in order to reach

the level of certification that they set as their goal.

The indoor environmental quality category is

focused on human health and wellness. For this

credit category, there are requirements that must be

met, such as providing the ASHRAE building

standard calculated amount of outside ‘fresh’ air

that the mechanical system provides to the spaces,

and either no smoking in or within 25 feet of the

building entrance or air intakes, or a properly

ventilated and sealed smoking room within the

building.

The credits for the indoor environmental quality

category include high-quality air filtration,

increasing the outside air provided, reducing

volatile organic compounds (VOC’s) found in

building products as well as other harmful

chemicals, and providing daylight and views to the

outside. In K-12 schools, requirements include

providing low noise levels along with high

acoustical quality in classrooms, so that children

can hear their teachers.

Additional credits are available for using low

VOC cleaning products, using low impact

landscape materials, such as using mulch for weeds

instead of spraying with chemicals, and

implementing an integrated pest management

system for insect control. Green procurement is

another method of assuring that an organization

purchases products that align with sustainability

goals, including low VOC products.

The USGBC’s goal is to provide a program that

gives building teams tools to develop high-

performance, healthy living spaces. Southface

utilizes this tool to provide technical assistance and

sustainability consulting services for many clients

interested in providing healthy environments in

their homes, school, offices, and clinics. All of

these efforts are most effective when building

teams work with occupants to develop a holistic

approach to health and wellness that is

incorporated into building design, construction,

maintenance and procurement.

Helen Talley-McRae Communications Manager, Southface voice: 404/604-3625 | fax: 404/872-5009 Email: [email protected] Web: www.southface.org

Examples of LEED design in public health buildings around Georgia:

Chatham County Public Health Building, Savannah (Gold Rating)

Emory Rollins School of Public Health, Atlanta (Silver Rating) Georgia Department of Public Health Labs, Decatur (Case Study for Labs 21)

*Also printed in the Southface Journal, May 01, 2014 , available at http://journal.southface.org/2014/05/health-aspects-of-leed-certification/


The Exposome: A New Framework for the Practice of

Environmental Health by Melanie Pearson, PhD, Emory University

As environmental health practitioners, we are

familiar with the multitude of exposures we face as

humans in our chemical world. The complexity is

extraordinary. Heavy metals, air pollutants,

pesticides, plasticizers, components of tobacco

smoke, and flame retardants are among the many

environmental chemicals detectable in our bodies.

There is variability in the "dose" and mixture of

exposures between each person and within a person

at different time points. Each individual's biological

response to an environmental exposure differs. In

fact, an individual's biological response can vary

based on their age (developmental stage), genetics,

diet, exposures to infectious agents, psychological

factors, and societal factors.

Despite the complexity, all of these forces

combine to impact human health and must be

considered together to accurately predict health/

disease risk and develop effective interventions to

improve human health. The traditional approach of

examining one chemical exposure at a time does not

reflect the reality of the human experience, nor can

it adequately represent the importance of the

environment in human health and disease. The

concept of an “exposome” includes all of the

external forces acting on our bodies and the

responses of the body to these forces over time. The

term was coined to capture the complexity and

totality of our exposures, and the cumulative effects.

The challenge is how to define and measure the

exposome and how to integrate and analyze the

multitude of data necessary.

H E R C U L E S , E m o r y

University's newly established

Exposome Research Center,

a i ms t o p r o v i d e ke y

infrastructure and expertise to

develop and refine new tools

and technologies to elucidate

the exposome. The exposome

will require contributions from

multiple disciplines within

environmental health sciences (e.g. epidemiology,

exposure science, and toxicology) genetics,

behavioral science, nutritional sciences, and frfom

*HERCULES: is funded by the National Institutes of Environmental Health Sciences

Dr. Pearson was born and raised in Georgia. She graduated from Fayette County

High School, received her bachelor’s degree from Clemson University, and her

graduate degrees from the University of Missouri-Columbia. She returned to Atlanta

to work as an environmental scientist, managing two longitudinal environmental

exposures studies, publishing scholarly articles, and working with a local community

to address environmental concerns and implement an alternative approach to

pesticide applications for their municipal sports fields. Through this work, Dr.

Pearson developed a strong interest in community-engaged research, playing a primary role in implementing

and conducting community-based initiatives for three NIH-funded research centers.

Dr. Pearson currently works with a state-wide community of farmers, former chemical workers, residents,

and their children who continue to suffer from an industrial mix-up that led to polybrominated biphenyls

(PBB) being mixed into livestock feed, resulting in the contamination of food products distributed throughout

the state of Michigan in the 1970s. Dr. Pearson also co-leads the Community Outreach and Engagement

Core of the Emory HERCULES Exposome Research Center, working closely with Atlanta-communities to

learn the environmental health concerns of the greater Atlanta community, facilitate community-academic

collaborations, and support the community in its capacity to address its environmental health concerns.

*HERCULES: Health and Exposome Research Center: Understanding a Lifetime of ExposureS


stakeholders and community

partners. The data from all of

these sources will need to be

integrated and modeled using

a computational platform

(systems biology is a

promising starting point).

The human genome project

aimed to discover the genetic

cause of common diseases.

Despite the many gene-

d i s e a s e a s s o c i a t i o n s

identified, however, the

human genome led to the

surprising realization that only

a fraction of disease can be

accounted for by genetics. This

highlights the importance of the

environment in human health.

The exposome complements

and encompasses the genome; gene activity and

expression can be induced by the environmental

exposures.

While the approach, measurement, and

analysis of the exposome is in early stages of

development, the exposome has immediate

practical utility as a tool to initiate the dialogue

among multiple disciplines within and beyond

environmental health sciences. By understanding

the environmental influences within the

exposome framework, we can make better

decisions in our personal lives. This framework

can assist regulatory agencies with making

decisions about minimizing the adverse effects on

populations. Environmental Health Professionals

from local, state, and federal agencies have joined

the HERCULES Stakeholder Board and will help

integrate regulatory perspectives

into the exposome science as it

evolves. In addition, several

HERCULES scientists have

research programs that use data

from state agencies such as the

Georgia Department of Natural

Resources and the Department of

Public Health. We anticipate

these types of data will play an

important contribution as

HERCULES and its exposome-

based science develops.

