Social Determinants of health of Poor Housing
Low-income families are more likely to have water leaks. Why is this a concern medically?
-Increases mold growth
-This in turn affects respiratory health by increasing the likelihood of asthma, coughing, and wheezing.
What age group is most vulnerable to lead poisoning?
Children under 6 years old
What is the most common cause of lead exposure in Burlington, VT?
Lead-Based Paint in housing
Who is the lead found in the houses having the most affect on?
Children
Why is mold commonly found in houses in Vermont?
Vermont has a humid climate and is commonly found in the homes of individuals.
What can spending expended time in a cold house put you at risk for?
-Potential to raid blood pressure
-can lead to heart attacks
-hypothermia
What are the symptoms of lead poisoning in children?
-developmental delay
-learning difficulties
-irritability
-weight loss
-abdominal pain
-vomiting
-constipation
-hearing loss
-seizures
How does lead get into the drinking water?
Corrosion of pipes and fittings, shallow water systems, low pH, and low alkalinity levels in the water
What daily actions can release the lead dust from the original lead-based paint?
Opening and closing doors and windows
What are the lead-safe work practices practiced in Vermont?
Vermont Lead Law prohibits unsafe work practices that increase the risk of lead exposure by burning, use of a heat gun, dry scraping, power sanding, chemical stripping to remove lead-based paint.
What does corroded plumbing infrastructure put individuals more at risk for?
Increased exposure to lead and increased risk of lead poisoning.
What are the symptoms of lead poisoning in newborns
-premature birth
-lower birth weight
-slowed growth
What are some of the best ways to get lead out of maple products?
1. Gather sap often and boil it immediately
2. Clean equipment
3. Be wary of older equipment
4. Use as little solder as possible
5. Be concerned if your sap is sour.
How much is the cost of lead poisoning in Vermont costing VT taxpayers?
Over $80 million per year. (Considered a low estimate)
What is the Vermont Lead Law?
A law that requires landlords of older buildings and child care facilities form being exposed to lead.
-Provide education to tenants-Complete essential maintenance practices annually
-provide notices of lead chipping or any damage
How can inadequately vented appliances in the home affect pregnancy?
This can cause exposure to carbon monoxide in utero.
-This can lead to altered fetal development or lead to fetal death.
How do you treat lead poisoning?
-Chelation therapy: medication given so that lead binds with the urine
-EDTA chelation therapy: chelation therapy used with calcium disodium ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid given via injection
How does lead get into soil?
1. Lead paint peeling and flaking from old buildings
2. Battery and manufacturing plants
3. Deposits left by automobile exhaust when leaded gasoline was widely used
4. Small amounts of lead can occur naturally in soil
What percentage of houses in Burlington and Winooski have lead-based paint hazards?
80%
What testing services is VT providing residents with concern of lead in the home?
Home lead dust testing kits.
-obtain a sample from the house and then send it off to a testing lab
What does living in a home without air conditioning put you more at risk for?
Vector-borne disease such as dengue fever if people leave their windows open for ventilation.
What level of lead in a blood sample is considered too high and should be treated?
45 mcg/dL or higher
How is lead introduced into maple syrup?
Houses built before what year pose a concern for the use of lead-based paint?
1978
What services are being offered to 1 and 2 year olds through this healthy homes initiative?
Lead testing at local WIC clinics for free as well as lead poisoning prevention education