Ask Nancy
School Environmental Health and Safety Program Manager,
Washington State Department of Health
Nancy Bernard provides technical assistance, resources, and training for local health jurisdiction and K-12 school staff. Her focus includes IAQ, asthma triggers, integrated pest management, noise control, lighting, communicable and zoonotic diseases, cleaning, disinfection, playgrounds, lab/art/shop safety, hazardous materials, and school design. She has a MPH in Environmental Health Sciences from Tulane University, a BS in Environmental Health and a BA in Health Education from the University of Washington, and served on the Lake Washington School District Board of Directors 1997 – 2017. Additionally Nancy taught hands-on science at Faith Lutheran School in Redmond for 5 years and for 3 years at the Bear Creek School.
‘Ask Nancy’ Sept. 2018: Healthy Back-To-School List Guidance
This September as teachers and students stock up on school supplies, the Department of Health has tips for avoiding chemicals that trigger asthma and allergies. Question: Is there a quick reference list teachers can use for healthy school supplies? Nancy...
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Ask Nancy August 2018: Radon in Schools
For August, the Department of Health asked for schools to learn about radon. Radon is the single largest source of radiation for almost everyone in Washington. Here are some questions and answers to help you get started. Question: What is radon? How...
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Ask Nancy June 2018
Summer is approaching and many schools face risks from wildfires. So, for June's Ask Nancy, we look at questions about how to be Preparing for Wildfire Smoke. Question: Is there a checklist for schools in wildfire zones that will help us get prepared for...
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‘Ask Nancy’ May 2018: The bugs are back!!
In May, many schools are dealing with various bugs as the spring season gets warmer. So, for this month's Ask Nancy, we look at questions about Pest Control for Schools and how to handle Bee Stings. Question: Our schools wants to deal with pesky bugs like...
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‘Ask Nancy’ April 2018: What should we know about PCBs in schools?
For April, Ask Nancy shares updated tips on reducing exposure to polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) in schools Question: What are PCBs? Answer: Polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) are chemicals that were manufactured in the United States from 1929...
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