In November 2017, the Tracking Program began a pilot project to test the drinking water for lead at 16 public schools. Water from nearly 900 taps was tested. Lead was detected (>1 ppb (parts per billion)) in the drinking water at all schools and elevated lead levels (≥15 ppb) were found in five schools. Schools removed taps with elevated lead levels from service and worked the Health Department and the Department of Environmental Conservation to find the best possible solutions to lower lead levels (e.g. replacing water fixtures).
The 2018 Vermont Tick Tracker is live! Be sure to use the interactive Tick Tracker to share information about where and what kind of ticks you've found. Report on any ticks you come across--the more reports posted, the better the information for all! Be sure check out the 2017 season summary and learn how to prevent tick bites.
The childhood lead poisoning data were updated and the displays now incorporate the CDC's new reference level of 5 µg/dL--which used to be 10 µg/dL--to indicate an elevated blood lead level.
Vermont is one of 26 state and local health departments funded by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to develop a state and national tracking network of environmental and health data for the public, policy makers, researchers, and agencies. The
Vermont Public Health Data Explorer provides these data in maps, charts, and tables as a part of the State's continuing effort to help Vermonters better understand the relationship between their environment and their health. Topics include air quality, asthma, birth defects, cancer, carbon monoxide, childhood lead poisoning, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, climate and health, cyanobacteria (blue-green algae), drinking water, heart attack, radon, and reproductive health outcomes.
