Make Your Property Asthma FriendlyIf people can’t breathe, they don’t stay. Properties with more asthma triggers can lead to higher turnover rates.
Mold and Moisture can be triggers for people with asthma and allergies. Before renting out your property there are a few things you can do to address issues of mold and moisture. Addressing mold and moisture will help improve tenant retention and will increases the value of your property. Promptly address reports of leaks and moisture. Maintain roofs, gutters, and drainage. Provide dehumidifiers for damp basements. Consider installing mechanical ventilation in bathroom and kitchens, because who wants to shower next to an open window on a cold winter day?
Rodents and pests not only destroy your property, but they can also be triggers for asthma and allergies. The longer an infestation persists, the more the allergens build up around the house.
Current evidence shows that carpeting is problematic for people with allergies and asthma. Dust mites and other particulates that are contained within carpeting can be triggers. Despite the greater cost upfront, replacing carpets with durable, hard-surfaced flooring can be more cost-effective in the long run by reducing maintenance costs at turnover.
By enforcing smoke-free housing policies, you are providing a safe and attractive place to live. Secondhand smoke increases the severity and number of asthma attacks, and has be proven to even contribute tot he development of asthma in young children. HUD provides a useful guide on the benefits of implementing smoke-free housing.
For more information on making your property asthma friendly, contact the Healthy Homes Coalition.
More than ten million school days are missed each year due to asthma.
Toolkit for Smoke Free Housing(6.2 MB)
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.