HomeMy WebLinkAbout1987-10-13Dr. Finkel-
stein Lead
Poison
Control
BOARD OF HEALTH MEETING
OCTOBER 13, 1987
The monthly meeting of the Board of Health was held on Tuesday, October
13, 1987 at 7:30 p.m. in Room G-1 of the Town Office Building.
Members present were Dr. Linda Roemer, Chairperson; Dr. Donald Goldmann,
Dr. Stan Finkelstein, Barbara O'Donnell, Sanitarian and Mr. George Smith, Jr.,
Director of Public Health.
The minutes of September 8, 1987 were accepted with amendments made per
request of Dr. Finkelstein on the last portion of the Human Service issues.
Dr. Roemer called the meeting to order at 7:30 p.m. and there was a brief
discussion on the Human Service Funding Program. Dr. Roemer stated the
Human Services were not issuing an "RFP" until January. A decision was made
that Mr. Smith and Dr. Finkelstein would set up a meeting to talk to Susan
Alder, Acting Town Manager, on the Human Service issue.
The meeting was then passed over to Dr. Finkelstein to discuss his health
function topics, the first being Lead Poison Control.
The Board of Health is responsible for ensuring that all children ages one to
six are tested periodically for lead poisoning and that all dwellings in
which a child under six resides or will reside should be inspected.
If an inspection is requested by tenant or owner of a premise where a child
under six lives this inspection should be carried out within five days of
the request. Dwellings about to be rented or sold to a family with a child
under six shall be inspected before the final sale or lease.
Boards of Health shall inspect all premises which are to be used as child
care facilities for dangerous levels of lead on the premise. These facili-
ties shall be inspected within 10 days of receipt of request.
Lead poisoning is a serious problem in the U.S. among children ages one to
six. It can permanently effect their physical and mental development.
Some children have a tendency to eat non-food items such as flaking paint.
Children often chew on windowsills, doors, porch railing and other surfaces.
A one square centimeter chip of paint, one layer thick with 10 percent of
lead will contain five to 10 times the maximum daily safe intake for a child.
Lead poisoning may result in death but more often results in mental retarda-
tion and learning disability. A child found to have an elevated blood -level
should be tested at once by a physician.
Inspectors have special procedures to follow when testing a dwelling for
lead paint and these procedures must be followed according to instructions.
A re -inspection must be done with forms filled out and copies sent to each
party envolved. If a dangerous level of lead is not corrected within seven
days after re -inspection the Board of Health shall initiate judicial
proceedings.
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October 13, 1987
Mr. Smith stated, we get reports whenever a child is tested - samples
go to the state and we get a computerized reading for the number tested,
usually about six to eight children. Also, the Federal Government has
banned the use of lead solder.
Dr. Finkelstein went on to his discussion of Housing declaring the Board Housing
of Health is responsible to enforce codes for plumbing, sewage and any-
thing else to do with housing according to Minimum Standards of Fitness
for Human Habitation. They should make inspections from time to time to
uncover potential problems and public nuisances, and protect the quality
of life in their municipality; also, advise homeowners and landlords how
to maintain their property, and what the minimal standards and methods
are for repairing their housing. The board can also petition to set up
rent receivership to ensure that necessary repairs can be paid for.
The board or police may forcibly remove anyone who refuses to leave a
dwelling that has been ordered condemned, vacated and placarded. If a
person or family has been displaced, the public agencies must provide
relocation assistance and pay for reasonably documented moving expenses.
The State may reimburse 50% of the expense. The board also has the power
to demolish any dwelling after serving an order for demolition on the owner
and all mortgages of record.
Mr. Smith said, we can require old standards be brought up to code standard.
The Building Department cannot do this. Violations may endanger health of
occupant.
Dr. Goldmann began on his subject of Food Quality stating the Board of Food
Health is responsible for sending out applications for permits to operate Quality
any food -related business or establishment in their municipality. He said,
inspections must be made at least every six months of all above food -related
businesses. When violations are found and not corrected in a given amount of
time, permits can be suspended or revoked. On a new establishment or one
that is to be remodeled, plans must be submitted and reviewed before a license
is given.
Reports of suspected outbreaks of food poisoning must be reported to the
Division of Food and Drugs so remedial action can be taken. All foods that
are for sale must be code dated for the public safety. If on inspection food
is outdated, tainted or unfit the Board of Health may seize and cause the food
to be destroyed. Regular inspection and good communication with food handlers
helps to reduce food poisoning incidences, and ensures that conditions are
meeting the standards of the sanitary code.
