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Current News
National Lead Poisoning Prevention Week & Indian Festival Season
This October, we recognize National Lead Poisoning Prevention Week from October 20th to 26th, alongside our department's month-long efforts to address the ongoing health crisis of lead exposure in our communities. As we continue these outreach activities, we also recognize the importance of Indian Festival Season, which is currently being celebrated by many in our community. Click here to read the full press release.
Press Release: Alameda County Takes Swift Action to Address Lead Contamination in OUSD Water Supply
In response to recent concerns raised by the discovery of lead in water of Oakland Unified School District, Alameda County is taking action by expanding access to critical information and resources, ensuring that our community has everything it needs to stay informed and supported during this time. The County has long prioritized maintaining safe and healthy school environments and is actively working to provide technical assistance and health education to school district officials. Click here to view the full press release.
Toxic Fashion: New Report Shows Shockingly High Levels of Lead in Fashion Accessories Sold at Off-Price Retailers
Today the nonprofit watchdog the Center for Environmental Health (CEH) published a groundbreaking report spanning 13 years detailing a systemic toxics problem that remains ongoing at Ross and Burlington stores. Click here to view the full story.
Cinnamon Applesauce Pouches Recalled
FDA, along with CDC and state and local partners, is investigating reports of elevated blood lead levels in individuals with reported exposure to Apple Cinnamon Fruit Puree pouches manufactured in Ecuador and sold under WanaBana, Weis, and Schnucks brands. Please click here to view the full story.
Free Money for Home Repairs
The Healthy Homes Department has funding that can help you with minor home repairs, such as peeling paint, plumbing and grab bars. Funding is available for a limited time. Contact us today to see how our program works for you! Good health begins at home. Click here for more information.
Children's Bamboo Plates Recalled Due to Risk of Lead and Formaldehyde
A line of children's bamboo plates has been recalled by the US Consumer Product Safety Commission due to elevated levels of lead and formaldehyde. Both lead and formaldehyde are toxic if ingested by children and can cause adverse health effects. Click here to read the full story.
FDA Proposes New Limits for Lead in Baby Foods
The Food and Drug Administration on Tuesday proposed new guidelines to lower the levels of lead found in certain packaged baby foods meant to be eaten by children under age 2.
Lead and other heavy metals can have a serious health impact, especially on babies and developing children. In kids, exposure to dietary heavy metals has been linked to attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, behavior problems, and lowered IQ.
The guidelines would set action levels of 10 parts per billion (ppb) for lead in fruits; most vegetables; mixed meals, including grain and meat-based mixtures; yogurts; custards and puddings; and meats.
Click here to read the full Consumer Reports story.
50 Years of Peeling Away the Lead Paint Problem-EOHS Speaker Series
Fifty Years of Peeling Away the Lead Paint Problem:
Saving Our Children's Future with Healthy Housing
University of Illinois Chicago
School of Public Health EOHS Speaker Series
10:30 AM-12:30 PM Pacific Time
Thursday, November 10, 2022
Discussion and presentation led by Dr. David E. Jacobs (UIC & WHO Collaborating Center for Healthy Housing Training and Research), Dr. Nicole Gurran (University of Sydney & Henry Halloran Trust), and Dr. Allison Arwady (Chicago Department of Public Health)
This event will focus on healthy housing and the lead paint problem in homes across the world.
Click here for event information:
Event Information: 50 Years of Peeling Away The Lead Paint Problem
(Note: the announcement lists the start as 12:30 PM because the event is being held in Chicago - adjust to 10:30 AM for Pacific Time)
From the publisher: "Fifty Years of Peeling Away the Lead Paint Problem: Saving Our Children's Future with Healthy Housing documents the history of childhood lead poisoning from paint between 1970 and 2022. Tracing the failure of the medical model (treatment after exposure) that marked the 1970s and 1980s and its replacement with a prevention housing-focused effort, the book documents the changes in health, housing and environmental science and policy. It is the first book to examine how the lead poisoning law in the U.S. was passed in 1992 and later implemented, with implications for the future, in particular, the emergence of a healthy housing movement. The book describes the roles played by Congress, various administrations, agencies, local governments, the private sector, researchers, and a popular citizen's movement, especially parents."
Elsevier- Academic Press
www.elsevier.com/books/fifty-years-of-peeling-away-the-lead-paint-problem/jacobs/978-0-443-18736-0
Free Lead Safety Training
Free one-day EPA Renovation, Repair and Painting Lead Safety Training is available for owners and property managers of pre-1978 residential properties in the cities of Alameda, Berkeley, Emeryville and Oakland.
