Healthy Homes Month celebrated in June

    Southwest Nebraska Public Health Department is celebrating Healthy Homes Month in  June by encouraging residents to take some time to check your home for health hazards.
    The home is essential to a  family’s overall health.
    According to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, housing quality can have a big impact on health, especially for children and people who are elderly or disabled.
    Children are more vulnerable to home hazards due to their small size. They take in more food, water and air relative to their body size, so they are more likely to be harmed by chemicals and toxins. They also may spend more time on the floor, closer to potential health hazards, like lead dust or chemicals on floors.
    There are many ways to make sure a home is a healthy place to live. Here are a few things to look for.
    Look around plumbing, bathrooms, basements or other areas for signs of mold or dampness that could lead to mold. Get rid of any mold you find with bleach or other mold treatments.
    If the home was built before 1978, check for lead-based paint, asbestos and other harmful hazards. EPA.gov has resources to find testing or a certified assessor.
    Check for other sources of lead. The most common sources of lead besides paint are lead pipes, faucets and fixtures. Lead dust may also be brought into the home on work clothes, shoes, and hair.
    Make sure there is a good, working ventilation system and working smoke and carbon monoxide detectors.
    Test smoke and carbon monoxide detectors monthly and replace the batteries annually.
    Inspect the home’s heating system by checking outside vents for correct sealing and have any chimneys inspected and cleaned.
    Inspect wood-burning stoves twice monthly and inspect water heaters once a year. Repair or replace them as needed.
    Test for radon every two years or use an air quality monitor that includes radon levels. Radon causes lung cancer over time, so if radon level is high, contact a radon mitigator.
    Reducing exposure to health and safety hazards in the home can significantly improve your health in the long run, said SWNPHD director Myra Stoney.
    For more information call SWNPHD at 308-345-4223, or check their website: swhealth.ne.gov.