December 12th, 2018
Introduction
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Healthy Homes and Lead Poisoning Prevention Branch (HHLPPB) recognizes the need to address housing related issues, including lead exposure, in a more comprehensive manner.
The HHLPPB also recognizes a need to provide guidance to an increasing number of state, tribal, territorial, and local Childhood Lead Poisoning Prevention Programs (CLPPPs) as they expand into Healthy Homes programs. This guidance seeks to assist CLPPPs—and other agencies involved in health or housing issues—in developing a comprehensive Healthy Homes program.
Overview of Health and Housing: Context for Transition
Florence Nightingale once said that “The connection between the health and the dwelling of the population is one of the most important that exists.” Although it is clear that the health of the family depends on having homes that are safe and free from hazards, much work remains to clarify these connections. Some 38 million US homes have lead-based paint hazards that can lead to childhood lead poisoning.1 In addition, injuries, respiratory diseases such as asthma, and quality of life issues have been linked to the conditions present in approximately 6 million housing units nationwide. Homes with moderate or severe physical problems place residents at increased risk for fire, electrical injuries, falls, rodent bites, and other illnesses or injuries. Additional issues of concern include exposure to pesticide residues, indoor toxicants, tobacco smoke, and combustion gases. The burning of oil, gas, and kerosene can release a variety of combustion products, such as carbon monoxide. With proper education, home maintenance equipment, or testing, many of these home-related issues can be reduced or eliminated.
Healthy Homes and Lead Poisoning Prevention
Healthy People 2020 is a national health agenda that envisions a society in which all people live long and healthy lives. A Healthy Homes program addresses Goal Two of that agenda: achieve health equity and eliminate health disparities. Healthy Homes also addresses eight proposed Healthy People 2020 Environmental Health objectives: