Children and pregnant women are particularly vulnerable to the toxic effects of household chemicals and all care should be taken to reduce exposure by using safer products and methods to clean and control pests. Find out more about what is in your products and safer solutions through the following resources.
General
Household Products Database Information on the chemicals in your products from the National Institute of Medicine. A Healthy Environment Starts At Home (Massachusetts Water Resources Guide to Reducing Household Hazardous Products)
See our Research section for information on chemicals in household dust.
Building Materials
Formaldehyde in Wood Products (Healthy Building Network) Find out about sources of formaldehyde, health effects and alternatives.
Volatile Organic Compounds In Your Home (MN Dept. of Health)
Quick Guide to Green Tenant Improvements (City of Seattle)
See more on green products and renovation guidance at Building, Maintenance and Renovation.
Cleaners
Cleaning for Home Health (Inform, Inc.)
Asthmagens in Institutional Cleaners (Inform, Inc.)
10 Ways to find Safer Cleaners (Toxics Use Reduction Institute, MA)
Fragrances
Massachusetts Nurses Association has information on the chemicals in fragrances and resources for fragrance-free products and policies.
Pest Control
(Building and Grounds) National Pesticide Information Center Factsheets on pesticides and links to least-toxic products and safer pest control.
Simple Steps to an Organic Lawn (Marblehead Pesticide Awareness Committee)
See more under Integrated Pest Management.
Falls and Injury
With respect to Healthy Homes, Unintentional Injury can encompass many potential safety hazards including poisonings, such as from carbon monoxide or chemicals; falls; electrocution; fires and burns. Unintentional injuries are the fifth leading cause of death in the U.S., and injuries in the home are the second leading cause of unintentional injuries.
According to the National Safety Council, in 2007, falls in the home and community caused or led to 20,600 deaths. While all age groups are vulnerable, older adults are most at risk for falls within the home. Particular attention should also be paid to children and their risk for falls from windows. Below we provide you with some links to important national resources for preventing injuries in the home. Also, see your state department of public health’s webpage.
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http://asthmaregionalcouncil.org/tools-and-resources/topics/healthy-homes/home-hazards/
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