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Statement Of Dr. Noreen Poor
Environmental Protection Agency
Aging Initiative Public Listening Session
Tampa, Florida
April 3, 2003
Assistant Professor
USF College of Public Health
Good afternoon. My name is Noreen Poor. I am an Assistant Professor at the University of South Florida College of Public Health, in the Department of Environmental and Occupational Health. My research focus is the atmospheric deposition of nitrogen and air toxins to Tampa Bay, which have been linked to the loss of seagrasses in this vital estuary. The bay resources are tied with the economics of Tampa Bay communities. This research has as its purpose developing the scientific basis for environmental policies protective of the bay resources. Funding for this research comes from the Florida Department of Environmental Protection as part of the Bay Regional Atmospheric Chemistry Experiment, from the Tampa Bay Estuary Program, and from the USEPA National Exposure Research Laboratory, the Office of Air, the Office of Water and Region 4--Thank you for your support!
The consequences of air pollution are not only increased human morbidity and mortality, but also eutrophication of surface waters, collapse of sensitive species or ecosystems, loss of scenic vistas, and climate change. As a growing segment of the Florida population, senior citizens through their energy consumption, transportation demands, recreational activities and especially their consumer preferences contribute to air pollution and its consequences.
In Florida, senior citizens are a significant resource for environmental progress. They can and do assist with environmental monitoring, epidemiological studies, test and evaluation of consumer products, and public outreach. They can and do work with community planners to reduce energy dependence through community design and through novel uses of electric vehicles, intra-community transportation and delivery services, and telecommunications. They can and do lobby our local, state and national representatives for legislation protective of public health.
Florida is the ideal laboratory for your elderly initiative!