Get Ahead of Lead Program Picks Up Steam

In June, the Kent County Health Department (KCHD) and the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) made the recommendation that individuals use a lead reducing water filter if their home has, or if they are uncertain if it has, one of the following:

• Lead or galvanized plumbing,
• A lead service line carrying water from the street to their residence, or
• Older faucets and fittings sold before 2014.

As part of the educational campaign, KCHD, MDHHS, and the City of Grand Rapids partnered to make thousands of of free drinking water filters available to qualified Kent County residents. In less than one month, the program has successfully delivered almost 2,000 filters to residents.

Qualified residents can receive a filter at one of these locations:

• Kent County Health Department located at 700 Fuller, NE in Grand Rapids.
• Kids Day at The Zoo at John Ball Zoo on August 3. (see below for more details)
• Back-to-School Backpack Giveaway on August 11 at Wyoming High School, 1350 Prairie Parkway SW, in Wyoming.

Plans are currently being made to expand distribution events and set up permanent sites. More information about the program is being updated on our GettingAheadOfLead.com website.

Our staff recently caught up with Natasha, a mom from Kent County, who visited one of our distribution sites for a filter because she wants to protect her children. Click the image below to hear her story. 

Canadian Forest Fires Expected to Have Lasting Impact on West Michigan Air Quality

Our air quality has been sporadically impacted by wildfires in Canada this summer and we should not expect that these challenges are going to cease quickly. Experts suggest that the fires might not stop until heavy snow is falling in Canada.

Whatever the duration, the situation is bringing a public health concern into focus – suspended particulate matter. Among other things, smoke contains very small particles (particulate matter) from the burning material. These particles can be inhaled deeply into the lungs and can cause or exacerbate health problems.

Two types of particulate matter (PM) are monitored by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). They are named by their size in micrometers - 10 and 2.5. PM 10 is small but often just barely large enough to be seen with the naked eye. PM 10 includes mold, dust, soot, and pollen. Due to size and weight, they settle out of the atmosphere more quickly. However, we are recently experiencing an increase in much finer particulates known as PM 2.5. Unless in high volume, they are not easily seen. They stay suspended in the air longer and travel greater distances with the wind. How small is 2.5 micrometers? Think about a single hair from your head. The average human hair is about 70 micrometers in diameter – making it 30 times larger than the largest fine particle.

When the air becomes hazy, this is an indicator of high 2.5 particulate matter in the air.  PM 2.5 levels tend to worsen when there is low air movement or wind because it can enter more deeply in airways and may even enter the bloodstream. Increased levels of PM 2.5 can exacerbate and increase negative health outcomes in specific populations:

• Those with preexisting respiratory or heart disease or conditions,
• Children,
• Pregnant women, or
• Older adults aged 65+

It should be noted that on unhealthy air quality days, many do not feel the impact of the exposure until the following day. Click here for a demonstration of images the impact of air pollution.

Here are steps that you can take to protect yourself:

• Routinely visiting AirNow.gov. This site is managed by the United States Environmental Protection Agency and updates air quality in real time.
• Stay indoors and keep doors and windows shut.
• Run air conditioners in re-circulation mode so outside air is not drawn into your home.
• Avoid exercising outdoors for days that have been identified as unhealthy for sensitive populations.

It is especially important for vulnerable people to follow these precautions on days when air pollution levels are high. Until the smoke clears, it would be wise to check in with vulnerable family members and neighbors to make sure they are doing well.

Mosquito Season is in Full Swing

July's rain and heat may be responsible for an increase in the number of mosquitoes being found in KCHD's annual surveillance program, which actively traps mosquitoes in various locations countywide. Not only are more mosquitoes showing up in our traps than in 2022 but the diversity of mosquito species also appear to be changing.

So far this year we have not detected West Nile Virus or other mosquito borne illnesses in Kent County, but statewide there have been two mosquito samples found with Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE). Compared to the other mosquito-borne diseases commonly seen in Michigan, EEE has a much higher mortality rate. 

"Our samples are not seeing a large amount of the specific mosquitoes associated with the spread of EEE but we are starting to see them within specific areas of Kent County," says KCHD Public Health Epidemiologist Paul Bellamy. "While this is not a reason to stay indoors, we are asking people to remember their bug spray and enjoy the outdoors responsibly."

