There are a number of housing-related environmental hazards, such as poor indoor air quality, asthma triggers, lead paint, hazardous household chemicals, drinking water, pest infestation, physical injury risk and fire. Depending on the inhabitants of the home, some hazards may be more of a concern than others. For example, a home with young children may be more concerned with removing lead paint, installing window guards and properly storing household products and medications stored out of reach of children, whereas a home with elderly inhabitants may focus on preventing falls and injuries.
In this section we provide a brief introduction to many of these hazards and point you to more extensive resources. We start with home assessment tools and general tips, and then cover more specific hazards. You will see that while the list of hazards are extensive, many have similar root causes and all can be addressed through adherence to the Seven Healthy Homes Principles.
We also direct you to advocacy resources where they are available, such as public service announcements for carbon monoxide poisoning prevention; or specific campaigns that cab be promoted by community organizations such as “January is Radon Awareness Month.”
Home Hazards
• Asthma triggers (Indoor)
• Chemicals
• Dust mites
• Mold and Moisture
• Pests
• Pet dander
• Secondhand smoke
• Chemicals (Household Products, Building Materials)
• Falls and Injury
• Gases (Radon, Carbon Monoxide)
• Lead
Indoor Asthma Triggers
Asthma triggers are substances, events, or activities, that “bring on” asthma symptoms such as coughing, wheezing, and shortness of breath. Allergens, viral infections, irritants, exercise, breathing cold air, and weather changes are all considered asthma triggers. Exposure and sensitization to the following allergens and irritants found in the home and other indoor environments are major factors in the development and/or exacerbation of asthma.
• Chemicals (such as fragrances and pesticides)
• Dust mites
• Mold/Moisture/Damp environments
• Pests (especially cockroaches and mice)
• Pet dander
• Secondhand smoke
• Wood smoke
Home Hazards
http://asthmaregionalcouncil.org/tools-and-resources/topics/healthy-homes/home-hazards/
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