Get the Lead Out! Paint Retailers Survey A collaborative project between GVSU/KCON and Calvin College Department of Nursing Principal Investigators Jean Martin, GVSU Kirkhof College of Nursing Bethany Gordon, Calvin College Department of Nursing

Purpose of the study Assess knowledge of paint retailers regarding lead safe work practices (LSWP) Evaluate inventory of products and display of information for LSWP Groundwork for future engagement of retail industry.

Significance of the study Elevated blood lead levels are a significant risk for many children in Kent County. The primary cause of lead poisoning in the United States is known to be the deteriorating lead-based paint and lead dust found in pre-1978 housing and in industrialized areas.

Significance of the study Distressed housing increases the risk of childhood lead poisoning. Likewise, repair without using LSWP can increase the risk. Employing specific simple skills (LSWP) can ensure that lead dust levels in the household environment do not become unsafe.

Significance of the study Paint retailers have a unique and significant opportunity to educate both professionals and consumers about childhood lead poisoning and LSWP. LSWP can add to the retailer’s profits while simultaneously providing a public service.

Methods Sample –Convenience sample –40 retailers serving high risk neighborhoods

Methods Data collection procedure –Approval to conduct study Contacting paint retailers –Telephone script Scheduling data collection Collecting data –Script –Survey

Methods Instrument: Paint Retailers Survey –Interview –23 items Products and information Lead safe work practices supplies Staff training Customer

Methods Data analysis –Level of retailers’ knowledge regarding lead safe work practices (LSWP) –Inventory of products for LSWP –Display of information on LSWP Reporting of data –Aggregate data only –No comparisons by neighborhood or type of store

Methods Risks –Social harm –Economic harm Benefits –Increased awareness of paint lead risks to children –Increased knowledge of LSWP –Safer environment for children

Protection of Human Subjects Human subjects review (IRB) approval Consent form to be read by participant Contents –Who GVSU Calvin GTLO collaborative –Purpose of study –Participants 40 retailers will be asked to participate Participation is voluntary

Protection of Human Subjects Consent form contents –What is being agreed to Respond to questions related to LSWP Inventory of products and display information –What I will get out of participating Movie pass Name entered into drawing

Protection of Human Subjects Consent form contents I understand that –This is a research study –My privacy and confidentiality will be protected (data storage) –No names on survey –No names used in reports –Participation is voluntary –Can withdraw at any time –Contacts for more information Obtain signature of participant

Participants 40 retailers invited to participate 3 declined to participate (7.5%) 3 completed survey but did not sign consent form so surveys were not used (7.5%) 1 signed the consent but did not complete the survey (2.5%) 1 unable to contact (2.5%) 32 surveys included in analysis (80.0%)

Instrument 8 items related to products Sample item “EPA Blue Book Protect Your Family from Lead in Your Home” Response options –Not available –Available upon request –Available among merchandise –Available at service counter –Available at checkout –Offered at checkout –Provided to every customer at checkout

Instrument 3 items related to LSWP supplies Sample item “6ml plastic sheeting” Response options –Store does not carry –Displayed elsewhere in store –Displayed in paint aisle/department –Displayed in paint aisle/department with LSWP sign

Instrument 6 items related to staff/staff training Sample items –How many employees have completed 8- hour HUD/EPA Lead Safety for Remodeling, Repair and Painting? –Do employees have access to a sample copy of EPA Blue Book Protect Your Family from Lead in Your Home?

Instrument 6 items related to customer education Sample item –Does the staff ask shoppers if they live in pre housing? Response options –Never –Occasionally (<50% of the time) –Usually (>50% of time) –Always

Instrument Retailers were asked if the information was available in Spanish Surveyors observed if products and supplies were displayed Responses at a higher level than the ‘best practice’ response were counted as correct

Retailer Response: Products Not Avail By requestIn store Service counter Check- out Offered at checkout Every customer EPA blue book Green field guide Community resources LSWP training HEPA rental LeadCheck  swab ‘best practice’

Retailer Response: Supplies Store does not carry Displayed elsewhere Displayed in paint aisle Displayed w/LSWP sign 4ml plastic ml plastic Spray bottles ‘best practice’

Retailer Responses Product information: best practices –34.4% (11) had LeadCheck  swabs or similar product available among merchandise –12.5% (4) had pamphlets other than EPA Blue Book or EPA/HUD/CDC Green Field guide available –53.1% (17) had no product information available Supplies –62.5% (20) stocked 6ml plastic (11 in paint aisle) –90.7% (29) stocked spray bottles (7 in paint aisle)

Retailer Responses Staff training –59.4% (19) had no staff trained in LSWP (8- hour HUD/EPA Lead Safety for Remodeling, Repair and Painting; NPCA online training; or another Lead Safety training) Staff access to LSWP information –40.6% (13) have access to EPA Blue Book Protect Your Family from Lead in Your Home –7.5% (3) have access to EPA/HUD/CDC Green Field Guide Lead Paint Safety

Retailer Responses Customer Education –65.6% (21) never ask if shoppers live in pre-1978 housing [34% ask occasionally] – 71.0% (23) never ask if there is a child under age six in the home –59.4% (19) never tell customers to work wet –53.1% (17) never tell customers the importance of LSWP when working with pre-1978 windows

Summary of Responses 1 retailer had 9 ‘best practice’ responses 1 retailer had 8 ‘best practice’ responses 1 retailer had 4 ‘best practice’ responses 5 retailers had 3 ‘best practice’ responses 6 retailers had 2 ‘best practice’ responses 5 retailers had 1 ‘best practice’ response 13 retailers - no ‘best practice’ response (40.6%)

Next Steps & Future Direction Disseminate information Develop educational programs on LSWP for retailers and customers Build sustainable collaborations and projects Eliminate childhood lead poisoning

Paul Haan Project Coordinator Healthy Homes Coalition of West Michigan phone: Questions & Answers