Dean’s lecture: Anne Steinemann
Carrillo Gantner Theatre Basement, Sidney Myer Asia Centre 761 Swanston Street, Parkville
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Hidden hazards: common consumer products and indoor environments
Presented by Professor Anne Steinemann, Department of Infrastructure Engineering, University of Melbourne
Refreshments: 6.00–6.30pm
Lecture: 6.30–7.30pm
The Lecture
Contrary to popular belief, most of our exposure to hazardous pollutants occurs in places we consider safe—indoor environments, such as homes, schools, and workplaces. Primary sources of these pollutants are also considered safe—everyday consumer products, such as cleaning supplies, air fresheners, and personal care products. However, indoor air environments are generally unregulated, and consumer products are not required to disclose all ingredients. Even so-called ‘green’ products can emit hazardous pollutants, similar to regular products. In this Dean’s Lecture, Professor Anne Steinemann will discuss the hidden hazards in our consumer products and indoor environments, and offer practical solutions.
The Speaker
Professor Anne Steinemann is Professor of Civil Engineering and Chair of Sustainable Cities in the Melbourne School of Engineering. She is internationally recognised for her research on indoor air quality, consumer product emissions, and exposure assessment. Professor Steinemann serves as adviser to governments and industries around the world, and her work has resulted in new federal and state legislation, agency policies, and industry practices. In addition to academic recognition, Professor Steinemann’s research and journal articles have received significant international media coverage, spanning more than 1,000 major newspapers, magazines, and broadcast stations across six continents. Before coming to Australia, Professor Steinemann was Program Manager at the Scripps Institution of Oceanography, University of California, San Diego; Professor of Civil and Environmental Engineering, and Professor of Public Affairs, at the University of Washington; and Associate Professor at the Georgia Institute of Technology. She received her PhD in Civil and Environmental Engineering from Stanford University.