C o m m u n i t y - b a s e d

organizations also participate in

the HERCULES Stakeholder

Board, ensuring that the exposome

science develops with community

e n ga ge me n t . Imp o r t a n t l y ,

communities burdened with

multiple environmental stressors have a deeper

understanding of the exposome. The HERCULES

community partners have expressed delight that

the scientists are finally attempting to consider

the whole of their reality. These communities are

intuitively aware that diet, behavior, chemical

exposures, stress, any other external forces

combine to influence their well-being. Scientists

know that these factors leave quantifiable marks

on our biological systems. It is time for the

science to reflect this reality.

Melanie Pearson, PhD

Director of Community Engagement PBB Registry

Emory University 1518 Clifton Dr.

Atlanta, GA 30322

Exposome, Continued…

For More Information: http://humanexposomeproject.com/

http://emoryhercules.com/

“The Exposome by Michael

Waraksa. First appeared in an article entitled, “Mapping the

Exposome” in the September, 2013 issue of Atlanta Magazine.

Copyright by Michael Waraksa.”


Tattooing on a Unified Front

by Wesley Lingerfelt, Eternal Expressions

With the advent of tattoos in popular culture

today, it is imperative as responsible tattoo artists

and health inspectors that we do something to

protect not only the body art industry, but the public

as well.

We are seeing an explosion in popularity of

tattoos. Through the help of TV shows like Ink

Master, Best Ink, Bad Tattoos, and Miami Ink the

tattoo industry is reaching clients that would never

have stepped into the tattoo shop. Although the

tattoo industry has been around for over 5,000 years,

progressed at an alarming rate over the last 20.

That's right 5,000 years. For some reason unlike the

medical industry, skincare, or even the nail care

industry we've stayed in the dark, until lately. As a

result there are inherent problems, one of which is

unsafe professional practices.

As the experts, health inspectors inspect for safe

practices and enforce regulations; however, the

environmental health industry has been unable to

keep up. Often the health inspectors require more

education in tattoo practices and what they are

looking for when inspecting a tattoo studio.

Statistics say that there are over 21,000 licensed

tattoo shops in the United States, with only around

3,000 health departments in United States, how

could they keep up?

Despite this need for education among health

inspectors, this is not the biggest problem. Tattoo

artists who work in a licensed shop aren’t either.

The biggest problem in body art is home tattooing.

Rapid popularity and growth in tattooing has

spawned resurgence in the amount of home tattooist,

and that is a concern for both tattoo professionals

and health inspectors. Social media sites and other

websites such as Craigslist show that many of these

unregulated and dangerous businesses exist. A

search of these websites can turn up a minimum of

100 tattooists in a town or city, and including

persons who are unregulated, unlicensed,

uneducated in safe practices, and under-qualified for

the profession.

Like the hair and skin care industries, tattoo

businesses need strong regulations and support. This

means not only inspecting and ensuring the safety of

professional practices within the licensed studios,

but also prosecuting unregulated and unsafe home

tattooing businesses. In these situations, health

regulators often refer to law enforcement; however,

law enforcers cite the need for health professionals

to tell them who to prosecute. It is frustrating to

artists who are paying licensing fees, following

regulations, and concerned with the betterment of

the industry. Without repercussions, home tattooists

will continue to put the public at risk.

Professional tattooists complain about this often

with each other, but when shared with local elected

officials, they are not taken seriously enough. To

many it may seem that we are trying to eliminate

competition, but in fact we are trying to protect our

industry.

Jurisdictional variability further confuses the

issue. Some states regulate tattoo studios county by

county, and some have separate regulations for city

and county. At minimum we need national

regulation and standardization, with minimal

variation at state and local levels. Regulation should

include apprenticeship agendas, defined practice

hours, continuing education, and repercussions such

as fines, loss of equipment, or loss of future

licensing.

We as tattooists want to have strong relationships

with the health department, and it’s time to stand

together as a unified team.

Wesley Lingerfelt is a professional tattoo artist and owner of Eternal Expressions in Rome, Georgia.

Wesley has worked in the body art industry as a tattoo artist since 1998, starting in Calhoun, GA where

he worked until 2003 when he purchased Eternal Expressions.

Wesley has been a member of the Alliance of Professional Tattooists since 2005, and is currently the

Alliance’s representative for the state of Georgia.

Wesley Lingfelt, Owner Eternal Expressions, Inc.

1907 Shorter Ave SW Rome, GA 30701

(706) 232-8999 www.facebook.com/pages/

Eternal-Expressions-Tattoo/146656778684402


Every year, thousands of dogs and cats must be killed in shelters throughout Georgia because they have no home. In an effort to help curb Georgia's homeless pet population, specialty vehicle license plates are available at county tag offices statewide. Sponsored by the Georgia Department of Agriculture, the commemorative license plates, which feature a dog and cat depicted against a Georgia peach, can be purchased for a one-time $25 fee when motorists renew their vehicle registrations. Proceeds will provide funding for GDA's Dog and Cat Sterilization Program. This critical program provides reimbursements to licensed and accredited veterinarians who perform spay/neuter procedures. Proceeds from the program also will provide educational outreach on the healthy choice of spaying and neutering pets. The Humane Association of Georgia and other partners lauded the program, which fills a critical need in reducing Georgia's homeless dog and cat populations. In fact, animal overpopulation costs taxpayers millions each year. The Dog and Cat Sterilization License Plate can help change this, and save money and lives by reduce the number of animals being housed and killed in animal shelters. "Sales of these commemorative license plates will provide the vital funding needed to help us control Georgia's homeless pet population," said Commissioner Tommy Irvin. "We encourage Georgians to support this much-needed program by buying Dog and Cat Sterilization License Plates for their vehicles."

Annual Meeting of the

GEORGIA BOARD OF REGISTERED

ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH

PROFESSIONALS

www.gehaorg.net

BOARD SUMMARY

The GBREHP Annual Business Meeting was held in Macon,

Georgia on February 28, 2014.

Microbial and Environmental Sampling Brian G. Shelton, MPH, PathCon Laboratories Mosquito-Borne Diseases Rosmarie Kelly, PhD, Georgia Department of Public Health

Regional Commissions: A Resource and Potential Partner Laura Mathis, Middle Georgia Regional Commission County Government and Environmental Health: Strengthening the Partnership Dave Wills, Association County Commissioners of Georgia Microbial Water Quality and Non-points Sources : The challenges Ahead Ade Oladeinde, PhD Student University of Georgia

For more information on becoming registered, please see instructions

on page 6, contact us on Facebook, or email [email protected].

NEWLY CERTIFIED MEMBERS

The GEHA Board of Directors and Members

congratulate individuals for completing the

Environmental Health Specialist/Sanitarian Registration

Program in 2014.

