This year, HUD is recognizing April as National Healthy Homes Month. What is a “Healthy Home”?  

The US Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) offers this definition: “Healthy Homes” is a century-old concept that promotes safe, decent and sanitary housing as a means for preventing disease and injury. Emerging scientific evidence links health outcomes such as asthma, lead poisoning and unintentional injuries to substandard housing. There are more than 6 million substandard housing units nationwide.

This year’s theme is “Making an Impact.” The condition of your home can have an impact on your health and the health of your family.  

For example, homes with moisture issues can have mold, which may be an asthma trigger. In homes built before 1978, peeling or chipping lead-based paint can be hazardous to young children. Loose or rotting boards may cause trips and falls.  

What can you do to ensure that your home makes a positive impact on your family’s health? The National Center for Healthy Housing (NCHH) has developed a checklist for home maintenance that may help. If you want additional information, try HUD’s “Help Yourself to a Healthy Home.” 

One of the ways you can create your own healthy home is to follow HUD’s Office of Lead Hazard Control and Healthy Homes Eight Principles of a Healthy Home. You can also visit DHEC’s Lead webpagefor more information. If you have questions about lead poisoning prevention, please call 1.866.4NOLEAD or 1.866.466.5323.