HOSPITALS CAN MANAGE PESTS SAFELY

A survey of top U.S. hospitals finds that many major institutions are regularly spraying toxic pesticides, unnecessarily risking the health of patients, staff and visitors. The survey results are detailed in a new report, Healthy Hospitals: Controlling Pests Without Harmful Pesticides. The report, released by health advocate groups Health Care Without Harm and Beyond Pesticides, offers tips and resources for how hospitals can manage pests while also protecting the health of people and the environment. It is available at www.noharm.org and www.beyondpesticides.org.

ENROLLMENT IN RADIOLOGIC SCIENCE PROGRAMS ON THE RISE

The number of first-year students enrolled in radiography, radiation therapy and nuclear medicine programs increased in 2003, according to a recent survey by the American Society of Radiologic Technologists (ASRT).

The study estimates that 1,274 first-year students were enrolled in radiation therapy programs nationwide in fall 2003, a 23 percent increase from students in 2002 and a 57 percent increase from 2001.

Enrollment in radiography and nuclear medicine programs also fared well. Nearly 15,000 students entered radiography programs in 2003, up 9 percent from 2002. Students entering nuclear medicine programs in 2003 were estimated at 1,612, a 17 percent jump from last year.

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics has predicted that the nation will need 7,000 more radiation therapists and 8,000 more nuclear medicine technologists in 2010 than it had in 2000. If enrollment, attrition and retention trends remain stable, the ASRT estimates the United States will produce enough radiation therapists and nuclear medicine technologists by 2010 to meet the government-projected demand.

Still, the survey also found that thousands of potential students were turned away because educational programs reached capacity. Nearly 80 percent of responding radiography programs are at full enrollment. The directors of radiography programs at full enrollment reported that they had to turn away 23,550 qualified students.

DENTAL INFECTION CONTROL GUIDELINES

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDS) issued a new report for infection control in dental settings. Recommendations are provided regarding issues such as educating and protecting dental healthcare workers; preventing transmission of blood-borne pathogens; personal protective equipment; sterilization and disinfection of patient-care items; and environmental infection control. The recommendations were developed in collaboration with the CDC and other  organizations.

Topics include application of standard precautions rather than universal precautions; work restrictions for healthcare personnel infected with or occupationally exposed to infectious diseases; and selection and use of devices with features designed to prevent sharps injury.

Members of the Illinois Dental Hygienists Association, an affiliate of the Illinois Federation of Teachers and AFT Healthcare, have been lobbying heavily for legislation to amend the Illinois Dental Practice Act. The dental hygienists want to dismantle the law, which requires them to work under the direct supervision of a dentist in a dental office. Members would like to be able to go out into the communityÑespecially schools and nursing homesÑto provide dental hygiene to those who do not have access to dental care.

Copies of the Guidelines for Infection Control in Dental Healthcare SettingsÑ2003 are available by contacting the CDC's Division of Oral Health. E-mail oralhealth@cdc.gov or phone 770/488-6054.