Gases like radon and carbon monoxide can be deadly and are undetectable without proper testing. Deadly effects from these gases are 100% preventable.
Carbon monoxide is an odorless and tasteless gas that can be given off during the burning of fuel. It is the leading cause of poisoning deaths in the United States. The Healthy Homes Coalition offers FREE carbon monoxide detectors to families in Grand Rapids, Kentwood and Wyoming that have children in the home under the age of fourteen. Contact the Healthy Homes Coalition to set up an appointment today.
Radon is the second leading cause of lung cancer in the United States. Only smoking causes more lung cancer. There are no early symptoms of radon exposure and no easy way to test individuals for exposure. The best prevention is to test the home.
Radon test kits are available at the Healthy Homes Coalition for $5. Participants in the Healthy Homes for Healthy Kids program can received a free radon test kit. All test kits are free to the public during the month of January. Test kits are available for purchase at the Healthy Homes Coalition's offices at 1545 Buchanan Ave SW Ste 2, Grand Rapids, MI 49507.
Particulate matter is a mixture of particles. Particulate matter can come from a number of sources including household cleaners, chemical air fresheners, cigarette smoke, and unventilated gas stoves and heaters. Exposure to particulate matter can trigger asthma symptoms as well as increase risk to respiratory and cardiovascular health.
The Healthy Homes Coalition can help parents and landlords test their homes for radon and provide guidance on how to make repairs.
We spent a lovely afternoon connecting with Keith from EcoPrint GR and had an opportunity to learn about their choice to use sustainable printing, and to thank them for sponsoring our event invitations for this year's Building Healthy Futures Luncheon.
Jackie Hernandez is Healthy Homes' newest staff addition and we are lucky to have her skills, passion, and drive on the team as she continues her legacy of serving the community.
Flint brought national attention back to lead in water in homes and schools, but a critical gap isn't being addressed: childcare facilites. 4 million children in the United States under 5 spend most of their days in commercial or residential based childcare facilities. Kids under 5 are the most vulnerable population to lead exposure. They are the ones who absorb lead the easiest, and who lead harms the most.