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PREPARING FOR DISASTER
The ADA has launched a new feature on ADA.org to help dentists prepare for and recover from natural disasters.

Studies indicate that almost one-half of businesses forced to close because of a catastrophe never open again, often due to the fact that they did not have a disaster plan in place or failed to implement such a plan when danger threatened.

In light of this and based on experience gained during the Gulf Coast disasters of 2005, the new Disaster Planning & Recovery guide on ADA.org—which can be found at "www.ada.org/goto/disaster"—is designed to address the unique needs and concerns of dental professionals in preparing for the unexpected.

"Proactive planning can mitigate loss, save lives and ensure your practice continues to function when it may be needed most," an introduction to the online guide says. "The time to plan for a crisis is now."

The guide provides a five-step process for business survival and recovery that includes evaluation, planning, preparation, response and recovery phases. A resource area provides hyperlinks to federal financial aid sites, hurricane safety products, planning and recovery guides, mental health assistance resources and more.

Also included are numerous downloadable documents, including loss and recovery worksheets and financial assistance applications from organizations such as the ADA Foundation, Florida Dental Health Foundation (FDHF) and the federal Small Business Administration.

The majority of the content for the Disaster Planning & Recovery guide was provided by the Florida Dental Association and FDHF with support from the ADA Foundation.

To learn more about how to prepare your practice for the unexpected, visit "www.ada.org/goto/disaster".

E-WASTE UPDATE
During a week-long conference in Nairobi, Kenya, late last year, the United Nations’ Environment Programme (UNEP) agreed to accelerate efforts to reduce the risks associated with the growing problem of electronic waste in developing nations.

UNEP estimates that between 20 and 50 million metric tons of so-called "e-waste" are generated worldwide each year as a result of the growing demand for computers, cellular telephones and other consumer electronics.

Large amounts of e-waste from the developed world are ending up in the developing nations of Africa owing to less stringent environmental laws, UNEP said, increasing health risks associated with the improper disposal of hazardous materials.

"Accelerating trade in goods and materials across borders and across continents is one of the defining features of the early 21st century," said UNEP executive director Achim Steiner.

Priorities identified by UNEP to address this growing problem include launching pilot projects to establish "take back" agreements for used electronics, strengthening global collaboration on fighting illegal waste traffickers and promoting best practices through new technical guidelines.

For more information on how to recycle used electronics, see the July 2005 edition of CyberNews.

Reported by Joe Hoyle, electronic media editor, "hoylej{at}ada.org".

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