Developing Dual language Publications on Household Environmental Risks for the Hmong, Cambodian, and Laotian Communities

Abstract

This paper describes the process of developing dual-language publications used in a program to reduce household environmental risks in the Hmong, Cambodian, and Laotian communities of a major metropolitan area. The process was developed within the framework of risk communication and environmental justice. An immigrant community was identified as being underserved in terms of having access to educational materials on environmental risks in the home. Public participation included focus groups to give direction to the program, which included written publications as well as other delivery methods. Focus groups indicated that members of the communities preferred printed materials in both their native languages and English, and that they had very little or no knowledge of the health risks from exposure to radon, carbon monoxide, lead, and mold in the home. Based on information obtained from the focus groups, publications were developed on those topics. Several problems were encountered in the review and pilot-testing of the publications, solutions to which may be useful to others developing dual-language publications.

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Wanda W. Olson

Wanda Olson is retired from the University of Minnesota Extension Service.

Marilyn M. Bode

Marilyn Bode is Extension Housing Specialist with Kansas State University Cooperative Extension Service.