Lance Dasher Galen Baxter Tom Baird Jessica Stewart

Amy Grice Christine Buffington Brant Phelps Colin Duke Donna Cadwell Sharon Petit Gina Smith Carla Coley


2014 INTERSTATE ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH SEMINAR

Hosted by GEHA

July 16-18, 2014

AGENDA

Wednesday July 16th 2014

Welcome and President’s Address Kathy Worthington, Georgia Department of Agriculture

Keynote Address Commissioners Mark Williams, DNR; Gary Black, GDA; Dr. Brenda Fitzgerald, DPH

Successes and Lessons Learned in the Sewee to Santee Watershed and the Toogoodoo Watershed Lisa Hajarr, (SC)

University of Chattanooga Campilobacter and Salmonella Outbreak Lowe Wilkins, (TN)

HOSPITALITY RECEPTION

Thursday July 17th 2014

Weiss Lake Recreational Vehicle Holding Tank Regulatory Program Lem Burrell, (AL)

Is that Licorice I Smell? Rapid Response Team’s Role in West Viriginia’s Elk River Chemical Spill Judy Ashcroft, (WV)

Hoarding—Buried Alive Vickie Blair, (SC)

Public and Household Water Treatment Impacts On Health in Western Kenya Dr. Jason W. Marion, (KY)

EXHIBITOR BREAK

History of Sand Mounds in Maryland 1989-Present John Beskid, (MD)

Risk Communication and Use of Video in the Dissemination of Public Health Messages Bob Safay, (GA)

Thursday July 17th 2014, continued...

Adoption of the Food Code and Risk Based Inspections, Chris Smith, (GA) U.S. Food and Drug Administration

2013 Boy Scout Jamboree After Action Review: the Good, the Bad, and the Ugly Judy Vallandingham, (WV)

Steps For Healthy Homes Charles Brookings, (AL)

Knox County Unpasteurized Raw Milk Salmonella Outbreak (aka Cow Sharing) Eric Coffey, (TN)

How Electrochemically Activated Solutions Can Be the Solution to Sanitization Ed Bosse and Laura Lois, (KY)

Methamphetamine Contamination Closes West Virginia School Brandon Lewis, (WV)

GEHA BUSINESS MEETING

SPONSORED DINNER EVENT

Friday July 18th 2014

Cottage Food in Georgia TBA, (MD)

Tatooing on a Unified Front Wesley Lingerfelt, Eternal Expressions, Inc. Tattoo and Chrissy Fauls (GA)

Bedbugs, Bedbugs, and More Bedbugs! Ed Potetz, (MD)

INTERSTATE BUSINESS MEETING


2013 GEHA CONFERENCE SNAPSHOTS

Left: John Ford from Infiltrator receives a GEHA Resolution in honor of Jim Free’s memory and contributions.

Middle: Dr. Fitzgerald, Commissioner of the Georgia Department of Public Health, gives the Keynote Address

at the 2013 GEHA AEC.

Right: GEHA Past-President Tad Williams (2012-2013) receives the Past-President’s gavel from

2013-2014 GEHA President Kathy Worthington.

GEHA attendees enjoy golfing, networking, and speaker presentations.

GEHA 2013 Conference was held at the Oceanfront Resort in Jekyll Island, GAGEHA 2013 Conference was held at the Oceanfront Resort in Jekyll Island, GA


The Member of the Year award is a way for GEHA to recognize one outstanding professional Environmentalist for their

contributions to the field during the year. The winner is selected by the Nominations Committee. The winner must be a

GEHA member. Winners are announced at the Annual Education Conference and given a plaque and official recognition

from their peers.

~ GEHA NEWS ~ . . . Continued on page 23

VISIT GEHA ONLINE AT: GEHA-ONLINE.ORG

2013 Member of the Year!

DWAIN BUTLER is the Environmental Health District Director for the 16 counties in the Southeast District, 9-2. He graduated with a Bachelor’s degree from Georgia State University, and began work as an Environmental Health Specialist in Wayne County in 1994. In 2001, he became the Ware County Environmental Health Manager, and in 2003 he was promoted to Environmental Health District Director. During his time as the district director, he developed a well water safety program throughout the district which involves testing private wells. In 2006, Dwain graduated from the prestigious CDC Environmental Health Public Health Leadership Institute, and is working with Georgia Southern University in Statesboro to develop an Environmental Health Public Health Leadership Institute for environmentalists in the state of Georgia. Dwain graduated with his Master’s in Public Health from University of Florida in 2008. Congratulations Dwain!

NEW LIFETIME HONORARY MEMBERS

At our conference in 2013, the Awards Committee Chair, Krissa Jones, bestowed the following retirees with an honorary lifetime mem-

bership to GEHA for their dedicated service:

David Brake

THANK YOU TO OUR 2013 SPONSORS! Thank you to the sponsors and exhibitors of the 2013 Irving Bell Golf Tournament, the

GEHA Editorial Committee Candy Count Fundraiser, and the GEHA AEC!

Savannah’s Candy Kitchen’s taffy machine celebrating 100 years! Congratulations!


IRVIING BELL GOLF CLASSIC

GEHA instituted the golf tournament as part of the

annual education conference to raise scholarship money

for Georgia college students pursuing environmental

health careers. The tournament is named after Irving Bell,

who retired from the Coca-Cola Company after many

years as a supportive corporate liaison, and who remains a

dedicated advocate for GEHA, and an avid golfer.

2014 IRVING BELL

SCHOLARSHIP WINNERS

Charles “Aaron” Moon was this year’s recipient of the

Irving Bell Scholarship for his successful internship work.

He is currently working on an internship through a grant

awarded from the UGA Department of Sustainability. The

grant was awarded to a PhD. Student, Keri Lydon, who is

under the tutelage of Dr. Erin Lipp. Aaron is so excited

about EH that his enthusiasm and excellent academics

make for a perfect intern. His project is quite diverse in

activities, though its main objective is to implement public

outreach and understanding of microbial water quality

laboratory standards and strategies for environmental

responsibility when it comes to preserving our water

quality. Aaron has been performing water quality testing

and general EH work on ecological systems around

campus and has developed a great outreach program to

include students across the university. First, he was

heavily involved in creating the social media buzz around

their group “UGAqua” (www.facebook.com/ugaqua).

