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EPA
launches website
on environment and aging
March
4, 2003 -- As part of EPA's ongoing efforts to address the health effects
of environmental hazards to older Americans, Administrator Christie
Whitman yesterday unveiled a new EPA website (www.epa.gov/aging
) on the issue and invited public participation in the development of
a National Agenda on the Environment and the Aging.
"For
this Administration, promoting the continued well being of older Americans
is an important priority," said Whitman. "To further protect the
health of older Americans, EPA has launched an Aging Initiative that will
study and prioritize environmental health risks to our nation's growing
elderly population. By providing a central location for information and
events on EPA's Aging Initiative, this new website is an important part of
this effort."
The
launch of EPA's new website http://www.epa.gov/aging coincides with a
series of outreach activities being planned to gather public input for the
development of the National Agenda announced in October 2002.
The Agenda
will prioritize environmental health hazards that affect older persons and
examine the impact that a rapidly growing aging population will have on
our environment.
It will also encourage volunteerism by older persons in
their communities to reduce hazards and protect the environment.
The
website includes information about six public listening sessions being
held in Florida, Texas, Iowa, Pennsylvania, California and Maryland
beginning in early April to discuss the National Agenda. The website
offers other opportunities for public comment including electronically or
by mail. Comments from the public will be central to the development of
the National Agenda.
The
Aging Initiative website will allow older persons, families and others
access information about environmental issues which may affect their
health and how they can become involved in reducing risks in their
communities. It highlights ongoing EPA research on environmental health
issues affecting older persons and provides links to many federal, state
and local partners and agencies who are concerned about the well being and
health of our nation's aging population. The site will serve as an
important source for EPA information on environmental health hazards and
older persons.
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