The Environmental Health programs mission is to:

• Regulate and inspect food service, public pools, and overnight lodging              
• Consult with operators of public water systems to make sure water is clean
• Provide inspection services for child daycare and public school cafeterias
• Investigate illnesses that are spread thru food and water, and 
• Provide training for food workers and restaurant managers

Environmental Health programs and services benefit the entire community, including: county residents, tourists, visitors, and businesses. Anyone who eats food prepared in a restaurant, temporary food booth, or school cafeteria or swims in a pool benefits from the inspection process. Tourists can more safely attend the many outdoor festivals, restaurants, and travel accommodations in Coos County. Businesses also benefit from having a safe community that attracts visitors and encourages residents to use their services.

Have you heard about the Governor’s initiative to test for lead in School’s drinking water?

In April 2016, Oregon Governor, Kate Brown, called for lead testing in drinking water at schools. The Oregon Department of Education (ODE) and Oregon Health Authority (OHA) have lead roles in the governor’s directive. Each school district will decide how to take the directive and how to share any findings. You can read ODE's "Tips to Keep Children Safe from Lead in Drinking Water" and the OHA's “Statewide plan for reducing student exposure to lead in drinking water” For lead testing results at a specific school contact the school district.

The only way to know for sure if your child has been exposed to lead is to have their blood tested.  This test is arranged by your family doctor.  Blood tests are used to find out how much lead is in a child's blood. The test is simple. Your health care provider takes blood from your child and a lab will test the blood. Click here for more information.

There are many potential ways to be exposed to lead.  There is not a “Good Amount” of lead exposure.  See some potential effects of exposure to lead.  

Click here for more resources from OHA about lead poisoning:  Protect your family from lead