On the subject of Nuisances, Dr. Goldmann said, anyone can complain about Nuisances
a nuisance and may petition the Board of Health, describing where the
nuisance exists and state the nature of the nuisance.
A wide variety of public health problems are considered a nuisance such as
bad water supply, improper drainage and sewage disposal, demolished and
abandoned buildings, improper handling of rubbish and garbage and even
obnoxious odors. Piggeries and other animal operations, refuse and garbage
collection; also, chemical plants are examples of noisome trades. These
are all a local responsibility.
October 13, 1988
Some problems may not come under the control of the town such as air and
water pollution. Cooperation among a few towns may be able to deal with
these problems, in other cases a statewide approcah is necessary, such as
dealing with acid rain and nuclear wastes.
The Board of Health is also responsible for assigning sites for sanitary
landfill and other facilities for disposal of solid and hazardous wastes.
Animal and Barbara O'Donnell said, the Board of Health responsibilities is to inspect
Insect areas with potential for rodents or insect infestation regularly or on
Control complaint. Each place inspected whether it is housing, recreation camps,
bathing beaches, food service establishments, retail food stores, sanitary
landfills, etc., must meet the standards set up by the State to prevent
infestation of rodents which causes the spread of disease.
In regard to animal bites and possible rabies from bats or other animals,
the board must report to the MDPH, Division of Communicable Disease Control.
If an animal is suspected of having rabies the head of the animal is sent or
brought into the Mass. Diagnostic Laboratory in Jamaica Plain for analyses.
If it is a bat the whole body is analysed.
If there is a report that a dog or any other domestic animal has bitten some-
one, a report is made out and the animal is subject to quarantine on its own
property for a period of 10 days.
It is recommended that Boards of Health appoint a dog officer who will be
responsible for apprehending stray dogs and taking care of them until an
owner is found, to inspect kennels and investigate complaints regarding dogs
and other pets.
Live stock inspection and the keeping of animals comes under the Board of
Health. Stables must be licensed and inspected. There are regulations for
the keeping of animals such as size of stalls, number of animals, drainage,
ventilation, storage and handling of manure; also, the size of acreage needed
for the animals. Any animal suspected of having a contagious disease is
quarantined for 10 days.
It is recommended that Boards of Health appoint a dog officer who will be
responsible for apprehending stray dogs and taking care of them until an
owner is found, to inspect kennels and investigate complaints regarding dogs
and other pets.
Live stock inspection and the keeping of animals comes under the Board of Health.
Stables must be licensed and inspected. There are regulations for the keeping
of animals such as size of stalls, number os animals, drainage, ventilation,
stoarge and handling of manure; also, the size of acreage needed for the animals.
Animal suspected of having a contagious disease is quarantined for 10 days.
Mosquito Control comes under the State. Mosquito Control Board appoints a
committee of commissioners - one member from each community. The commissioners
involved when a new pesticide or method is to be used and the Board must approve
its use. The commissioners utilize three methods of mosquito control, larvicide,
adulticide and waste management/source reduction.
October 13, 1988
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The last report was from Dr. Roemer who gave the group information Inspection
on the Inspection of Public Places, stating that all facilities such of Public
as food service establishments, schools, day care facilities for Places
children and adult care facilities are the responsibility of the Board
and must be inspected for cleanliness and sanitation standards.
Schools must be checked for asbestos and the Board may ban the use of
asbestos containing materials in construction and renovation of school
buildings, public buildings and homes. The Board should also cooperate
with local school committees to develop a good health education and
activities.
Other places that come under the Board of Health are long term care
facilities, recreational camps for children, labor camps and bathing
beaches. Bathing beaches have water samples taken at least twice monthly,
preferably weeksing during bathing season. Pools and facilities all must
be inspected before receiving a permit for which there is a fee. All life-
guards must have First Aid training.
Dr. Roemer ended her summary of health functions with Cemetary and Cemetary
Burial Permits. The Board of Health has an agent sworn in by the Town and Burial
Clerk who issues burial permits, including cremation and other disposi- Permits
tion of bodies after examing the certificate of death signed by the
attending physician or medical examiner. This burial permit is then
forwarded to the Town Clerk for death registration. If the person is a
veteran the clerk and veteran's grave officer cite this on the burial
permit. We also issue a permit to transport bodies to other towns or
states.
Funeral Directors are licensed annually - Qualified Directors are certi-
fied by Mass Board of Registration of Funeral Directors - who must be
notified of licenses issued.
