Efforts Underway to Create A Healthier Virgin Islands

Tag : and household products.

Deputy Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Education and CultureMrs. Suzette Vanterpool told the gathering that an astounding arrayof hazardous products can be found in and around the homes.Household cleaners, garden pesticides, paints, batteries,detergents, even flea powders can be hazardous to our health andthe environment if they are not safely used. While we cannoteliminate all contact with these products and others we canminimise our exposure, Ms. Vanterpool said.

The seminar, which was held as part of this years celebration ofInternational Year of Planet Earth was facilitated by Mr. DaleMorton who is the Extension Agent at the University of the VirginIslands Cooperative Extension Services.

Mr. Morton said it is crucial for consumers to read the labels ofall household products before using them. Identifying the risks orthreats of some household products can help you make conscientiouschoices which can contribute to a healthier home and environment,he said.

Topics discussed at the seminar included How healthy is yourhome?; Identifying health risks/threats in the home; and Ways ofreducing risks/threats in the home. Fridays seminar was the firstin a series of informative and interactive sessions that will focuson the use of products and practices in the home which will leadultimately to the sustainability of planet earth.

The BVI became an associate member of UNESCO in 1984. The mainpurpose of UNESCO is to promote peace and security by collaboratingthrough education, science, culture and communication andinformation. For more information contact the BVI NationalCommission for UNESCO at 494-7739 or 494-7740.