Another vector-borne disease that has been in the news recently is malaria. A transmitted case of malaria has not been reported in the United States for decades, but this year there have been five cases reported in the South (4 in Florida, 1 in Texas). The origin of these cases is unknown but there are multiple factors that likely played a role. Anopheles mosquitoes, which are found in most of the country, can transmit the pathogens that cause malaria. Due to the higher temperatures and mild climate of the deep South, this species is able to survive longer and has enough time to develop. Michigan has a much different climate and these mosquitoes are not able to survive here outside of the summer months, making it difficult for the malaria parasite to exist.

August is typically the first month when surveillance detects West Nile Virus in Kent County so now is the time to take precautions. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends the following steps to protect yourself and your family from mosquito bites:

• Use insect repellent - find the insect repellent that is right for you here.
• Use only repellents that are registered by the EPA with one of the following ingredients: DEET, picaridin, IR3535, oil of lemon eucalyptus, para-methane-diol, or 2 undecananone.Please remember to always follow the label's direction.
• Reapply repellent as directed.
• Do not spray repellent on the skin under clothing.
• If you are also using sunscreen, apply sunscreen first and insect repellent second.
• Wear long-sleeved shirts and pants.
• Stay indoors at dusk and dawn when mosquitoes are most active.
• Protect babies and children.
  • Dress children in clothing that covers arms and legs.
  • Cover strollers and baby carriers with mosquito netting.
  • When using insect repellent with children first apply it to your hands and then apply it to children.
  • Do not apply repellent to a child's hands as children often put their hands in their mouths.

Making sure your screens are in good repair and keeping doors and windows shut can also help keep mosquitoes out of your home. Removing any standing water from your yard at least once a week can also deny mosquitoes the opportunity to breed near your home. 

Safe Summer Fun

The carefree days of summer may already be winding down but there is still plenty of time to enjoy what many think is Michigan’s best season. As you take advantage of your last opportunities to get away before the start of a busy school year, take a look at some of these healthy tips and finish your summer safely.

Protect against the heat and the sun’s harmful UV rays.

• Wear sunscreen. Apply a sunscreen that offers at least SPF 15 and don’t forget to reapply it according to the directions on the label throughout the day.
• Drink plenty of water. In extreme heat, you should drink water even when you are not thirsty. This can help prevent dehydration. Using a brightly colored or decorated water bottle may be helpful to remind children to drink more water throughout the day.
• Wear light colored clothing that shades the skin from the sun.

Read more about sun safety from the CDC here Sun Safety | Skin Cancer | CDC.

Be safe in and around the water.

• Practice safe swimming. Sign up for swim lessons and only swim in designated or supervised areas.
• Make sure children are never left unattended in a pool, at the beach, or at the lake or river.
• Wear a life jacket anytime you are participating in water activities such as boating, skiing, or tubing.
• Take a water safety class and learn what to do in case of a water related emergency.

Learn more about water safety from the American Red Cross Water Safety | American Red Cross.

Prevent common summertime injuries.

• Always wear a helmet when riding a bike, scooter, skateboard, or anything on wheels.
• Follow safety signs and rules posted at playgrounds or amusement parks.
• Keep a first aid kit near by and learn basic first aid skills.
• Always buckle up and make sure children are secured in age and weight appropriate car seats that are properly installed.
• NEVER leave anyone or any animal in a hot parked car!

Read more about preventing common summer injuries from Johns Hopkins Medicine at 9 Tips to Help Kids Keep Safe During Summer | Johns Hopkins Medicine

By following some simple, common sense rules you can ensure that your summer memories will be happy ones.

KCHD to be Featured in MDHHS Film

The Michigan Women, Infants and Children (WIC) Division and the Michigan WIC Client Advisory Council (CAC) are in the beginning phase of creating a “What to Expect During Your In-Person WIC Clinic Visit” video, and have asked to partner with the Kent County WIC clinics for filming.

The video is for existing and potentially new Michigan WIC clients who would like to see what a WIC clinic visit is all about. We are looking forward to working with MDHHS WIC and the Michigan WIC CAC to provide support for clients who are unsure what to expect at the WIC office.