The Healthy Homes Department also plans to provide Introduction to Lead-Safe Painting and Renovation webinars which will provide an overview of lead safety requirements and practices. If you own or manage a pre-1978 residential property in one of these four cities, email Leadtraining@acgov.org with your name, email or phone number, and the address of the qualifying property to find out about upcoming training opportunities.
For more information about training and for a list of training providers, visit www.achhd.org/classes/leadtrain.htm.
Organic Freeze-Dried Blueberries Recalled Due to Levels of Lead
BrandStorm Inc. announced it is voluntarily recalling 2 lots of Organic Freeze-Dried Blueberry pouches (sold under the Natierra brand name) because of the presence or potential presence of lead above the FDA's recommended limits; per the serving size specified on the nutritional facts panel.
People with high blood levels of lead may show no symptoms, but the condition may cause damage to the nervous system and internal organs. Acute lead poisoning may cause a wide range of symptoms, including abdominal pain, muscle weakness, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, weight loss, and bloody or decreased urinary output. Children are particularly vulnerable to lead poisoning.
If a child is exposed to enough lead for a protracted period of time (e.g., weeks to months) permanent damage to the central nervous system can occur. This can result in learning disorders, developmental defects, and other long-term health problems.
Natierra Organic Freeze-Dried Blueberries 1.2oz were distributed in the United States through retail and online stores services. The issue is isolated of two batches of Natierra Freeze-Dried Blueberries with the following codes Best By Date 12/2024 & 01/2025.
More information is available from the FDA Recall Announcement.
Updated Eco-Healthy Child Care® Endorsement
The Children's Environmental Health Network has updated the Eco-Healthy Child Care® program. The list of eco-healthy standards in the checklist has been expanded and endorsed providers need to have a staff member complete the Protecting Children's Environmental Health e-course. Technical assistance is also available for endorsed providers. Learn more here: https://cehn.org/our-work/eco-healthy-child-care/checklist/
Property Manager Rules for Lead-Safe Renovation
Homes and other buildings built before 1978 are likely to contain lead-based paint. Renovation, repair or painting work done in those facilities could release hazardous lead dust which can be harmful to you, your workers, and your residents. The EPA recently clarified rules for property managers.
EPA Renovation, Repair and Painting Rule informaton for property managers
Does your company perform, offer or claim to perform RRP activities in a pre-1978 residential building or child-occupied facility?
- If yes, then you must become a Lead-Safe Certified Firm.
- If no, then hire only a Lead-Safe Certified firm for building maintenance, repair, or painting activities that could disturb lead-based paint. Find a Lead-Safe Certified Firm.
Archived News
Send Toxics Packing-Free Drop-Off Locations
Safely dispose of your household hazardous waste, keep your home toxic free! Four free, convenient locations for properly and safely disposing of these materials.
Household Hazardous Waste
Report on Toxic Metals in Baby Food
Click here for information on Keeping Your Child Safe from Lead and Other Heavy Metals in Baby Foods. Congressional investigation found toxic heavy metals in many baby food brands according to a report from the House of Representatives Subcommittee on Economic and Consumer Policy Committee on Oversight and Reform. A copy of the report can be found at: Staff Report, February 4, 2021-Baby Foods.
Alameda County Age-Friendly Website
Developed at the request of the Alameda County Board of Supervisors by the Alameda County Social Services Agency and Health Care Services Agency, and in partnership with the Council for Age-Friendly Communities (Age Friendly Council) to provide access to Countywide and City-specific services, information on initiatives, policies, and volunteer opportunities for older adults. Please check it out at: https://agefriendly.acgov.org/index.page
Dangerous Spices: Why India's Cooking Powders Pose A Risk of Lead Poisoning
Exposure to the heavy metal from spice powders and car batteries is affecting child health across the subcontinent. A study this year by Unicef and the NGO Pure Earth documented childhood lead poisoning.
TEDx Wilmington: Why We Should Worry About Lead Poisoning In A New Home
This invisible poison travels on your hair, your clothes, your shoes, your tools and it causes permanent brain damage for children under the age of 6. This talk was presented to a local audience at TEDxWilmingtonLive:
www.ted.com/talks/kate_kirkwood_why_we_should_worry_about_lead_poisoning_in_a_new_home
U.S. EPA Settlement With Salinas Contractor For Lead-Based Paint Violations
September 23, 2020: The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced a settlement with Dilbeck & Sons, Inc. for violations of federal regulations related to lead-based paint.
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