Lead poisoning remains a significant public health concern with preventable exposure from different sources, including certain traditional consumer products. To address the concern of product-related lead exposures, the New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene has developed the Non-Paint Sample Database (NPSD). NPSD systematically tracks information about hazardous consumer products collected during New York City case investigations and store surveys. NPSD has enabled identification of new products-related lead sources and populations at risk of lead exposure and has guided risk communication, regulatory activities, and policy initiatives. Since 2007, approximately 8000 consumer products have been tracked by NPSD. NPSD demonstrates the potential for consumer product surveillance to enable source identification, monitor lead exposure trends, and facilitate effective educational and enforcement activities, which advances lead exposure prevention strategies.

OBJECTIVE: Pet ownership among people experiencing homelessness (PEH) is common, but access to shelter, veterinary care, and flea-preventative products for PEH who own pets in the US is not well described. We sought to evaluate current knowledge of fleas and flea-borne diseases and characterize practices around pets and service animals among staff at homeless shelters and outreach organizations. METHODS: In-person surveys were administered to staff at homeless shelters and on outreach teams in 7 states from August 2022 to April 2023 to evaluate knowledge, attitudes, and practices and to assess homeless shelter/organizational characteristics. RESULTS: Surveys were administered to 333 staff members at 60 homeless shelters and among 29 outreach teams. Seventy-eight percent of homeless shelters allowed pets or service animals. Only 2% of homeless shelters and 7% of outreach teams provided veterinary care; 15% of homeless shelters and 7% of outreach teams provided flea preventatives. Nearly three-quarters of surveyed homeless shelter staff responded that no steps were taken to treat fleas at their shelters. CONCLUSIONS: Veterinary care and availability of flea-preventative products are limited in homeless shelter and outreach organizations serving people experiencing homelessness. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Pets of PEH might be at an increased risk of flea infestation and flea-borne diseases because of limited access to veterinary care and preventatives. Improving knowledge and access to flea prevention, screening, and treatment are critical to ensure PEH and their pets can consistently access homeless shelters or outreach services, and to prevent flea-borne disease transmission.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Louse-borne Bartonella quintana infection and flea-borne murine typhus are two potentially serious vector-borne diseases that have led to periodic outbreaks among people experiencing homelessness in the United States. Little is known about louse- and flea-borne disease awareness and prevention among staff who provide services to the population. We surveyed staff in seven US states to identify gaps in knowledge and prevention practices for these diseases. METHODS AND RESULTS: Surveys were administered to 333 staff at 89 homeless shelters and outreach teams in California, Colorado, Georgia, Maryland, Minnesota, New York and Washington from August 2022 to April 2023. Most participants (>68%) agreed that body lice and fleas are a problem for people experiencing homelessness. About half were aware that diseases could be transmitted by these vectors; however, most could not accurately identify which diseases. Less than a quarter of staff could describe an appropriate protocol for managing body lice or fleas. Misconceptions included that clients must isolate or be denied services until they are medically cleared. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings reveal significant knowledge gaps among staff who provide services to people experiencing homelessness in the prevention and control of louse- and flea-borne diseases. This demonstrates an urgent need for staff training to both reduce disease and prevent unnecessary restrictions on services and housing.