Fluorogenic Methods for Detection of Leaded Dust on Surfaces:

This two-year study will address the need to devise rapid, accurate, and cost-effective methods for determining clearance and cleaning effectiveness of lead hazard control activities. Novel fluorogenic probes for quantification of lead in biological cells will be applied as environmental lead detectors which fluoresce when exposed to ultraviolet light on lead contaminated surfaces. SLU researchers will partner with UCLA School of Public Health researchers to develop the probes. Funding for this study is from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, $495,000.

A Field Study on the Growth and Removal of Microorganisms and Allergens on Carpet:

This three-year study will evaluate methods for removal of dust mite and their associated allergens as well as mold from carpet in St. Louis area homes. SLU researchers will partner with Canesis Network to conduct a parallel study in New Zealand. Funding for this study is from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, $530,000.

Faculty member receives grant to investigate including asthma into school K-12 curriculum:

David A. Sterling, Ph.D., CIH, Associate Professor in Environmental and Occupational Health has received a summer grant from the MDHSS and the St. Louis Asthma Consortium to evaluate existing asthma educational material and evaluate how in may be incorporated in
present curriculum used in Missouri, meet both state and federal educational standards, yet remain general enough to apply to districts throughout the state of Missouri.

Faculty Member Receives Grant to Clean Up Carpets:

Roger D. Lewis, PhD., Associate Professor in Environmental and Occupational Health, in the School of Public Health, has received a 16-month, $230,000 award from the Carpet and Rug Institute to investigate the capabilities of "Green Vacuum Cleaners" to remove lead and allergens from carpet. He will also evaluate how mold grows over time in wetted carpet and how it can be removed using environmentally sound, "green" technologies.

CSB&EI Hosted Disaster Preparedness Conferences for Nurses:

In early March, Dr. Greg Evans and Terri Rebmann from the Centers for the Study of Bioterrorism and Emerging Infections (CSB&EI), in conjunction with faculty from SLU's School of Nursing, provided two , 2-day , conferences on Disaster Preparedness for Nurses and Public Health Professionals in Wisconsin. The conferences covered various public health issues related to disasters and the role public health will play in disaster response. The audience feedback was very positive, especially in regards to information provided about Israel's strategies for disaster preparedness and the role of public health in Canada's SARS outbreak. Audience members also commented that the material expanded their base of knowledge and level of preparedness.