ROWE ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH SCHOLARSHIP

The 2014 Rowe Environmental Health Scholarship

recipient was Jina Mekpongsatorrn. Jina completed an

independent research consulting project where she, on her

own, completely audited a restaurant in Atlanta and

proposed a set of changes that, when implemented, would

greatly reduce the restaurants carbon footprint. She is also

currently working as an intern in the Environmental Safety

Division at UGA under the direction of Dr. John Lambeth.

Jina shows extreme promise in the field of Environmental

Health. Congratulations, Jina!

JOHN J. SHEURING SCHOLARSHIP

Amelia Watson won the 2014 John J. Sheuring

Scholarship! Amelia is participating in a joint BSEH/MPH

in Health Policy and Management degree, is in the honors

program and was a UGA Presidential Leader Scholarship

recipient. She is also a member of the Roosevelt Institute,

Rotaract UGA, and the Paladia Society. Congratulations

Amelia!

BARNHART SCHOLARSHIP FOR ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH

Mary Baxter won the 2014 Dr. Harold and Mary

Barnhart Scholarship for Environmental Health! Mary is

an exemplary junior in Environmental Health Science

bachelor’s student at the University of Georgia. Mary is a

double major honors student studying Environmental

Health Science and Environmental Chemistry. She also

successfully completed a semester Study Abroad at the

University of Canberra, in Australia in Spring semester

2013. Congratulations Mary!

~ GEHA NEWS ~

VISIT GEHA ONLINE AT GEHA-ONLINE.ORG

2014 INTERSTATE ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH SEMINAR

& ANNUAL EDUCATION CONFERENCE (AEC)

Thank you for joining us for the 2014 AEC as Georgia hosted the Interstate Environmental Health Seminar at the Hyatt

Regency in Savannah, GA from July 16-18, 2014. It was full of fellowship, fun, and information about current trends in food

service, on-site sewage, agriculture, hazardous materials, and much more! Join us again in 2015 for the latest in the various

disciplines of Environmental Health. Watch the GEHA website at www.geha-online.org for updated information.

Continued on page 30. . .


FEATURED INTERVIEW

NATALIE ADAN Georgia Department of Agriculture

GEHA: What are your favorite things about Georgia?

Natalie Adan: I was born and raised in Atlanta, GA. Georgia has beautiful mountains, lakes, city living and the

coast… something for everyone, what’s not to love! Not to mention the southern hospitality and melting pot, which

brings a variety of food products to Georgia. Statistics show, one out of seven Georgians works in agriculture,

forestry, or some related sector. Agriculture contributes to more than $71.1 billion to Georgia’s economy. It’s

exciting to be involved with an industry that means so much to our state, as well as providing to the worlds food

supply.

GEHA: What, in your opinion, will be the most important environmental health issues over the next few years?

Natalie Adan: In my opinion, the most important environmental health issues are collaboration, new scientific

research, and the newly regulated industry.

Collaboration involves local, state, and federal regulatory agencies but also an important piece is industry and

academia. We are all stakeholders in food safety and ultimately work towards the common goal of public health.

Commissioner Black has said, food safety is not a destination but a journey. I believe this to be true as food safety

has an ever changing landscape.

As scientific research continues to develop we are able to identify the sources of outbreaks at a faster and more

accurate rate. Additionally, the progress made with scientific technology has allowed us to identify trace amounts of

pesticides, chemicals, etc. to a degree that there is ultimately no more “zero”. This provides the need to further

determine tolerance limits and action levels.

With the passing of the Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA), U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is

proposing seven new rules. These proposed rules are currently in comment period or being revised for additional

comments. Some of these proposed rules will mean additional regulations on an already regulated industry while

other regulations will be targeted at newly regulated industry. For all of this to successfully come together we must

work cooperatively with other agency partners as well as the regulated industry.

GEHA: How can Georgia environmental health professionals help to address these issues?

Natalie Adan: We need to work in the field, work on projects, and train together. We need to use science

based information to make sound decisions.

Continued next page...

Natalie Adan is originally from Atlanta, GA and graduated with a Bachelor of Science Degree in

Biology from Georgia Southern University. Natalie’s career with the Georgia Department of

Agriculture began in 1996 as a Pesticide Field Agent. She later joined the Food Safety Division as

an Agriculture Sanitarian and then advanced to Agriculture Manager, where she was responsible

for coordinating food recalls and complaints. She later served as the Manufactured Food Program

Manager, where she supported and supervised inspectors conducting inspections for food

processing plants and dairy facilities across the State of Georgia.

In August 2013, Natalie was appointed Division Director over the Department's Food Safety

Division. As the Division Director, she oversees manufactured food, retail food, dairy, poultry and

egg grading services. Natalie is committed to helping develop and implement a fully integrated food safety system rooted

in public health principles and focused on prevention. Natalie completed the International Food Protection Training

Institute’s Fellowship in Food Protection Program in 2011 and actively participates in many food safety associations.


GEHA: What can other residents do to help improve Georgia's environment?

Natalie Adan: Georgia residents are purchasing more locally grown products, which has increased rapidly

over the last 10 years. This not only helps reduce the carbon footprint but also helps support our community.

The Georgia Department of Agriculture launched the Georgia Grown program in 2012, which strives to

identify Georgia Grown products to consumers and educate them on their seasonality and preparation. The

Georgia Grown program includes the creation of a new certification mark that agriculture producers,

retailers, and restaurants can easily use on their products to identify them as being grown in Georgia. The

Department of Agriculture also built a new Georgia Grown test kitchen, which is used to test recipes and

film cooking and food safety demonstrations using Georgia Grown products.

GEHA: As Director of Consumer Food Safety Division at the Georgia Department of Agriculture,

what do you see as the greatest achievement for environmental health in Georgia in the last 5 years?

Natalie Adan: Federal grant funding has allowed public health programs to move their programs forward at

a master pace. The grants have also allowed us the opportunity to work more cooperatively together with all

the stakeholders and better harmonize our efforts towards our common goal of protecting public health.

GEHA: What is most rewarding to you about your work?

Natalie Adan: The most rewarding part of my job is helping to make a difference by providing education

and outreach for both industry and consumers.

GEHA: Who have been the major influences in your life?

Natalie Adan: I have been fortunate to have a number of influences in my career in food safety. Through

my participation in the International Food Protection Training Institute (IFPTI) Fellowship in Food Safety, I

was able to form a strong bond with officials from 10 other State/Local agencies that have proven to be long

lasting with the benefits of collaboration on a variety of projects. The IFPTI Fellowship experience also

provided me with the opportunity to develop a professional relationship with Mentors from the Food Safety

arena and collaborate with IFPTI on other projects.

