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.
Here at Healthy Homes, we have a small, but mighty volunteer force. And, possibly no volunteer is more known around the offices as a go-to helper than Alex Markham. She has been a very regular giver of time, talent, and passion over the past three years, and we are thankful to have her as part of the team.
This fall, Healthy Homes is starting a new lead education program to help any local family who wants to learn more about lead, and how to manage lead hazards in their home.
Hugo Claudin is the newest full-time staff member in the Healthy Homes direct services department. He will be working directly with families struggling with environmental hazards in their homes, visiting them, making action plans for them, and building relationships with them. Hugo brings a unique perspective and experience to this position. Before coming here, he previously worked for Spectrum Health, LINC, and The Red Project, all in a community health capacity. He is also a well-known artist and musician, and an all-around interesting guy.