User:Crayolatwo/Kenosha County Healthy Homes Initiative

The Healthy Homes Initiative is a program through the [Kenosha County Division of Health] that focuses on creating safer and healthier environments for children with asthma and the elderly. It was made possible through a grant from the United States Department of Housing and Urban Development.

Overall the program aims to follow the National Center for Healthy Housing's seven principles of healthy homes, which include:
 * Dry: eliminate dampness and control moisture
 * Clean: regularly clean to reduce infestations and contaminants
 * Pest-Free: mice and cockroaches can cause asthma in children
 * Safe: falls (often caused by tripping) are the most common cause of residential injuries to children
 * Contaminant-free: problems include lead, radon, pesticides, volatile organic compounds, and environmental tobacco smoke
 * Ventilated: fresh air supply improves repiratory health and can help prevent radon gas poisoning
 * Maintained: poorly maintained homes often result in moisture problems and infestations

Testing for Air Quality
The Healthy Homes Initiative does a few tests in order to determine the air quality of the home. Their focus is on problems that can cause reactions in people with asthma, such as allergy triggers. They check the carbon monoxide and dioxide levels for rooms, which is an indication of the quality of air flow. They also look for tobacco smoke, dust mites, and pests, which can cause allergic reactions. Smoke and carbon monoxide detectors and fire extinguishers can also be installed by the program.

Fall Hazards
For people over the age of 65, the Healthy Homes Initiative looks for situations that fall under the category of fall hazards. Examples of hazards that they look for are broken or missing steps or railings, poor lighting, clutter, and unsafe rugs or carpets. The program will install better lights, railings, and grab bars in bathrooms in order to create a safer and easier space to live in.