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.
The staff and board of the Healthy Homes Coalition have been amazed at the way in which this community has stepped up, during hard times, to support our work. Together we are busy ensuring children have safe, healthy homes where they can shelter during the pandemic.
While Healthy Homes' staff left the office and began working remotely back in March of this year, our commitment to help parents provide healthier homes for their children continues. This unique partnership is easy for Healthy Homes, because keeping parents in the driver's seat has always been one of our core values. Our strategic plan says "we will use a family-centered approach to promote housing environments where children thrive and achieve their highest potential."
In January 2020, the Healthy Homes Coalition was notified that the voter-approved Ready by Five Early Childhood Millage would be supporting efforts to increase primary prevention of lead poisoning and other housing-related health outcomes for children in Kent County. This culminated years of work with numerous partners who provide home visiting services in an effort to check and test homes before children are hurt.
Then COVID-19 hit...