Slum housing conditions which create environmental health hazards include vermin infestation, exposure to lead dust, damp living quarters, inadequate hot and cold running water, and inadequate heating.   Related health problems include insect bites, rat bites (involving deep puncture which quickly become infected), rashes, nausea, cramps, respiratory tract problems, headaches, coma and seizures, severe conjunctivitis, vomiting, fever, neuralgia and muscle pain as well as kidney and liver problems.

 

CES in an effort to combat slum housing conditions and the health risks it creates fulfills the role of tenant educator, organizer and advocate in several coalitions and programs (Housing for Healthy Families Campaign, the Los Angeles Healthy Homes Collaborative and the Southern California Health and Housing Council).

CES informs tenants throughout Los Angeles and West Hollywood about toxic environmental hazards, such as lead paint and mold, in their dwellings that create health problems. CES educate and train tenants on their rights and actions that can be taken to improve substandard conditions.  CES organizers perform lead poisoning test of units, assist tenants in securing required repairs, organize tenant associations,  and work towards the development of housing and health related policies.

CES, as a member of the Los Angeles Healthy Homes Collaborative, an alliance of some 20 community organizations which coordinate efforts to prevent lead paint poisoning and advocate for healthy homes initiatives, was successful in winning a Los Angeles City ordinance to establish a housing code enforcement pilot program to include lead paint danger as a code violation and had the city issue "stop work" orders if repairs are being made in an unsafe and unhealthy way. 

In an effort to ensure implementation of the Pilot Program, CES, through the Healthy Homes Collaborative, worked with the L.A. Housing Department (LAHD) to secure funding, and provide tenant outreach in targeted L.A. City Council Districts.  This work involved collaboration with the LAHD code inspectors to involve and educate tenants on the health dangers posed by lead paint. CES was awarded a contract to provide tenant outreach and education.