A variety of food safety and public health associations such as the Georgia Environmental Health

Association (GEHA), National Environmental Health Associations (NEHA), Georgia Association of Food

Protection (GAFP), International Association of Food Protection (IAFP), Association of Food and Drug

Officials (AFDO), and Association of Food and Drug Officials of the Southern States (AFDOSS) have been

beneficial in meeting colleagues and providing the educational training necessary to develop my career.

In addition, I have had colleagues within the Georgia Department of Agriculture that have provided me the

opportunity to advance my career with the knowledge, skills, ability, and resources needed to be a

successful leader.

GEHA: Do you have any advice that you'd like to give to the members of GEHA?

Natalie Adan: Use the passion you have for public health to influence a change. Through working together

we can not only provide resources to our community and beyond but also save lives.

GEHA: How can we best teach children about environmental and health issues?

Natalie Adan: I have 2 beautiful, smart daughters that I am very proud of. Environmental health issues

begin at home with our daily lives and help spread this behavior at school, work, and play. My children are

interested in learning and passing this knowledge on to others. They see the passion & dedication that I have

for the work I do and my hope is that they will choose a career path that they love. Our children are the ones

that will continue to make a difference in the future.

Natalie Adan Interview, continued...


SPOTLIGHTSPOTLIGHT ON ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH

Accreditation of the

Georgia Department Of Public Health 2 Peachtree St NW

Atlanta, GA 30303

800-PUB-HLTH

The Georgia Department of Public Health (DPH) is

the lead agency in preventing disease, injury and disability; promoting health and well-being; and preparing for and responding to disasters from a health perspective. In 2011, the General Assembly restored DPH to its own state agency after more than 30 years of consolidation with other departments. At the state level, DPH functions through numerous divisions, sections, programs and offices. Locally, DPH funds and collaborates with Georgia's 159 county health departments and 18 public health districts. Through the changes, the mission has remained constant – to protect the lives of all Georgians. Today, DPH’s main functions

include: Health Promotion and Disease Prevention, Maternal and Child Health, Infectious Disease and Immunization, Environmental Health, Epidemiology, Emergency Preparedness and Response, Emergency Medical Services, Pharmacy, Nursing, Volunteer Health Care, the Office of Health Equity, Vital Records, and the State Public Health Laboratory.

Accreditation*: In January 2014, DPH announced the decision to seek formal, national accreditation. If approved, Georgia would be the third state to achieve this status, joining Washington and Oklahoma as early as 2015. In order for Georgia to receive full accreditation by the Public Health Accreditation Board (PHAB), examiners will assess DPH in ten essential services of public health. To receive accreditation, a health department must undergo a "rigorous, multi-faceted, peer-reviewed assessment process to ensure that it meets or exceeds a specific set of quality standards and measures," according to PHAB’s website. The process consists of seven steps: pre-application, application, document selection and submission, site visit, accreditation decision, reports and, ultimately, reaccreditation.

Just as hospitals, schools and law enforcement agencies do, public health departments can use accreditation to define expectations for the services they provide, set standards and measures to evaluate those services and ensure that public health programs are responsive to the communities they serve. Georgia’s Cobb and Douglas Public Health district and the DeKalb Board of Health are already seeking accreditation status for their districts, along with the Gwinnett, Newton and Rockdale county health departments. DPH Commissioner, Dr. Fitzgerald has tapped Scott Uhlich, previously DPH’s director of the Office of Environmental Health, to lead the ongoing project.

*Reprinted from PHWeek, a publication of the Georgia Department of Public Health.


Changes in Leadership at the

Department of Public Health

As of May 1st,

2014, Dr. Chris Rustin

w a s o f f i c i a l l y

appointed the Director

of Environmental

Health for the Georgia

Department of Public

Health (GDPH) by

C o m m i s s i o n e r

Fi tzgerald. He

replaces long time Director Scott Uhlich,

who retired after 35 years of service on

April 30, 2014. The Environmental Health

Section is located in the Division of Health

Protection at the Georgia Department of

Public Health and is responsible for 13

programs with a staff of over 400

Environmental Health Professionals at the

State, District and County level.

Dr. Rustin is responsible for

supervision and statewide oversight of the

environmental health programs including

the land use (onsite sewage and water),

food service, public swimming pool, spa

and recreational water park, tattoo, tourist

accommodation, chemical hazards,

tanning, healthy homes/lead poisoning

prevention and environmental health

emergency preparedness programs. Dr.

Rustin served as the Deputy Director of

Environmental Health for five years prior

to his appointment overseeing all

Environmental Health operations and

Environmental Health emergency

preparedness.

In addition to being a Registered

Environmental Health Specialist with the

Georgia Board of Regis te red

Environmental Health Professionals, he

holds a Bachelor of Science degree in

Biology, Masters in Safety and

Environmental Compliance, and a

Doctorate of Public Health with an

emphasis in Community Health Education

and Behavior. Dr. Rustin is currently the

President-Elect of the Georgia

Environmental Health Association.

Dr. Rustin began his career as an

Environmental Health Specialist with the

Evans County Health Department.

Originally from Claxton, Dr. Rustin

worked as an Environmental Safety

Worker with the Evans County Health

Department prior to graduating college.

Upon graduation, he was promoted to an

Environmental Health Specialist, where he

worked for several years. From there he

transferred to the former East Health

District, currently the Coastal Health

District, and managed the Environmental

Health programs for Effingham and

Chatham County Health Departments,

gaining significant experience in urban and

rural Environmental Health in two very

fast growing Counties.

Chris Rustin, DrPH, REHS, Director Environmental Health Section

Georgia Department of Public Health 2 Peachtree Street NW, 13th Floor

Atlanta, GA 30303 (404) 657-6534

R. Chris Rustin, DrPH, REHS


Three Great Opportunities !!

Georgia State University

At Georgia State University in downtown Atlanta, the School of Public Health provides graduate level public health education that serves the needs of those interested in working in public health and healthcare including tracks in environmental health, epidemiology, health policy, and health communication. Specifically, the School offers a 39 semester-hour Master of Public Health (MPH) degree program, a 15-hour Graduate Certificate in Public Health (CPH), and a … hour Doctorate of Public Health (DrPH). Complete your degree while working! For more information, visit http://publichealth.gsu.edu.

