Several board actions address chemical risks

The AVMA will work to ensure prudent chemical disposal, help to minimize pollution through an educational campaign, and coordinate with the Environmental Protection Agency to encourage judicious use of pesticides.

And the AVMA will conduct a needs assessment in considering whether to develop a hazardous waste product database to help veterinarians ensure their own safety as well as compliance with regulations and requirements. The needs assessment is expected to involve a survey of members.

The Executive Board approved working with the EPA on a program that encourages judicious use of pesticides to reduce the risk of harm to people, property, and the environment. The board approved joining the EPA's Pesticide Environmental Stewardship Program, through which the EPA could help review pesticide materials and programs developed by the AVMA and the AVMA could submit articles and event listings intended to educate the public, policymakers, and regulators. The partnership is also intended to increase the amount of pesticide information available for animal owners.

Board members also approved an AVMA educational campaign about hazardous product handling and disposal. The campaign is intended to use AVMA and allied group communication outlets to give veterinarians information on hazardous waste-related issues, regulations, and requirements.

Because of the potential cost of a national hazardous waste product database, the Executive Board approved the needs assessment as a first step for the possible project.