The Board of Health also must approve the location of any land to be used
for a new cemetary or for extension of an old cemetary after due notice
and a public hearing.
Mr. Smith and Dr. Roemer had an interesting tour of the town; also, went Dr.Roemer's
to Selectmen's Breakfast. There were two general themes - whether the Report
town can stay in 2-1/2 and the difficulty of working with the School
Committee. Dr. Roemer also stated she had received an invitation to a
tea sponsored by the School Administration at the Bridge School cafe-
teria from 5-7 on October 27, 1987. Dr. Roemer informed the group we
were reviewing our responsibilities on Aids and Smoking Regulations.
After the conclusion of her report Dr. Roemer and the other members dis- Health
cussed what health functions would be reviewed at the next meeting. Functions
Dr. Finkelstein decided on Maternal/Child Health and Dental Health;
Dr. Goldmann, Communicable Diseases, Immunizations and Vaccinations;
Barbara O'Donnell, Mental Health, Alcohol and Substance Abuse; Dr.
Roemer, School Health, Clinics, and Community Services.
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October 13, 1987
Mr. Smith's Dr. Roemer turned over the meeting to Mr. Smith for his report. He indica-
Report ted he had been spending more time with Barbara O'Donnell, the new
sanitarian. They were getting inspections done and have good results.
The restaurants have 90/days to put in handsinks. They technically could
request a variance.
AIDS
On October 8, we had the Flu Clinic in Cary Hall and over 600 people were
vaccinated. Flu Vaccine has also been issued to the Nursing Homes.
There was an oil spill on Route 128 near the golf course which spilled
about 50 gallons of deisel fuel.
Mr. Smith also said, there was another company interested in the Ledgemont
Building for working on rDNA.
Hazardous Waste Day has been set for October 24 and people are not too
happy about paying the $5.00 fee. Hazardous Waste Day works well for
Lexington but not for some other towns. There was a hazardous waste session
in Gardner, MA for a fee of $25.00 per person. They had a large crowd.
Also, on Hazardous Waste, the Town could be in line to receive 35% from the
State.
The State and Emerson Hospital had a mailing on "AIDS" and a brochure was
sent to every household in Lexington. Mr. Smith said, the Selectmen are
looking for some suggestions on Aids.
Dr. Goldmann suggested a lecture at Cary Hall. He could perhaps get his
associate at Children's Hospital to give the lecture. Another idea was
the use of Cable and suggestion was made that Dr. Roemer contact the cable
network to find out what would be involved.
Dr. Goldmann would like Universal Life Skills and "Aids" on next month's
Agenda. The Board was in agreement.
Smoking The smoking issue was brought up by Mr. Smith stating, we should go to the
Issues Town Manager and work places to get general support to prohibit smoking.
Generally each employer may designate an area where employees may smoke.
Dr. Roemer will speak to Jack Eddison, Selectmen Chairman to get his opinion.
Mr. Smith said, once the regulation is put together, it will have to be
approved by the Town Manager. We should inform him about it in December as
we should have it ready for January.
Before retiring, the Board made a decision to discuss the smoking issue
again
The regular meeting adjourned at 8:45 p.m. after a decision was made
to have the next Board Meeting on Tuesday, November 24 at 7:30 p.m. Mr.
Smith reminded everyone that pictures would be taken at that time.
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October 13, 1988
The following permits were signed by the Board:
Animal Permit
Francis W. K. Smith
4 Clematis Road
Food Establishment Permits
Alexander's Convenient Store
325 Woburn Street
Bellino's Bakers, Inc.
141 Mass Avenue
- 2/horses, 7/goats
- 25/chickens
Interstate United for - Vending
Data Resources
24 Hartwell Avenue
Interstate United for - Vending
Data Resources
29 Hartwell Avenue
Canteen corporation for - Cafeteria
Instrumentation Lab
113 Hartwell Avenue
Creative Gourmet, Ltd., for - Cafeteria
ITEK #1
10 Maguire Road
Lexington Arts & Crafts
130 Waltham Street
Mario's Restaurant
1733 Mass Avenue
Canteen Corporation for
Mitre Corporation
32 Hartwell Avenue
Canteen Corporation for
Mitre Corporation
32 Hartwell Avenue
The Kitchen, Inc.
363 Mass Avenue
- Cafeteria
- Vending
M. E. Vending Corporation for - Vending
Varian Vacuum
121 Hartwell Avenue