Dry

• Prevent water from entering your home through leaks in roofing systems.
• Prevent rain water from entering the home due to poor drainage around the outside of the home.
• Check your interior plumbing for any leaking.

Damp houses provide a nurturing environment for mites, roaches, rodents, and molds, all of which are associated with asthma. See how mold and moisture can trigger asthma symptoms and take steps to prevent mold and moisture in your home.

Clean homes help reduce pest infestations and exposure to contaminants. Read about VOCs (Volatile Organic Compounds) that can come from cleaning supplies and how to keep them out of your home and learn about pest control to keep pests out of your home.

The majority of injuries among children occur in the home. Falls are the most frequent cause of residential injuries to children, followed by injuries from objects in the home, burns, and poisonings.

Studies show that respiratory health is related to access to fresh air, increasing a home’s fresh air supply reduces moisture, improves air quality, and increases respiratory health.

Recent studies show a causal relationship between exposure to mice and cockroaches and asthma episodes in children; yet inappropriate treatment for pest infestations can exacerbate health problems, since pesticide residues in homes pose risks for neurological damage and cancer.

Chemical exposures include lead, radon, pesticides, volatile organic compounds, PFAS, and environmental tobacco smoke. Exposures to asbestos particles, radon gas, carbon monoxide, and secondhand tobacco smoke are far higher indoors than outside. Learn about precautions to take against cockroaches; how to rid your home of dust mites and how to handle removing mice from your home.

Poorly maintained homes are at risk for moisture and pest problems. Deteriorated lead-based paint in older housing is the primary cause of lead poisoning, which affects some 535,000 U.S. children annually.

Tenants and homeowners are at risk for various health problems related to prolonged exposure to excessive heat or cold when their homes do not maintain adequate temperatures. Check your appliances to meet ENERGY STAR© standards, use efficient and programmable controls for temperature, water and electricity and install Compact Fluorescent Light Bulbs (CFLs).