Environmental Health
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know if my plans for opening a restaurant are acceptable?
We ask prospective operators to complete an application form which assembles a broad range of information about their plans to open a restaurant. Ideally, we should have this information along with a set of blueprints or kitchen layout, a listing of equipment specifications and a menu well in advance of the date scheduled to commence construction or remodeling of the facility. We review this proposal and determine if it meets the requirements set forth in state laws and rules governing restaurants and other similar types of food service establishments. Usually at this stage, adjustments can be made much more economically and the prospective operator also has an opportunity to learn more about food safety standards.
What is the food temperature danger zone?
The temperature danger zone is the temperature at which bacteria multiply rapidly. The temperature is from 40 degrees Fahrenheit to 140 degrees Fahrenheit. Foods should not be allowed to stay in this temperature zone.
What is E. coli O157:H7?
E. coli O157:H7 is one of hundreds of strains of the bacterium Escherichia coli. Although most strains are harmless and live in the intestines of healthy humans and animals, this strain produces a powerful toxin and can cause severe illness. E. coli O157:H7 was first recognized as a cause of illness in 1982 during an outbreak of severe bloody diarrhea; the outbreak was traced to contaminated hamburgers. Since then, most infections have come from eating undercooked ground beef. The combination of letters and numbers in the name of the bacterium refers to the specific markers found on its surface and distinguishes it from other types of E. coli.
What precautions should consumers follow to avoid exposure to lead?
Lead was banned from house paint in 1978. U.S. food canners quit using lead solder in 1991. A 25-year phase-out of lead in gasoline was reached in 1995. Critical to prevention is focusing on the important lead sources. Dealing with sources of lead means recognizing them in your family's environment, knowing which ones contribute significant exposures, and eliminating or avoiding those exposures. The greatest source of lead poisoning in young children is deteriorating lead paint in older housing. If your house was built before 1978, follow this advice from the National Lead Information Center: wash floors, windowsills and other surfaces weekly with warm water and detergent; wipe soil off shoes before entering the house; cover soil with grass, mulch or another barrier; immediately clean up paint chips; and, ask your doctor or the health department whether your children should be tested for lead, even if they seem healthy. Call 1-800-LEAD-FYI for a list of experts certified by the Environmental Protection Agency to inspect the house and soil for lead, and to remove lead paint. Move out of the house until the renovation and clean-up is completed. Never remove lead paint yourself.
Swimming Pool Disinfection: What does chlorine do?
Chlorine kills germs in pools---but it takes time to work. Therefore, it’s important to make sure chlorine levels are always at recommended levels (usually between 1.0 - 3.0 ppm). All sorts of things can reduce chlorine levels in pool water. Some examples are sunlight, dirt, debris, and material from swimmer’s bodies. That’s why chlorine levels must be routinely measured. However, the time it takes for chlorine to work is also affected by the other member of the disinfection team, pH.
Why is pH important?
Two reasons: First, the germ-killing power of chlorine varies with pH level. As pH goes up, the ability of chlorine to kill germs goes down. Second, a swimmer’s body has a pH between 7.2 and 7.8, so if the pool water isn’t kept in this range then swimmers will start to feel irritation of their eyes and skin. Keeping pH in this range will balance chlorine’s germ-killing power while minimizing skin and eye irritation.
Are there age restrictions for getting a body piercing or tattoo?
Yes, the North Carolina General Statutes establish age restrictions for these procedures. For this reason body piercing and tattoo artists will ask for and often make a copy of proper identification prior to performing a procedure on a client. § 14-400. Tattooing; body piercing prohibited. (a) It shall be unlawful for any person or persons to tattoo the arm, limb, or any part of the body of any other person under 18 years of age. Anyone violating the provisions of this section shall be guilty of a Class 2 misdemeanor. (b) It shall be unlawful for any person to pierce any part of the body other than ears of another person under the age of 18 for the purpose of allowing the insertion of earrings, jewelry, or similar objects into the body, unless the prior consent of a custodial parent or guardian is obtained. Anyone violating the provisions of this section is guilty of a Class 2 misdemeanor. (1937, c. 112, ss. 1, 2; 1969, c. 1224, s. 8; 1971, c. 1231, s. 1; 1993, c. 539, s. 269; 1994, Ex. Sess., c. 24, s. 14(c); 1998-230, s. 9.)
What risks am I taking by getting a body piercing or tattoo?
Known risks include but may not be limited to the following: infection; transmission of blood-borne illnesses such as hepatitis B and C, HIV and tetanus; allergic reactions; and, keloid or scar formation. Artists must assure that equipment and instruments are clean and sterile, and must use acceptable hygienic practices such as scrupulous and frequent handwashing. The client must care for the pierced or tattooed area properly for an extended period of time after the procedure.
What can I do to eliminate mosquitoes around my home and garden?
Containers or debris that hold even small amounts of water provide good sites for mosquitoes to reproduce in very large numbers. Rid your property of as many of these items as possible and encourage your neighbors to do the same. Clean gutters. Repair leaky outdoor faucets and irrigation systems. Clean and add fresh water to bird baths, pet bowls and flower pot saucers at least twice weekly.
What should I do to prevent mosquito bites?
Wear long-sleeved blouses or shirts and long pants while outdoors. ALWAYS use repellent according to the manufacturer's instructions. Some products while effective and safe for use on adults are not safe for use on children. Also, some formulations are designed for use ONLY on clothing and NOT on the skin. Avoid outdoor activities when mosquitoes are most active. Tightly screen doors and windows.