University of Georgia

The University of Georgia is training the next generation of public health policy makers, practitioners and researchers with the new UGA master’s degree program in public health. UGA’s Biomedical and Health Sciences Institute (BHSI) and its Division of Public Health initially will coordinate the interdisciplinary degree program. It will be a unique collaboration between many UGA academic units, including the departments of Environmental Health Science and Health Promotion and Behavior. For more information about this degree program, call the BHSI office at 706,542.5922, or visit www.biomed.uga.edu/public_health.html.

Georgia Southern University

The Jiann-Ping Hsu College of Public Health at Georgia Southern University in Statesboro transitioned from a school to a college in 2006, and provides three graduate level public health degrees that serve the needs of those interested in working in rural communities and underserved populations to address public health issues, eliminate health disparities and improve health outcomes. Areas of concentration include Biostatistics, Community Health, Environmental Health Sciences, Epidemiology, and Health Policy and Management. The college offers a Master of Public Health (MPH) degree program, a Doctorate in Public Health (DrPH) and Masters in Healthcare Administration (MHA). For more information, visit http://jphcoph.georgiasouthern.edu.

Get your Master’s or Doctor

of Public Health Degree

Georgia Facts About …

Rabies

Data for Rabies Cases for 2012*

3,949 = Animal/Human Investigations

1,228 = Animal/Animal Investigations

Resulting in:

2,850 = Animals Confined

966 = Animals Euthanized

774 = Tested Specimens

172 = Positive Rabies Cases

473 = Treatment Recommended for Victim

95 = Rabies Clinics

* Due to incremental roll out of SendSS across the state through 2012, not all counties are represented for all months in these statistics


The National Environmental Health Association BOARD OF DIRECTORS UPDATE

by John Steward, M.P.H., R.E.H.S.

Upcoming Conference Dates: 2015 – Orlando, Florida

2016 – San Antonio, TX

The 2014 NEHA Annual Educational Conference will be held in Las Vegas, Nevada. This year is the

78th Annual Education Conference and the first International Federation of Environmental Health World

Congress. Scholarship opportunities are available, and the NEHA “virtual conference” will again available

online. Dr. Mark Kiem of the CDC (Atlanta) will be presenting the keynote address.

NEHA Searching for a new Executive Director. Nelson Fabian, who has admirably led NEHA for over

30 years, has resigned to pursue other business opportunities, but will stay with NEHA until the end of

July. In the transition to a new leadership team and the beginning of a search for a new Executive

Director, NEHA will be led by three highly-capable senior staff- Rance Baker, Larry Marcum, and Jill

Cruickshank.

NEHA's organization remains strong. Membership has risen to over 5000 for the first time in several

years, finances are stable, and NEHA continues to be sought by CDC, FDA, EPA, and other organizations

for technical and administrative support and training.

The Journal of Environmental Health is also available online. Soon, members will be able to choose a

Journal that is online, paper, or to receive both. Online access will be less expensive, given the printing

and mailing costs avoided. In addition, all members receive a bi-monthly e-newsletter from NEHA to

keep up to date on opportunities, news, and other items of interest.

Changes in NEHA Leadership:

During the past year, Ms. Alicia Enriquez Collins of Lilburn, Georgia has served as NEHA

President. Next year, Dr. Carolyn Harvey of Richmond, Kentucky will be President. Mr. Adam

London, a local health official in Grand Rapids, Michigan, was elected to be 2nd Vice President

and will become NEHA President three years hence.

Mr. Tim Hatch of Montgomery Alabama was elected to be the new Region 7 Vice President.

Beginning in July, Mr. Hatch will serve Georgia and the southeastern states for a three year term.

I am completing my three-year term as the Region Seven Vice President, and I have truly enjoyed

serving as your representative to the NEHA Board of Directors. I encourage everyone to become

or remain a NEHA member and to find ways to become actively involved. Those ways include

running for office, serving as a technical adviser, writing an article, leading your state affiliate,

and other activities. Your individual effort is needed to keep environmental health vital, modern

and progressive. The returns you receive will be numerous and gratifying. I will continue to be a

contact for the Georgia State University School of Public Health graduate program.

John Steward, M.P.H.

John Steward has been a leader in Environmental Health in Georgia for over 25 years. Mr. Steward is a retired Captain from the U.S. Public Health Services and employee at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and is now a faculty member of Georgia State University, Institute of Public Health. In 2011, he became the Region 7 Vice President of the National Environmental Health Association.


~ GEHA NEWS ~ . . . Continued from page 23

VISIT GEHA ONLINE AT: GEHA-ONLINE.ORG

GEORGIA PUBLIC HEALTH ASSOCIATION GEORGIA PUBLIC HEALTH ASSOCIATION

ENVIRONMENTALIST OF THE YEAR AWARD

...for 2014 goes to Scott Uhlich! Scott is a recent retiree as

Director for the Environmental Health Section at the Georgia

Department of Public Health. Scott has worked in Environmental

Health for 35 years as an Environmental Health Specialist for

Gwinnett County, as District Director for the Northeast Health

District, and finally at the state Environmental Health office.

Scott received a Bachelors of Bachelor of Science degree in

Environmental Health Science from the University of Georgia and a

Masters Degree in City Planning from the Georgia Institute of

Technology. He is also a graduate of the Environmental Public

Health Leadership Institute at the Centers for Disease Control and

Prevention from the 2008-2009 cohort.

As this year’s recipient, Scott was recognized for his passion,

strong leadership, and excellence in his work at local and state

levels in Environmental Health. He successfully developed and

approved a statewide environmental health workforce plan and

a statewide assessment of environmental health programs using

the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s 10 Essential

Services Instrument, a first in the U.S. Congratulations, Scott!

COLLABORATING WITH THE U.K.COLLABORATING WITH THE U.K.COLLABORATING WITH THE U.K.

Through the efforts and connections of Rob Blake, former

GEHA Officer, arrangements were made to twin with the

Chartered Institute of Environmental Health’s (CIEH) London

Centre in the United Kingdom. Our organizations link websites,

share newsletter and journal articles, and regularly

communicate ideas, philosophies, and practices to increase

GEHA’s scope both nationally and abroad. This partnership

includes offering GEHA members opportunities to work in the

United Kingdom through professional exchanges!

