Strategies to Reduce Household Environmental Risks in the Hmong and Cambodian Communities Located in Two Urban Minnesota Counties

Abstract

This paper describes educational strategies used in a pilot program to reduce household environmental risks in the Hmong and Cambodian communities in two urban Minnesota counties. Nine bilingual peer community teachers received training and then taught small groups of families (436 participants) about the health risks, symptoms, and actions to take related to lead, radon, carbon monoxide, and molds in houses. Each teacher received teaching tools including a resource notebook, an electronic carbon monoxide detector to be loaned to participating families, and lead swabs and radon detectors for the families’ use. Dual language publications on lead, radon, carbon monoxide, and molds were developed for use by the families and by community agencies. A high demand for the carbon monoxide detectors, and requests that all potential home buyers receive information about lead, radon, carbon monoxide, and molds are evidence that participants gained an awareness of the potential health risks and that the teaching reached them in a meaningful way.

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Diane H. Corrin

Diane H. Corrin and Shirley L. Barber are extension educators, Janice V. Clark was an extension coordinator, and Wanda W. Olson is a housing technology specialist, all with the University of Minnesota Extension Service. Marilyn E. Bode is a housing specialist with the Kansas Cooperative Extension Service.

Wanda W. Olson

Diane H. Corrin and Shirley L. Barber are extension educators, Janice V. Clark was an extension coordinator, and Wanda W. Olson is a housing technology specialist, all with the University of Minnesota Extension Service. Marilyn E. Bode is a housing specialist with the Kansas Cooperative Extension Service.

Shirley L. Barber

Diane H. Corrin and Shirley L. Barber are extension educators, Janice V. Clark was an extension coordinator, and Wanda W. Olson is a housing technology specialist, all with the University of Minnesota Extension Service. Marilyn E. Bode is a housing specialist with the Kansas Cooperative Extension Service.

Marilyn Bode

Diane H. Corrin and Shirley L. Barber are extension educators, Janice V. Clark was an extension coordinator, and Wanda W. Olson is a housing technology specialist, all with the University of Minnesota Extension Service. Marilyn E. Bode is a housing specialist with the Kansas Cooperative Extension Service.

Janice V. Clark

Diane H. Corrin and Shirley L. Barber are extension educators, Janice V. Clark was an extension coordinator, and Wanda W. Olson is a housing technology specialist, all with the University of Minnesota Extension Service. Marilyn E. Bode is a housing specialist with the Kansas Cooperative Extension Service.