Tribal Science Priorities

Region 9 2009

Tribal/EPA Annual Conference

What is Science?

Process by which we explain and demystifies the world around us through the objective of gathering and analyzing data

National Tribal Science Priorities

Science topics/ areas of particular interest or concern that majority of Tribes in the nation agree to set them as high priorities

What is most important or what matters most for Tribes on a national scope

WHY?

EPA & other fed agencies can provide supports to Tribes.

Scientific resources (technical information)

Training & Workshops$$$

Current National Tribal Science Priorities

• Asthma• Climate Change• Dioxin• Endocrine

Disruptors• Mercury• Mold• Risk Assessment

• Pharmaceuticals & Personal Care Products in Wastewater

• Quality Assurance Project Plans

• Water Quality Standards

http://www.epa.gov/OSP/tribes/key.htm

Asthma is of concern in Indian Countrychronic lung disease that affects > 20

million people in US. Most common chronic childhood health

problem (> 6 million children nation-wide) It causes airways in lungs to become

restricted & can result in life-threatening breathing problems & life-threatening.

is often triggered by environmental irritants and allergens (e.g. secondhand smoke, dust, molds, dust mites, cockroaches & pet dander)

Links to Resources on Asthma:

♦National Institutes of Health National Heart, Lung, and Blood (www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/public/lung/index.htm#asthma)

♦EPA's (www.epa.gov/asthma)

♦National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences (www.niehs.nih.gov/health/topics/conditions/asthma)

♦Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Air Pollution and Respiratory Health (www.cdc.gov/asthma)

EPA R9 FY09/10 Science Priorities

• Health Effects of Monochloramine Used as Drinking Water Disinfectant

• Co-Benefits of Climate Change & Air Quality Regulation• Relationship Between Short-Lived Air Pollution• Advanced Technical Tools fro Determining CWA

Jurisdiction• Global Climate Change in The Arid Southwest & Impacts

to Tribal Communities• Pesticides in Water & Sediment• Green Building: Health Effects & Lifecycle• Vapor Intrusion: Improved Tools for Site-Specific

Validation of Predictive Models

What Next?

EPA• Address current tribal science priorities

for Tribes

Tribes• ID new national science priorities of

particular concerns that Tribes throughout USA would like EPA to concentrate on assisting Tribes