MIT IAP

IAP 2001 Activities by Sponsor

Environmental Programs Office

Computers and Your Health
John Dembrowski, M.S. , David Diamond, M.D., Donald Haes, M.S.
Fri Feb 2, 10:30am-12:00pm, 56-180

No enrollment limit, no advance sign up
Single session event

In this class we will describe and put into perspective the hazards associated with computer usage, such as repetitive strain injury, musculoskeletal disorders due to poor work station layout, fatigue and eye strain, and electromagnetic fields. We will also describe several techniques from the field of ergonomics to minimize the chances of suffering from these stresses, including how to evaluate your current computer workstation and tips on how to make changes.
Contact: Margaret Mahoney, 56-235, x3-2596

Health Hazards in Your Home
Robert Edwards , Tony Ogunsanya, Richard Fink, Mitch Galanek
Tue Jan 30, 10:30am-12:00pm, 56-180

No enrollment limit, no advance sign up
Single session event

Specialists in chemical, radiation, and biological safety will talk about common household products such as cleansers, paints, solvents, and pesticides, as well as some particular environmental hazards including lead and asbestos. It is hoped that the audience will gain an appreciation for the risks posed by these products and the sources of exposure that many people encounter regularly. It will also look at how microoganisms in our everyday life--like molds, mites, and fungi--in our every day life contribute to issues of indoor air quality and drinking water contamination. The above the course will also address current knowledge about ionizing radiation exposure from the radioactive gas radon.
Contact: Margaret Mahoney, 56-235, x3-2596

Medical Radiation Exposure
Frank Masse, B.S. , Judi Reilly
Wed Jan 31, 10:30am-12:00pm, 56-180

No enrollment limit, no advance sign up
Single session event

This session will look at many of the medical therapies and diagnostic tools that employ ionizing radiation,e.g., x-rays, and non-ionizing radiation, e.g., lasers, radio frequency diathermy, and ultrasound. Most of us will be exposed to these procedures during our lifetimes, especially for diagnostic purposes. The session should help the audience member recognize that these diagnostic exposures are well managed for safety and health purposes. Unfortunately, a large number of us will also be subject to these exposures for treatment of injuries or disease. The presentation should define the incredible success associated with these exposures, and the limited, but real, side effects associated with them.
Contact: Margaret Mahoney, 56-235, x3-3596

Radiation Exposure in the Home
William McCarthy, Ph.D. , William Irwin
Mon Jan 29, 10:30am-12:00pm, 56-180

No enrollment limit, no advance sign up
Single session event

We will review what is currently known about ionizing radiation exposure from the radioactive gas radon, and non-ionizing radiation to which we may be exposed from electric and electronic appliances, wireless communications devices (e.g.,cellular phones), and radio and television broadcasting antennas. The real and perceived risks will be discussed for each of these, and the presentation on radon will offer advice for testing for radon gas and mitigating radon gas exposure should testing prove that levels are in excess of current EPA guidelines.
Contact: Margaret Mahoney, 56-235, x3-2596

Recent Issues in Human Gene Transfer Research
Claudia Mickelson, Ph.D.
Thu Feb 1, 10:30am-12:00pm, 56-180

No enrollment limit, no advance sign up
Single session event

Claudia Michelson, Biosafety Officer at MIT and chairperson of the NIH Recombinant DNA Advisory Committee, will speak about the field of human gene transfer research, which has reached a critical point. The recent vector-related death of a trial participant and the non-reporting of adverse events to NIH has led to calls for a moratorium on gene transfer research and to congressional hearings into the adequacy of the present FDA and NIH oversight mechanisms. However, these issues come at the same time as the first inklings of clinical efficacy in gene transfer trials. This presentation will highlight the status of gene transfer clinical trials, outline recent NIH initiatives, and discuss some of the biosafety and containment issues in viral vector development. The discussion will also include some of the ethical issues in gene transfer research in humans.
Contact: Margaret Mahoney, 56-235, x3-2596


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Listing generated: 31-Jan-2001