A Healthy Home for Everyone

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The Guide for Families and Individuals

Our homes serve as the hub for meeting our various everyday needs. But what exactly defines a healthy home? It involves the structure that shelters your family from the outdoors and bad weather, a private place of your own, and the space where you raise a family.

Every home encompasses a design, construction, and maintenance that prioritizes our well-being. Given that most individuals spend a significant portion of their day indoors, it becomes crucial to have a home that is healthy, secure, affordable, and accessible, catering to their fundamental requirements while shielding them from illnesses and injuries.

Throughout history, the primary purpose of a home has been to provide the essentials such as walls to keep animals out and a roof to shield your family against inclement weather. However, as knowledge about health advanced, people recognized the importance of incorporating openings for fresh air and to discharge smoke and fumes. By the 1800s, health officials had discovered that to combat diseases, a home must have a reliable water supply and proper waste management systems.

Williams Mechanical Services Inc aims to shed light on the profound connection between housing and health. Let's discuss actionable measures to make your home a healthy environment, clear definitions of relevant terms you should be aware of, and resources for further information on transforming your home into a healthy sanctuary.

Download the Healthy Home PDF for more information

An Unhealthy Home Results in Poor Health

Science indicates our homes can make us sick. Here's what it tells us about unhealthy housing:

Situation	Result	Prevention Measures
In homes built before 1978: Peeling paint or sloppy repair/paint work	Lead poisoning, lower IQ, and other learning and behavior problems in children	Address lead hazards diligently, follow safe work practices, check for dust, and thoroughly cleaning the site after completing any work.
Smoking, secondhand smoke	Asthma, respiratory problems, sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS), lung cancer, and deaths from fires	Smoking should be strictly prohibited within the home, and one must also refrain from allowing others to smoke indoors.
Radon	Lung cancer	Consider installing fan systems that effectively eliminate radon or utilize vapor barriers to prevent radon intrusion.
Lack of a functional smoke alarm	Fire injuries and deaths	Make sure smoke alarms are installed on every floor of the home. Opt for long-life smoke alarms equipped with lithium-powered batteries, and diligently test them on a monthly basis.
Moisture and mold	Asthma and respiratory problems	Repair any water leaks promptly and ensure the house is adequately ventilated to prevent moisture-related issues.
Pesticide usage	Acute poisonings and possible chronic conditions such as cancer, low birth weight, and prematurity	To keep pests at bay, cut off their access to water, food, and entry points into the home. Use pesticides judiciously, following recommended guidelines, and store them appropriately.

Many Homes Throughout the Nation Have Unhealthy Conditions

1 in 16 have high radon levels
1 in 10 have water leaks
1 in 6 have structural problems
1 in 4 have lead-based paint
1 in 4 do not have a working smoke alarm

The Connection Between Sickness and Housing Problems

Lack of ventilation (airflow) keeps poisons in and builds up moisture.
Moisture causes deteriorated paint, attracts and sustains pests, and leads to mold.
Pests make holes that become leaks and make people use poisonous pesticides.

Be Aware of the Dangers of an Unkempt Home

Cosmetic issues in housing may appear trivial at first glance. However, lurking within are potential hazards that can catch you off guard. For instance, peeling paint might contain harmful lead, excessive moisture can foster the growth of mold, and clutter may provide a breeding ground for insects and rodents. Moreover, there are invisible threats like carbon monoxide and radon which can prove to be deadly if not addressed.

A Healthy Home Prevents Injury and Disease

Any healthy home is characterized by good indoor air quality where it's free from smoke and carbon monoxide with effective ventilation in place. The water supply is safe and clean, with the temperature set at a proper 120ºF.

Furthermore, a healthy home is entirely free from lead, excessive levels of radon, and unnecessary chemical exposure. It boasts a sound structure that keeps pests, moisture, noise, and pollution at bay. Safety is prioritized, with smooth floor surfaces, stair handrails, ample lighting, and appropriate safety devices.

A home is an interconnected system, and to maintain its health, attention must be paid to every aspect of it. Solutions to housing issues are often interconnected as well, with one fix addressing multiple problems. For example, preventing moisture can also help keep pests away and preserve the integrity of paint. Proper ventilation not only eliminates toxins but also reduces moisture and ensures a fresh air supply. Installing a vapor barrier can effectively prevent radon and moisture intrusion. Replacing old windows not only decreases lead-based paint exposure but also enhances energy efficiency and improves ventilation.

Action Steps for Creating Healthy Bedrooms, Living Rooms, and Family Rooms

To ensure the safety of your home, follow these guidelines:

Install smoke alarms and carbon monoxide alarms:
Place smoke alarms on every floor and near sleeping areas.
Test smoke alarms monthly and replace alkaline batteries yearly.
Install carbon monoxide alarms close to bedrooms.
No smoking inside the house.
If your home was constructed before 1978:
Check for lead paint in your home.
Follow lead-safe practices when dealing with peeling or chipping paint.
Take precautions to prevent the spread of lead dust during painting, remodeling, or renovations.
Keep your living space tidy:
Remove clutter as it creates nesting areas for rodents and insects and can be a tripping hazard.
Clear floors of electrical cords and miscellaneous items like shoes, clothes, and toys.
Childproofing measures to prevent injuries:
Ensure cribs, playpens, and play equipment are safe.
Avoid placing soft objects, loose bedding, pillows, quilts, bumper pads, or stuffed toys in the crib.
Place infants on their backs for sleep.
Use cordless blinds and shades, or keep cords out of children's reach.
Cover electrical outlets.
If there is a firearm in the house, keep it unloaded and securely locked away, inaccessible to children.

