 Air Quality Awareness Week 2024 is May 6th-10th with the theme “Knowing Your Air.”
Here are the daily topics and DOEE Events for AQAW 2024:
1. Monday, May 6: Wildland Fires and Smoke
- Learn about the impact of wildfires on air quality and how smoke affects our health.
2. Tuesday, May 7: Asthma and Your Health
3. Wednesday, May 8: Air Quality and Climate
4. Thursday, May 9: Air Quality and Environmental Justice
5. Friday, May 10: Air, Animals, and Plants
- Learn about the impact of air quality on ecosystems, wildlife, and plant health.
Learn more at: doee.dc.gov/air
 Asthma Awareness Month is all May long! Throughout the month, we will be posting about asthma facts and resources. Follow along here: Department of Energy & Environment (@DOEE_DC) / X (twitter.com)
Embracing Lead-Safe Work Practices and Healthy Housing Principles at the Healthy Homes Fair
 The first annual Healthy Homes Fair was a free expo and interactive experience held at the DC Armory on April 6, 2024. Organized by Electrify DC, it was designed for homeowners, renters, home renovation professionals, and career seekers who wanted to learn about products and services that could improve health, increase comfort, and reduce emissions from homes in the DC region. More than 70 exhibitors participated, offering insights into renewable energy, induction cooking, heat pumps, utility bill incentives, and other sustainable solutions.
The Lead-Safe and Healthy Housing Division provided resources about housing issues related to lead exposure, unsafe lead renovation practices, radon, mold, asthma triggers, and lead poisoning in children. Attendees also explored customer trends, connected with potential clients, and networked with local professionals. The fair also featured an “appliance petting zoo,” induction cooking demonstrations, and e-bike riding. By electrifying our homes and identifying environmental hazards such as lead, mold, and radon, we can live healthier lives, save money, and contribute to a more sustainable planet.
UPCOMING EVENTS
 Citywide Senior Fest Pregame Tour
The Department of Parks and Recreation and the Department of Aging and Community Living are hosting a series of events leading up to Senior Fest!
 The Department of Energy and Environment’s Lead-Safe and Healthy Housing Division and Solar For All program staff have attended the weekly Wednesday event series to provide programmatic resources for seniors in the community. To connect people to needed resources, these outreach events have also been attended by other agencies and organizations, such as Office of the Tenant Advocate, DC Central Kitchen, DC Public Service Commission, Pepco, Office of Disability Rights, Leadership Council for Healthy Communities and others!
Join us on May, 29th from 10:00am to 3:00pm for Senior Fest on the Yard at University of the District of Columbia, Van Ness, located at 4200 Connecticut Ave, NW.
DOEE Resource Fair
 DOEE is hosting a resource fair to showcase the programs and incentives offered to DC residents. Come by to see how our agency is serving the community and fulfilling its mission.
When: Saturday, June 1st 2024 – 1:00pm to 6:00pm
Where: Kingman and Heritage Islands Park – 575 Oklahoma Ave NE, Washington, DC 20002
For questions, comments or additions, contact our Editor.
A YEAR OF OUTREACH: PARTNER WITH US!
The Lead-Safe and Healthy Housing Division at DOEE is gearing up for an exciting year of outreach activities. We invite all interested parties to join hands with us in promoting lead-safe living environments. Reach out to Amanda Ri’Chard at Amanda.Richard@dc.gov for collaboration opportunities. Here’s a glimpse of what’s coming in 2024.
- June: DC DOEE Healthy Homes Month
- October (Last Full Week): Lead Poisoning Prevention Week
- December: Safe Toys and Gifts Month
Together, let’s make a difference in the District!
DC Department of Buildings (DOB) Public Dashboard
 The DOB Public Dashboard by the Department of Buildings (DOB) in Washington, DC, provides a candid look at the agency’s efficiency and performance regarding customer interactions, service goals, and regulatory enforcement. This dashboard offers data in several key areas:
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Agency Performance: Measures the agency’s overall effectiveness.
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Permit Operations: Insights into the permitting process.
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Inspections: Information related to building inspections.
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Violations and Abatement: Details about violations and their resolution.
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Enforcement: Data on regulatory enforcement efforts.
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Vacant Properties: Information about vacant properties.
If you have any feedback about the dashboard or its content, you can share it here. Transparency and accessibility are prioritized through this initiative, allowing stakeholders and customers to access a wider variety of information. For more details, you can explore the DOB Public Dashboard.
 High Levels of Lead and Sodium Found in Lunchables, Consumer Reports Warns
For decades, Lunchables have been a beloved snack for children, offering prepackaged assortments of deli meats, crackers, and mini pizzas. However, recent tests conducted by Consumer Reports have raised concerns about the health impacts of these grab-and-go meals.
The Findings
Consumer Reports tested 12 store-bought Lunchables products, which are made by Kraft Heinz, and compared them to similar lunch and snack kits from other manufacturers. While none of the kits exceeded legal or regulatory limits, the tests revealed relatively high levels of lead, cadmium, and sodium in Lunchables.
- Lead: No safe level exists for children to consume lead, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Even though the Lunchables did not exceed legal limits, any presence of lead is harmful to health.
- Cadmium: A human carcinogen, cadmium has been linked to kidney and bone diseases, as well as cancer. It’s a natural element present in soil, so complete avoidance is challenging.
- Sodium: The sodium levels in the store-bought kits ranged from 460 to 740 milligrams per serving, nearly a quarter to half of a child’s daily recommended limit.
Additional Concerns
- Processed Ingredients: Lunchables are highly processed, and regularly consuming processed meat (a main ingredient in many of these products) has been linked to an increased risk of some cancers.
