Back to Annual Meeting Page		American Public Health Association 133rd Annual Meeting & Exposition December 10-14, 2005 Philadelphia, PA

Abstract #99513

Leslie Nickels, MEd¹, Anne Evens, MS², Patrick M. MacRoy, MA², Darnell L. Thomas, MS², Ozuomaka Opara¹, Jazzmin Turner¹, and Ariel Kiken¹. (1) School of Public Health, University of Illinois at Chicago, SPH, 2121 W Taylor, Chicago, IL 60612, (2) Lead Poisoning Prevention Program, Chicago Department of Public Health, 2133 W. Lexington St, Chicago, IL 60612, 312-746-5007, MacRoy_Patrick@cdph.org

Lead poisoning is potentially devastating, but entirely preventable. Remodeling and renovation activities especially window replacement and painting, generate large quantities of dust. Dust generation can be reduced through safe work practice methods, however homeowners, remodelers and renovators may not have access to the information and supplies needed to implement safe work practices. Homeowners, remodelers, and renovators buy their supplies and get information from a variety of places. Lead Safe Chicago identified hardware stores as a primary supplier. This survey assessed products stocked in hardware stores, advice given by store employees, and resource materials available to consumers for reducing lead dust during window replacement or painting. All identified hardware stores were included in the survey population. The survey was a comprehensive look at the availability of supplies at hardware stores in the City of Chicago. Survey results for 78 of these stores (approximately 50%) found that there were no stores that carried all of the supplies; supplies were not organized in a way that informed consumers that they would be useful in reducing lead dust; resources and personal protective equipment were least likely to be carried; cleaning supplies were most likely to be carried and virtually none of the stores had written material. Recommendations included giving lists of supplies to store owners and encouraging them to make supplies available. Store employees need to be trained in how to use the written materials to provide accurate advice about lead hazards, safe work practices and effective use of personal protective equipment.

Learning Objectives:

• describe the availability of supplies to manage exposure to lead-based paint at Chicago hardware stores
• describe the availability and accuracy of written and verbal information at Chicago hardware stores on reducing lead based dust during window replacement and painting.
• discuss recommendations for increasing the availability of supplies and written and verbal information on lead safe work practices at hardware stores

Keywords: Advocacy, Lead

Presenting author's disclosure statement:

I wish to disclose that I have NO financial interests or other relationship with the manufactures of commercial products, suppliers of commercial services or commercial supporters.

Recorded presentation