Founded in 1884, CIEH’s London Centre is one of 17

centers making up its national structure. Its major activities are

the training and professional support of its members. This is

accomplished through study groups for all Environmental

Health subjects including food, housing, health and safety, and

pollution. The Centre has nearly 1,100 members in the

corporate, graduate, associate, student, and retired member

categories, and became an associate body with the International

Federation of Environmental Health in 2000. Visit GEHA’s

website at www.geha-online.org for updated information!

GEHA congratulates all of the scholarship and award winners! For information about

scholarships and awards available through GEHA, please see page 31.

RRRANDALLANDALLANDALL MMMANNINGANNINGANNING SSSCHOLARSHIPCHOLARSHIPCHOLARSHIP

Tiffany Eberhard received the 2014 Randall Manning

Scholarship for 2014! Tiffany is a senior double majoring in

Environmental Health and Anthropology in the Environmental

Health Sciences program at the University of Georgia. Tiffany

EH and Anthropology. Tiffany secured an internship with

Athens Clarke-County Recycling Division from August 2012-

June 2013 . She worked to coordinate a reusable bag day at the

Athens Farmers Market and educated children and Athens

community members on recycling and reusable bag

information. In addition, Tiffany started a local organization to

ban plastic bags in our local community called “Ban the Bag”.

She has traveled extensively and completed additional projects

in Peru and Borneo and was most recently inducted into the

Blue Key Honor Society. Congratulations Tiffany!

EEENVIRONMENTALNVIRONMENTALNVIRONMENTAL HHHEALTHEALTHEALTH SSSCIENCECIENCECIENCE AAAWARDWARDWARD

Amy Wong is this years’ recipient of this new award for

2014! Amy majored in environmental health science at

UGA, where she worked in Dr. Erin Lipp’s lab studying

bacterial communities in the reefs of the Florida Keys. In

the summer of 2012, she worked on the campus

sustainability report at UGA Costa Rica. The following

summer, she completed an internship with the CDC through

the Summer Undergraduate Program in Environmental

Health (SUPEH). She primarily assisted with Vessel

Sanitation Program and the development of manual for

environmental health officers on cruise ships. Amy will be

starting her MPH in the fall at Yale University.

NEW! Environmental Health Leadership Award

Osii Mbata was selected the recipient of the

Environmental Health Leadership Award in its inaugural

year. Highly motivated and organized, Osii was elected last

May (2013) as the Environmental Health Science club

president. Although not funded, Osii wrote and submitted a

well written grant proposal to the UGA Office of

Sustainability to assist in some of the service the club

planned on performing. He and the club worked to establish

a battery recycling program in University Housing in order

to keep excessive metals out of our local landfill. Osii has

also organized a fundraising raffle for the club.

Congratulations Osii!


AWARDS AND SCHOLARSHIPS

Member of the Year Award

The Member of the Year award is a way for GEHA to recognize one outstanding professional

Environmentalist for their contributions to the field during the year. The winner is selected by the

Nominations Committee after all nominations are received. The winner must be a GEHA member.

Lifetime Achievement Award

Lifetime membership is awarded to GEHA members who retire from the Environmental Health field.

Science Fair Award

The award recipient is selected from elementary, junior high and high school students at the Georgia State

Science and Engineering Fair.

Certificates of Meritorious Service, Appreciation, and Recognition

Presented to GEHA members who exhibit outstanding service to the association.

Irving Bell Golf Tournament Scholarship

This scholarship award is based on academic achievement, financial need, letters of recommendations,

statement of why s/he is choosing a career in Environmental Health, and evaluation of internship. The

scholarship will consist of: $1550.00; recognition at GEHA’s AEC awards banquet; hotel room, meal

expenses, and $100 for the AEC, courtesy of GEHA.

John J. Sheuring Scholarship

This scholarship fund was established in 1967 in memory of John J. Sheuring. $750.00 is awarded to a

Junior in the University of Georgia Environmental Health Sciences Program.

Rowe Environmental Health Scholarship

This scholarship is awarded to one undergraduate University of Georgia, Environmental Health Sciences

student based on a combination of characteristics that lead to success as a professional including, but not

limited to: enthusiasm, interest in public health, integrity, involvement in environmental health

organizations, and success in environmental health courses.

Barnhart Scholarship for Environmental Health

This scholarship is awarded to one undergraduate University of Georgia, Environmental Health Sciences

student based on a combination of characteristics that lead to success as a professional including, but not

limited to: enthusiasm, interest in public health, integrity, involvement in environmental health

organizations, and success in environmental health courses.

Randall Manning Scholarship Award

This newly established fund in honor of Dr. Randall Manning is awarded to an undergraduate student who

has had exemplary performance in an internship, especially those who performed well in Georgia

Environmental Protection Division and government internships.

Environmental Health Science Award This scholarship is awarded by the Environmental Health Science faculty and recognizes a top senior based

on academics, activities, internships, and general success in the Bachelors of Science in Environmental

Health major.

Please contact Cathy Coleman, GEHA Executive Clerk at [email protected]

for more information.


86th Annual Meeting and Conference

April 2015

www.gapha.org

(706) 583-2658

Christy Kuriatnyk, Chair

GPHA Environmental Health Section

THANK YOU! The President and Officers of GEHA

express their sincere appreciation and

thank our sponsors and exhibitors for

contributing to the success of the

Georgia Environmental Health Association

2014 Annual Education Conference and

Interstate Environmental Health Seminar.

Infiltrator

Georgia Grown

Plastic Tubing Industries

Digital Health Department

Custom Data Processing, Inc.

Fort Valley State University

Kroger

GEHA SPONSORSHIP

OPPORTUNITIES

2015 GEHA Annual Education Conference

Not only does sponsoring the GEHA Annual Education Conference show your company’s

support for GEHA and environmental health in Georgia, it provides you with a valuable audience to promote your products and services. Sponsorship

includes full conference registration, speaker opportunities,

and an ad in the next issue of the Georgia Environmentalist. For information, contact Cathy

Coleman, GEHA Executive Clerk, at [email protected].

Georgia Onsite

Wastewater Association

P. O. Box 1928, Duluth, GA 30096

Ph: 678-646-0369 Fax: 678-646-0379

Email: [email protected]

Representing The Onsite Wastewater Industry

-Installers, Pumpers, Environmentalists,

Manufacturers, Soil Scientists, Suppliers,

Engineers, etc.