Steps to Ensure a Healthier Kitchen Environment

Never use the stove or oven to heat the house.
Ventilation:
Utilize a range hood fan or kitchen exhaust fan.
Opt for fans that vent outside to prevent the accumulation of toxins and moisture indoors.
Carbon monoxide safety:
Install a carbon monoxide alarm and test it regularly.
Change the batteries at least once a year, preferably during daylight saving time changes.
Avoid leaving food unattended on the stove.
Wear clothing with sleeves that aren't long and loose when cooking.
Safe cleaning and pest control:
Prefer the use of safe cleaning and pest control products. If harmful products are unavoidable:
Keep them securely locked away from children.
Read and follow the directions on the labels.
Dispose of these products safely.
Non-chemical pest control:
Prevent cockroaches, ants, and mice without relying on pesticides by:
Seal openings between rooms and to the outside.
Store food properly, clean up regularly, and cover trash and garbage cans.
Address and fix any leaks, wiping up spilled water promptly.
Use closed baits, traps, and gels only when necessary.
Avoid using bug bombs or foggers.
Child safety regarding cleaning products:
While cleaning products can be safe when used as directed, some cleaners, even in small amounts, are dangerous if ingested by children.
Examples of such products include bleach, detergent, oven cleaner, wood polish, shoe polish, and toilet and drain cleaners. Take appropriate precautions to keep these out of children's reach.

Steps to Ensure a Healthier Bathroom Environment

Asthma and other chronic respiratory conditions can be aggravated by pests and mold. Follow these steps to remedy the situation.

Install grab bars near the bathtub, shower, and toilet.
Use bathroom mats with nonslip rubber backs.
Keep prescription and over-the-counter medications out of reach of children by locking them in a medicine cabinet and using childproof caps.
Safely clean up moisture and mold by washing away mold with a bleach and water mixture (avoid mixing bleach with ammonia or other cleaners).
Open windows and use a bathroom exhaust fan that vents outside to reduce moisture buildup.

Steps to Ensure a Healthier Attic

Check for roof leaks.
Ensure proper attic ventilation to prevent mold growth due to excess moisture.
Seal gaps around roofing and attic openings to prevent rodents and insects from entering.
Keep the attic clutter-free to discourage nesting by pests.
If insulation needs to be removed or disturbed, hire an expert as older insulation may contain asbestos.

Steps to Ensure a Healthier Crawl Space, Utility, and Laundry Area

Maintain appliances by setting the water heater at 120°F to prevent burns and changing the furnace/AC filter regularly.
Have gas appliances and furnaces checked annually by a professional to ensure they are not releasing carbon monoxide (CO).
Properly vent the clothes dryer to the outside.
Test for radon and hire a specialist to address high levels if detected.
Safely store products used for cleaning, car maintenance, gardening, and pest control.

Steps to Ensure Healthier Stairways and Halls

Install stair gates at the top and bottom of stairs when children are present.
Ensure working light bulbs in overhead lights in hallways and above the stairs.
Prevent trips and falls on stairs by fixing loose or uneven steps and rails, attaching securely carpet or nonslip rubber treads, keeping stairs free of clutter, and installing handrails on both sides.

Steps to Ensure Better Outer Parts of Your House and Yard

Prevent pests by fixing any holes, cracks, and leaks on the exterior of the house.
Eliminate standing water and food sources for pests.
Keep trash cans covered with lids.
Maintain gutters, downspouts, and roofs to prevent moisture from entering the home.
Practice safe work practices when painting, remodeling, or renovating older homes (built before 1978) to avoid lead exposure.
Properly maintain septic tanks and private wells to prevent illness.
If you have a swimming pool, ensure self-closing and self-latching gates and four-sided fencing to prevent unintended access by small children.
If you have playground equipment in your yard, complete a playground safety checklist.
Prepare for disasters by having a shelter-in-place kit and fire escape routes in place.

Glossary

Acute: Refers to a condition or event that occurs rapidly and has a short duration.
Asbestos: A group of minerals with thin, long fibers that cannot be seen by the naked eye. These fibers can only be harmful if disturbed, as they become airborne and can be inhaled by people.
Carbon monoxide (CO): A gas that is odorless and colorless, typically produced when fuel sources are not completely burned. It can accumulate in homes or garages and can lead to sudden illness or even death in both humans and animals.
Chronic: Pertaining to a condition or situation that persists over a long period of time.
Clutter: Refers to piles or collections of household items such as clothing, magazines, or children's toys that are disorganized or in disorder.
Lead-safe work practices: Specific methods used to minimize lead exposure during home renovation or painting projects. These practices focus on reducing dust generation and implementing thorough cleanup procedures after work involving lead-based paint.
Radon: A gas that results from the natural breakdown of uranium in soil, rock, and water. Radon can seep into the air and be inhaled.
Toxic: Relating to substances or materials that are poisonous or harmful to living organisms.
Ventilation: The process of facilitating airflow within a space. Ventilation can be achieved through the use of exhaust fans or windows, ensuring fresh air circulation within a house.