Kaplan University Researchers Uncover Significant Risks Posed by US Indoor …

The research project included a random sampling of playgrounds in rural and urban areas, high and low socioeconomic levels, and both fast food and family-style restaurants. Risk factors were measured using guidelines from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the Food and Drug Administration, the Consumer Product Safety Commission, and the American Society for Testing and Materials.

The study found:

  • 93.9% contained unsafe levels of pathogens
  • 85.7% contained broken equipment
  • 89.8% contained debris and/or trash
  • 59.2% contained graffiti
  • Slightly less graffiti in high socio-economic areas
  • No difference in rural versus urban areas
  • No difference for fast food versus family-style restaurants

Each year, over 500 million children frequently play in indoor playgrounds. “We are especially concerned about preschool and elementary school children, who are a high-risk subset of the population, not only because of their underdeveloped immune systems, but also because their primary behavior patterns include crawling and putting things in their mouths,” said Dr. Furr.

Connie Bosse, vice president of Kaplan University’s College of Public Service, regarded the study as important academic research with practical applications. “The research performed by Drs. Carr-Jordan and Furr is a prime example of the creative scientific work we encourage, with the goals of benefiting the larger community and enabling students to see groundbreaking research in action,” said Bosse.

The complete results of the study will be shared at the upcoming American Psychological Association’s National Conference in July. For more information, contact Dr. Erin Carr-Jordan at ecarrjordan@kaplan.edu.

About Kaplan University

Kaplan University offers a different school of thought for higher education. It strives to help adult students unlock their talent by providing a practical, student-centered education that prepares them for careers in some of the fastest-growing industries. The University, which has its main campus in Davenport, Iowa, and its headquarters in Chicago, is accredited by The Higher Learning Commission (www.ncahlc.org) and is a member of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools. Kaplan University serves approximately 49,000 online and campus-based students. The University has 11 campuses in Iowa, Nebraska, Maryland and Maine, and Kaplan University Learning Centers in Maryland, Wisconsin, Indiana, Missouri and Florida.

Kaplan University is one of Kaplan, Inc.’s higher education institutions, which serve approximately 73,000 students online and through approximately 70 campus-based schools across the United States. Kaplan’s higher education schools offer a spectrum of academic opportunities, from certificates and diplomas to graduate and professional degrees, including a juris doctor degree. Kaplan, Inc. is a leading international provider of educational and career services for individuals, schools and businesses. It is a subsidiary of The Washington Post Company (NYSE: WPO), and its largest division. For more information, visit http://www.kaplanuniversity.edu today.

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