69

th ANNUAL INTERSTATE

ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH SEMINAR

July 2015

TBD

Kentucky

For more information, visit:

www.wvdhhr.org/wvas/iehs


The Georgia Department of Agriculture publishes the Farmers and Consumers Market Bulletin, a biweekly newspaper with articles of interest to farmers and consumers as well as recipes, gardening tips, a calendar of events, classified

advertisements and public notices. Subscriptions are $5 per year online, $10 per year for Georgia residents, and $20.00 per year out-of-state subscribers. Send your subscription request via e-mail to Patricia Glenn, circulation manager, at [email protected]. Please include your complete mailing address and a

daytime phone number. Or, you can call (404) 656-3722. You should receive your first copy within 2 – 3 weeks.

1-888-275-3258

http://www.infiltratorsystems.com/


Plastic Tubing

Industries, Inc.

P.T.I. THE BEST WAY TO DRAIN.©

888-PTI-PIPE

http://pti-pipe.com

Digital Health

Department, Inc.

Government Process Management software for agencies to

manage the permitting, inspecting, invoicing, and more of

programs typical in environmental public health and

agriculture departments.

www.garrisonenterprises.com (704) 285-7500

http://ptifla.com/

http://www.garrisonenterprises.com/

http://www.garrisonenterprises.com/

https://www.cdpehs.com/

https://www.kroger.com/

http://georgiagrown.com/


Create a Garden to Attract Butterflies

Getting more butterflies to visit and live in

your garden is easy; you plant what they

like. The most important plants are called

“larval host plants.” They are the ones but-

terflies need to lay their eggs on and that the

hatched caterpillars (larvae) need to eat. You

see, most butterflies have very specific needs

and will only lay eggs on one type or family

of plants. Monarchs, for example, only lay

their eggs on milkweeds and related plants.

Although adult butterflies will visit lots of

flowers for nectar, they will pass over a gar-

den overflowing with flowers to get to one

of their larval host plants. Finding these

plants is essential for them to reproduce, and butterflies will

travel long distances to get to them. It is a matter of survival.

Here are some common butterflies of Georgia and some of the

larval host plants they need:

Monarch – milkweeds, including butterflyweed, milkweed

vines (Matelea)

Spicebush Swallowtail – spicebush, sassafras

Tiger Swallowtail – tulip poplar, green ash, white ash, sweet

bay, wild cherry

Gulf Fritillary – mollypop or maypop, green passionflower or

other passionflowers

Long-Tailed Skipper – members of the bean family

Silver-Spotted Skipper – black locust and other members of

the bean family

Zebra Swallowtail – pawpaw

Pipevine Swallowtail – pipevine, snakeroot

Buckeye – broad-leaf plantain, ruellia, gerardia

Red-Spotted Purple – wild cherry

Snout Butterfly – hackberry

Hackberry Butterfly – hackberry, elms

Giant Swallowtail – Hercules club, members of the citrus fami-

ly

Black Swallowtail – members of the carrot family including

dill, fennel, parsley and Queen Anne’s lace

Painted Lady and American Painted Lady – thistle

Pearly Crescentspot – native asters

Mourning Cloak – willows, elms

Gray Hairstreak – beans, clover

Olive Hairstreak – red cedar

Henry’s Elfin – blueberry

The second thing is to have lots of “nectar

plants.” These are plants with flowers that adult

butterflies can feed on. The best nectar plants

have a large flower head or cluster of flowers that

the butterfly can land on and hold to as it goes

from individual flower to flower. A gust of wind

could blow them off course and it would take a lot

of time and energy to get back to feeding, so they

like to stay put and feed. Here are some favorite

nectar plants that adult butterflies like: iron-

weed, butterflyweed, joe-pye weed, summer

phlox, thrift, buttonbush, butterfly bush, abelia,

lilac, lantana, liatris, vitex, native asters, golden-

rod, sunflower, tithonia or Mexican sunflower,

p u r p l e c o n e f l o w e r a n d z i n n i a .

If you are going to have a butterfly garden, you must remember

that every caterpillar is not your enemy. Learn to tolerate a few

chewed leaves. Refrain from using insecticides or use them

carefully. They won’t just kill insect pests; they kill the pretty

butterflies you want to attract, too.

Plants Are Like People

Sometimes a plant grows on you. Not literally, of course. For

example, several years ago I purchased a ‘Challenger’ daylily

because it was taller and bloomed later than other daylilies.

When it bloomed I was disappointed. The flowers were not as

intensely red as the photograph in the catalog, and the petals

were not as thin and “spidery” as I had hoped.

It was tall, however, rising to five feet or more, and extended

my daylily season by beginning to bloom weeks after my other

daylilies. I decided to keep it around a while longer instead of

immediately casting it out of my little Eden.

I am glad I did; ‘Challenger’ has proven its worth. It wasn’t ex-

actly what I expected, but now I am quite fond of it.

I was ready to dig up and give away the citron daylily

(Hemerocalllis citrina) because the fragrance wasn’t as nice as I

had been led to believe. Then I began to appreciate the slender

grace of the stems and flowers and the fact that the flowers

opened in the evening instead of in the morning like other day-

lilies.

Have you done this with plants as well, dismissing them without

taking the time to learn their virtues? Unfortunately, I have also

treated people that way. I’m trying to do a better job giving

plants and people a fair chance.

Gardening Wisdom with Arty Schronce By Arty Schronce

Both articles reprinted with permission from the Farmer’s and Consumers Market Bulletin


GEORGIA ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH ASSOCIATION

APPLICATION FOR MEMBERSHIP

New Member _____ Renewal _____

(Please print or type) DATE: _______________

NAME: ___________________________________________________________

HOME ADDRESS: _________________________________________________

Number Street Apt. #

_________________________________________________

City State Zip

HOME PHONE: _________________________________

JOB TITLE ________________________________________________________

BUSINESS ADDRESS: ______________________________________________

______________________________________________

_____________________________________________

BUSINESS PHONE: ______________________________

Please check the appropriate membership status:

Active Member ( ) $25.00

Associate Member ( ) $25.00

Student Member ( ) $10.00

Active Members are those that are employed at or retired from jobs that involve environmental health as a

major component of their occupation.

Typically, Associate Members provide products for use in environmental health related activities. Associate

Members may be anyone with an interest in environmental health issues.

Student Members attend an accredited learning institution.

Voting privileges in the Association shall be limited to Active Members and Honorary Members only.

Please send application and check (made payable to GEHA) to:

Georgia Environmental Health Association

397 Eastman Highway

Hawkinsville, GA 31036

For more information, contact GEHA [email protected] or visit us online at www.geha-online.org

If you move, please inform GEHA of your new address. Any GEHA

publications will not be forwarded.