- Phthalates: All but one of the kits contained harmful phthalates, which are prevalent in plastic and can be linked to reproductive issues, diabetes, and certain cancers.
Takeaways
While Lunchables remain a nostalgic favorite for many, parents should think twice about including them in their children’s diets. Opting for healthier lead-free alternatives with lower sodium and fewer processed ingredients is essential for promoting healthy development and well-being.
For more details, you can read the original article here:
RECENT RECALLS
Fossil Group Recalls Bracelet Sold with Skechers Jewelry Gift Sets Due to High Levels of Lead and Cadmium
Recall Description: This recall involves the braided black bracelet that is a part of the Skechers watch/bracelet gift set. The bracelet is black and features a braided pattern with a metal clasp on each end. The watch in the gift set has a code number “IF2812307” printed on the back of the watch as well as “Sketchers” and model number “SR9082”.
Recall Date: March 07, 2024
Action Steps: Consumers should immediately stop using the recalled bracelet in the gift set, dispose of it in the trash and contact the website or store where purchased for a full refund of the gift set’s purchase price.
Affected Stores: Skechers stores nationwide and online at Amazon.com, Watchstation.com and Skechers.com from August 2023 through January 2024 for about $45.
Consumer Contact: Fossil Group at 800-842-8621 from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. CT Monday through Friday and from 9:30 a.m. to 7 p.m. CT Saturday and Sunday, email at info@fgservices.com or online at www.fossilgroup.com/recalls/ or www.fossilgroup.com and click on “Recalls” for more information.
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FDA Issues Alert on Cinnamon Products Containing Elevated Lead Levels
 The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has issued an alert to consumers and retailers regarding certain ground cinnamon products found to contain elevated levels of lead. The FDA’s testing revealed that multiple brands sold across various retail chains have lead concentrations ranging from 2.03 to 3.40 parts per million (ppm), which may pose a risk with prolonged exposure.
The affected products include brands like La Fiesta, Marcum, MK, Swad, Supreme Tradition, and El Chilar, with specific lot codes identified as containing hazardous levels of lead. The FDA has advised consumers to immediately stop using these products and dispose of them. Retailers have been urged to remove the products from shelves and cooperate with the FDA’s recall efforts.
This alert follows a recent incident involving cinnamon apple sauce pouches that led to lead poisoning in children, prompting the FDA to take additional steps to ensure the safety of cinnamon products sold in the U.S. The agency has reached out to all cinnamon manufacturers, processors, and distributors, reminding them of their responsibility to prevent contamination and implement necessary controls.
Consumers who suspect exposure to elevated levels of lead are encouraged to consult their healthcare providers. Health professionals and consumers can report any related complaints or adverse events to the FDA’s MedWatch Safety Information and Adverse Event Reporting Program. For updates from the FDA, see the full alert.
Dixon Ticonderoga Recalls Creativity Street Foam Pattern Rollers Due to Violation of Federal Lead Content Ban
Recall Description: This recall involves Creativity Street Foam Pattern Rollers with model PAC5170, which are intended for children to use when painting. Lot codes “02142080423” and “02142230523” are included in the recall and are printed on the back of the packaging. The foam pattern rollers come in four assorted patterns, with yellow, green, blue, and red handles.
Recall Date: May 02, 2024
Action Steps: Consumers should immediately stop using the recalled foam pattern rollers and take them away from children. Contact Dixon Ticonderoga to receive a pre-paid label to return the recalled product. When the foam pattern rollers are received, consumers will receive a full refund. All known purchasers are being contacted directly by the firm or retailer.
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Affected Stores: Online at Amazon.com, StaplesAdvantage.com, MacPhersonsArt.com, ADASales.com and Walmart.com and at the Teacher’s Edition store in Brooklyn, New York from September 2023 through January 2024 for about $15.
Consumer Contact: Dixon Ticonderoga at 800-333-2545 from 7 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. CT Monday through Friday, email at compliance@dixonusa.com , or online at https://dixonticonderogacompany.com/creativity-street-foam-pattern-rollers/ or www.dixonticonderogacompany.com and click “Recall” at the bottom of the page for more information.
Lead Contamination in Cinnamon Applesauce Products
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), along with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and state and local partners, are investigating reports of elevated blood lead levels in individuals with reported exposure to Apple Cinnamon Fruit Puree pouches. The FDA has issued a recall as of November 2023 for the following products due to the presence of lead:
- WanaBana apple cinnamon fruit puree pouches
- Schnucks-brand cinnamon-flavored applesauce pouches and variety pack
- Weis-brand cinnamon applesauce pouches
Symptoms of Lead Toxicity: Lead can be harmful, especially to children. While immediate symptoms may not be apparent, it is essential to remain vigilant. Short-term exposure can result in symptoms such as headache, abdominal pain, vomiting, and anemia, while longer-term exposure may lead to irritability, lethargy, muscle aches, difficulty concentrating, and more.
Action Steps: We kindly ask you to take the following steps:
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Check Your Home: Please check your homes for any of the recalled products. If found, refrain from consuming them.
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Medical Attention: If you suspect your child may have been exposed to lead or is displaying any symptoms, we strongly recommend consulting a healthcare provider promptly.
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Product Disposal: Safely dispose of any recalled items you may have in your possession. Carefully open the pouch and empty the contents into a trash can before discarding the packaging to prevent others from salvaging recalled products from the trash. Clean up any spills after discarding the product then wash your hands.
Affected Stores: WanaBana apple cinnamon fruit puree pouches are sold nationally, available through various retailers, including Amazon, Dollar Tree, and other online outlets.
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