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Scrap tires 

Why is this a public health issue?
Scrap tires can collect water, making them perfect for mosquitoes to lay their eggs. Some mosquitoes can spread diseases like West Nile virus or Zika virus, which can make people sick.

What to do if this impacts the home you rent or own: 
-Get rid of scrap tires: Take scrap tires to the Lorain County Collection Center at 540 S. Abbe Road, Elyria.
-Prevent water buildup: Keep tires and other items that can hold water in a dry place or cover them to stop water from collecting.

Things to try if this is an issue at your neighbor’s home: 
-Talk to your neighbor: Explain why standing water in scrap tires is dangerous.
-Get help: If your neighbor doesn’t fix the problem, call Lorain County Public Health for assistance.

Lorain County Public Health's role:
We educate residents about the health risks of scrap tires as breeding grounds for disease-carrying mosquitoes. We give ideas to people on how to dispose of them properly. For more information, call Lorain County Public Health at 440-322-6367.

Cockroaches

Why is this a public health issue?
Cockroaches can make asthma and other breathing problems worse. They live in places where there is food, water, and shelter, like cluttered or dirty areas.

What to do if this impacts the home you rent or own: 
-Renters, speak up: Inform your landlord and keep a record of when you told them about the issue.
-Homeowners, contact an expert: Contact a licensed pest control or exterminator.

Lorain County Public Health's role:
We can identify and document cockroach problems. We do not exterminate them. For more information, call Lorain County Public Health at 440-322-6367.

Bed bugs

Why is this a public health issue?
Bed bugs don't spread diseases, so they aren't considered a public health nuisance. 

What to do if this impacts the home you rent or own: 
-Renters, speak up: Inform your landlord and keep a record of when you told them about the issue.
-Homeowners, contact an expert: Contact a licensed pest control or exterminator.

Lorain County Public Health's role:
We answer questions on how to handle bed bugs, but we don’t investigate or exterminate them. For more information, call Lorain County Public Health at 440-322-6367. Learn more about bed bugs.

Mold

Why is this a public health issue?
Mold grows in damp, humid places and releases spores into the air. Breathing in these spores can cause respiratory issues, especially for people with asthma, allergies, or weakened immune systems.

What to do if this impacts the home you rent or own: 
-Renters, speak up: Inform your landlord and keep a record of when you told them about the issue.
-Homeowners, clean it up: 
--Soap-water solution: Mix dish soap with warm water and wipe away the mold.
--Bleach-water solution: Mix 1 cup or less of bleach with 1 gallon of water to clean the mold.
--Commercial products: You can also use store-bought products to remove mold.

Lorain County Public Health's role:
We answer questions on how to prevent or remove mold in your home. However, because there's no set level of mold considered dangerous, we can't enforce mold levels. For more information, call Lorain County Public Health at 440-322-6367. Learn more about mold.

Lead

Why is this a public health issue?
Exposure to lead, especially in children, can cause many health problems. Lead can be found in old paint, pipes, and contaminated soil. When ingested or inhaled, it can cause hyperactivity, slowed growth, learning and hearing problems, and other health issues.

What to do if this impacts your home:  
Call Lorain County Public Health at 440-322-6367 to: 
-Ask to borrow a HEPA filter vacuum to remove lead particles. It’s free to use for one week! 
-Ask about the HUD Lead Hazard Abatement Program, or read details.

Lorain County Public Health's role:
We offer lead screening tests to help you know if your child has been exposed to high lead levels. 
If your child tests positive for high lead levels, we will help you to figure out next steps. Learn more about lead.

Garbage, trash, debris 

Why is this a public health issue?
Garbage and debris in homes and yards attract pests like raccoons, rats, mice, and cockroaches. These pests can spread diseases, contaminate food, and cause allergic reactions and asthma attacks. They can also cause structural damage and create stress for residents.

Things to try if this is an issue at your loved one’s or neighbor’s home: 
-Talk to them: Explain why garbage and debris puts their health and safety at risk.
-Get help: If the problem continues, call Lorain County Public Health for assistance at 440-322-6367. 

Lorain County Public Health's role:
We investigate complaints about garbage and debris. We guide people on clean up and next steps. If the issue is not resolved, we can issue a Board of Health order to place a lien on the property.