Creating a Healthy Home: Understanding the Essential Principles
We use the term "Healthy Home" a lot, but it's more than just buzzy language.
In 1990, EHW revolutionized residential health education with the launch of its Healthy Homes Catalog, providing vital resources for consumers and professionals to identify and comprehensively mitigate indoor health risks. We built on this work, launching the Blueprint for a Healthy House Conference in 1991, bringing together health and housing agencies with advocates. This effort was so successful that The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) adopted these criteria as the foundation for their Office on Healthy Homes, outlining essential principles that define a healthy home.
The belief that everyone should have the right to a healthy home still lives at the core of the work that we do every day. Let’s explore what each principle entails and how it impacts daily living.
1. Dry Environments
A dry home helps prevent issues like mold growth and structural damage. Moisture can accumulate due to leaks, poor ventilation, or excess humidity, creating conditions for mold, mildew, and pests. Keeping a home dry supports better air quality and prevents respiratory issues related to mold exposure.
2. Clean Spaces
A clean home reduces the presence of allergens, bacteria, and dust. Clutter and unclean surfaces can harbor germs and irritants that affect indoor air quality. Regular cleaning and proper waste management contribute to a healthier environment and minimize exposure to harmful particles.
3. Pest Free
A home free of pests such as rodents and cockroaches helps prevent the spread of disease. Pests often enter through small openings and thrive in unclean or humid environments. A well-maintained, clutter-free home with proper food storage discourages infestations.
4. Well-Ventilated
Air circulation plays a crucial role in maintaining indoor air quality. Poorly ventilated homes can trap pollutants, humidity, and airborne toxins. Proper airflow, achieved through ventilation systems and open windows, helps remove contaminants and regulate humidity levels.
5. Safe from Hazards
A safe home minimizes risks such as falls, burns, and poisoning. Hazards like unsecured rugs, poor lighting, and easily accessible chemicals can pose dangers, especially for children and elderly residents. Ensuring a home is physically safe reduces the likelihood of accidents and injuries.
6. Contaminant FREE
Toxins like lead, carbon monoxide, and asbestos can pose severe health risks. Identifying and eliminating sources of contamination—such as old paint, faulty heating systems, and household chemicals—ensures that residents are not exposed to harmful substances.
7. Well Maintenanced
A consistently maintained home prevents minor issues from escalating into major hazards. Cracks in walls, plumbing leaks, and deteriorating appliances can contribute to unhealthy living conditions. Routine inspections and repairs keep a home in optimal condition, preserving both safety and comfort.
8. Thermally Controlled
Maintaining a stable indoor temperature is essential for well-being. A home that is too cold or too hot can lead to health issues such as hypothermia or heat-related illnesses. Proper insulation, heating, and cooling systems ensure that indoor conditions remain comfortable year-round.
9. Accessibility
A truly healthy home is one that accommodates all individuals, including those with disabilities or mobility challenges. Features like ramps, wide doorways, non-slip flooring, and accessible bathrooms make a home safer and more inclusive. Ensuring that homes are designed or modified for accessibility allows all residents to live comfortably and independently.
10. Affordability
A healthy home should also be an affordable one. Safe and clean living conditions should not be a luxury but a standard accessible to everyone. Affordable housing ensures that families can maintain proper maintenance, heating, and ventilation without financial strain. Policies and programs that promote accessible, cost-effective housing solutions are essential in making healthy homes a reality for all.
By understanding these principles, homeowners and renters can recognize what makes a home truly healthy. Identifying risks and addressing them proactively leads to a safer, more comfortable living space for all occupants. If you have questions about how we can work with you or your community around healthy homes, call us today!