Environmental home health hazards are poisons and pollutants that tend to be invisible.
Such hazards include mold, mildew, pests, carbon monoxide and lead. These hazards can put you and your family at greater risk for developing asthma, allergies and cancer.
You can take steps to help prevent or get rid of environmental home health hazards by following the eight principles of healthy homes.
Green Cleaning
Green Cleaning: Keep potential irritants and toxins out of your home by using simple kitchen ingredients for your cleaning tasks.
Eight Principles of Healthy Homes
Keep It Dry!
Dry homes minimize moisture and mold which can trigger asthma attacks.
Prevent mold and water damage and deter roaches, mice and other pests by checking your plumbing, roof and draining systems for leaks.
Keep It Clean!
Clean homes have minimal dust and clutter. Clean homes help reduce pest infestations and exposure to contaminants.
Keep It Safe!
Install smoke/carbon monoxide detectors and fire extinguishers while taking other safety measures to prevent injuries. Most children's injuries occur in the home. Falls are the most frequent cause, followed by injuries from objects, burns and poisonings.
Keep It Ventilated!
Supply fresh air and eliminate the concentrations of radon, carbon monoxide and tobacco smoke in your home. Increasing the fresh air supply in a home improves respiratory health.
Keep It Climate Controlled!
Homes that do not have balanced temperatures may place your family at increased risk from exposure to extreme cold and heat.
Keep It Contaminant-Free!
Reduce the exposure to lead and other contaminants in your home. Lead is a major concern for homes but contaminants such as radon gas, carbon monoxide and second-hand tobacco smoke can collect indoors and become health hazards.
Keep It Pest-Free!
Seal cracks and openings to prevent insects and rodents from entering your home. Keeping out cockroaches, mice and other pests can help prevent asthma attacks and reduce the need for pesticide in your home.
Keep It Maintained!
Inspect, clean and repair your home routinely. 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 240,000 U.S. children.
Healthy Homes Resources
- Questions & Answers About Healthy Homes
- Checklist: Creating a Safe and Healthy Home
- Healthy Housing Data for Mississippi
- HUD: The Healthy Homes Program
- Guide for Reducing Health Hazards and Managing Repairs for Tenants and LandlordsPDF
- More resources and educational materialsIn English, Spanish and Vietnamese
- Lead hazards to look for if your home was built Before 1978
Other Resources
Contact this program by calling 601‑576‑7447 or writing to:
Mississippi Lead Poisoning Prevention and Healthy Homes Program
Mississippi State Department of Health
570 East Woodrow Wilson Drive
Jackson, MS 39216
