Environmental Division News:

Conservation Tip of the Week:

Clean or replace air filters as recommended.

Have questions regarding pesticides?

The National Pesticide Information Center (NIPC) is an information resource for persons who want to make informed decisions about pesticides in order to keep their kids, family, pets and others safe.  Click here for their website.  They can also be contacted at 1-800-858.7378

West Nile Virus Update (Final 2007 update)

As of 10/19/07 ECHD has discontinued its West Nile Virus surveillance activities for 2007.  We had 33 calls from residents concerning dead birds however since none of the calls involved a crow or bluejay, no birds were submitted for testing.  We submitted 354 vials of mosquitoes for testing (over 13200 actual mosquitoes) only 5 of the vials tested positive for the virus. 

Click here for the Ohio Department of Health West Nile Virus Page

Click here for the Centers For Disease Control (CDC) West Nile Virus Page

Frequently asked questions regarding MOLD:

What is mold, and where is it found? Mold can be found everywhere - both indoors and outdoors.  Mold is most likely to grow where there is water or dampness.  Typical areas where mold forms are basements, window sills or bathrooms.

How does mold grow? All mold needs water to grow.  Mold can grow wherever there is water damage, high humidity or dampness.  Mold is usually confined to the area near the source of the water.  Removing the source of moisture through repairs or dehumidification is critical to preventing mold growth!

How can mold affect your health?  MOST TYPES OF MOLD ARE NOT HAZARDOUS TO HEALTHY INDIVIDUALS.  Too much exposure to mold may worsen conditions such as asthma, hay fever or other allergies.  The most common symptoms of overexposure are cough, congestion, runny nose, eye irritation and aggravation of asthma.  Depending upon a person's individual vulnerability, more serious effects such as fever and breathing problems could occur, but are unusual.

What is stachybotrys chartarum? Stachybotrys chartarum (AKA: Stachybotrys Atra) is a type of mold that has been associated with but not proven to cause health effects in people.  It is a greenish-black mold that can grow only on materials with a high cellulose content (drywall, dropped ceiling tiles, wood, cardboard boxes, newspaper) that become chronically moist or water damaged due to excessive humidity, water leaks, condensation or flooding.  It does NOT grow on concrete block or sandstone walls or on ceramic tiles.

What should you do if mold is present in your home or apartment?  Most experts agree THE BEST WAY TO TREAT MOLD IS TO INVEST IN CORRECTING THE CONDITION CAUSING THE MOLD AND CLEANING/REPAIRING THE AFFECTED AREA INSTEAD OF SPENDING MONEY TESTING FOR IT.  Testing is expensive, and there is no established limit for mold exposure.

Click here for mold information from the U.S.E.P.A.

Remodeling an older home?  ECHD has a HEPA vac for use.

Through an Ohio Department of Health program, ECHD has received a High Efficiency Particle Accumulator (HEPA) vacuum.  These vacuums will collect up to 99% of dust and debris, and are especially useful where lead paint may be involved in the home.  This vaccum is available for use by all Elyria residents.  Please contact the environmental division at 323-7595 for program details.

Click here for lead information from the USEPA

Bike helmets still available.

For several years now, ECHD has offered youth bike helmets for the low cost of $7.00  Contact 284-1560 for details.

In addition to food products, many other items are recalled for safety reasons. Click Here for a link to official product recall information.

Environmental Division Programs:

The environmental division provides many services that touches nearly every corner of the Elyria community.  The division works closely with the local police and fire departments, zoning and building officials, and public health nurses and social workers.  It also helps connect people with appropriate programs that can lead them to a safer, healthier life.  Program areas include:

Inspection of manufactured home parks

Inspection of RV parks and campgrounds

Inspection of schools

Inspection of public swimming pools and spas

Inspection of tattoo/piercing establishments

Issuance of household sewage treatment system permits for areas of the city not serviced by the municipal sewer system

Response to and investigation of nuisance complaints and animal bites

West Nile Virus surveillance

Response to environmental incidents and collaboration with other agencies as needed to resolve them

Provision of educational opportunities to the community on environmental topics.

Inspects infectious waste generators, and regulates infectious waste storage, treatment, transportation and disposal.

Investigates illegal dumping activities and enforces cleanup.