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Environmental Health Services (EHS) promotes public health and protects the environment of Vanderburgh County citizens. To accomplish this goal the section utilizes practices and procedures to ensure federal, state and local laws are met and offers education to residents to prevent future hazards. These investigations can be initiated from reports filed by citizens or other local, state or federal agencies. Citations may be issued and corrective actions are initiated because of these investigations.  Court actions may be a part of this process.  Citizens with any environmental concern should contact the environmental section. Reports may be made anonymously.

Public Record Request Form

 

Offered Testing:

Environmental Hazard Investigations

Environmental hazard Investigations are conducted by the Environmental Health Specialists for any condition that could impact the public health or environmental quality of Vanderburgh County.  Such conditions include hazardous material releases, natural or technological disasters, indoor air pollution, water contamination, animals, trash and debris and failed onsite sewage disposal systems.  These investigations can be initiated from reports filed by citizens or other local, state or federal agencies. Citations may be issued and corrective actions are initiated because of these investigations.  Court actions may be a part of this process.  Citizens with any environmental concern should contact the environmental section. Reports may be made anonymously.

Meth labs, Radon, & Mold Testing Information

Childhood Lead Poisoning Prevention

Environmental lead hazard inspections are carried out whenever the Section is alerted to a diagnosed case (by CDC definition) of a child with an elevated blood lead level, or at a physician’s request.  These inspections find potential sources of lead in the child’s environment and test those sources for lead content. During these investigations the Environmental Health Specialists will use an XRF and take samples of paint, soil, dust and water. Also, upon request, the Department will assist the parent of a lead poisoned child to find lead safe housing by providing testing of a prospective residence.

Lead & Healthy Homes Information

Tattoos / Body Piercing Regulation

Tattooing and body piercing, or also known as body modification, has become increasingly popular in recent years.  These activities present a minimal risk if the tattooing or piercings are done by a trained individual following the proper precautions.

Tattoo / Piercing Information

Food Safety

The Food Safety Program is designed to prevent the transmission of disease and hazards from food products prepared for human consumption.  This program works to ensure food safety through proper handling of food in compliance with the Indiana Food Code.  The Health Department Food Section conducts inspections, plan reviews, investigations, surveys, and educational activities for restaurants, grocery stores, mobile food service units, school cafeterias, and temporary food stands throughout Vanderburgh County.

Retail Food Inspections Information

Water Facilities

Public and semi-public swimming pools within Vanderburgh County are inspected, and weekly water quality testing is monitored by the Environmental Health Section.  Inspections are based on State statutes and local codes and are performed to ensure that acceptable water quality and safe facilities are maintained thus lessening the chance of disease transmission or injury.

Pool/Spa Water Testing Information   Well/Recreational Lake Water Testing Info

Sewage Disposal

The Vanderburgh County Health Department’s Onsite Sewage Disposal program follows a cradle to grave paradigm.  Our Environmental Health Specialists conduct a site evaluation which includes a topographic characterization, and reviews the soil profile analysis for each new construction and many repair systems.  Using the size of the home and the site/soil profile information, the Environmental Health Specialists can tailor an onsite sewage disposal system to each individual site.

Sewage Disposal Information

Vectors and Insects:

The Vanderburgh County Health Department’s Vector Control Division works primarily to prevent the spread of disease through vector organisms such as mosquitoes and ticks. A vector is any organism that carries and is able to transmit a pathogen. Control and prevention of both vector and nuisance pests is managed through surveillance, public education, larvicide application, habitat elimination, the use of gravid traps, biological control, repellents, and the application of some pesticides

Vector Control Information

More information: 

Click the following links for more information about local vectors

Bedbugs  Cockroaches  Fleas  Mosquitoes  Rodents  Ticks

School Indoor Air Quality

School indoor air quality is a concern for students, parents, faculty and staff as mold, carbon dioxide and other pollutants can hinder learning and affect health.  The Indiana State Department of Health can help your school by:

  • Providing technical assistance and testing;
  • Consulting with the public regarding their IAQ concerns;
  • Enforcing 410 IAC 33 the “Indoor Air Quality in Schools and State Agencies” rule.

For more information on school indoor air quality call 317-351-7190 or click http://www.in.gov/isdh/24347.htm

Contact us for more information or to report a problem!

Phone: 812-435-2400

Email: health@vanderburghcounty.in.gov

Useful Links and Telephone Numbers:

 Consumer Product Safety Commission – PoolSafely  
 Indiana State Department of Health  800-382-9480
 Indiana Department of Environmental Management  812-436-2570
 Indiana Department of Natural Resources  317-232-4002
 Vanderburgh County Emergency Management Agency  812-435-6020
 Region 5 US EPA  800-621-8431
 Nuisance Wildlife Hotline  800-893-4116