Information Environmental Health

Environmental Health
New Body Crafting Ordinance

The DeKalb Board of Commissioners passed metro Atlanta’s first body crafting ordinance to establish standards to regulate the body crafting industry in the county.

Body crafters/artists will be required to have current certification in emergency first aid, CPR, and blood-borne pathogen/infection control training. This is to ensure that the best health and safety guidelines are being maintained to protect the public. Minimum floor plan requirements, sanitization, sterilization of instruments, waste disposal, furnishings and fixtures, and studio supplies are also addressed in the new ordinance. Body crafting will be prohibited on minors under the age of 18, on anyone under the influence of drugs or alcohol and/or of unsound mind or body.

For more information, contact the Division of Environmental Health at 404-508-7900.

read press release>>

read Body Craft Ordinance>>

read Q&A about Body Craft Ordinance>>

Indoor air quality in schools
This program was created with Federal Grant Funds from the Environmental Protection Agency to implement an indoor air quality program known as "Tools for Schools". This program was implemented at the Board of health in 2002. It has been very effective in helping schools officials identify various indoor air quality problems. Our partners include Region IV EPA, The American Lung Association of Georgia, and the DeKalb County School System.

Well water quality
We sample individual drinking water supplies and submit them for bacterial analysis. Our staff makes recommendations to the home owner about well chlorination, and the location, protection, ventilation and sanitary seal of a well.

Environmental hazards and nuisances

Hazardous chemicals risk assessment
This program is responsible for conducting site assessments of identified hazardous waste sites in DeKalb County. This program is also responsible for zoning plan reviews, chemical preparedness, and Indoor air quality/ mold issues.

Lead testing and poisoning prevention
Our trained, certified health inspectors and risk assessors perform in- home lead-based paint poisoning investigations for DeKalb County residents with elevated blood lead levels. We are a resource for lead poisoning prevention information to eight Atlanta Metro area counties and to the State of Georgia Lead Poisoning Prevention Program.

Neighborhood health hazards
We investigate unsanitary conditions such as animal enclosures, garbage, trash, and make abatement recommendations.

Rabies control
Issue home quarantine for dogs and cats, providing the pet owner has meet all home quarantine requirements, conduct an evaluation of the residence where the animal is to be quarantined, discuss quarantine requirements with pet owner.

Radon testing
We provide FREE short-term and long-term radon testing to all DeKalb County home owners who request this service. The program also provides radon information to interested homeowners and acts as a resource for the community on current radon matters. Above certain concentrations, radon gas trapped in your home can pose a serious health threat to you and your family, placing you at a higher risk for developing lung cancer. Contact us NOW for your FREE radon test!

Rodent control
Respond to request for services and evaluate rodent infestations, evaluate conditions conducive to the breeding of rodents, make recommendations for "rodent proofing" homes, treat infestations with a rodenticide when necessary.

Sewage and solid waste management

Commercial sewage systems
Evaluate data and property, review plans and issue permits for installation of on-site sewage management systems.

Septage removal
Issue permits for septage removal, inspect septage removal vehicles for compliance.

Septic tanks
Review plans, soil reports and conducts site evaluations, Issues permits, evaluate new and repaired sewage management systems, and investigate complaints of failing systems.

Commercial trash compactor plan review
Review and approve constructions plans for commercial trash compactors.

Scrap tire management
This program is responsible for providing education to the public regarding scrap tires and solid waste. Education and enforcement is conducted to reduce illegal dumping of scrap tires. This program is also responsible for: Environmental Health database management and geographical information system (GIS) applications.

Miscellaneous Environmental Health services

Group homes
Conduct evaluations of homes to ensure a safe and sanitary facility.

Occupational health and safety
In partnership with the DeKalb County Office of the Medical Examiner, we review and investigate all occupational fatalities that occur within the geographical boundaries of DeKalb County. An active surveillance system is maintained by program staff and recommendations on injury and fatality prevention are made according to each individual case. At times when certain occupations indicate an increase in fatalities, targeted alerts may be issued to employers in those areas.

Tourist accommodations
(A) Review and approve plans for construction of new hotels and motels; review and approve plans for modifications, changes, upgrades to existing establishments.
(B) Conduct approval inspections for new establishments and establishments undergoing change of ownership.
(C) Conduct year round inspections of hotels, motels and camp grounds.

Back to top