Healthy Housing

Some of the major health risks for children such as asthma, lead poisoning and injuries are often found in their home. Children are more vulnerable to health problems such as asthma, lead poisoning and injuries than adults. While children are growing, their brains and bodies are growing, too, and the systems in their bodies (such as their nervous system, lungs, and immune systems) are developing. Because of this, children can easily be harmed by things that might not harm adults in the same way, like dust, lead, and chemicals.

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency studies show that levels of air pollution inside the home are often two to five times higher than outdoor levels. In addition, the Environmental Protection Agency estimates that children spend on average 90% of their time indoors. Children are particularly vulnerable as their bodies take in proportionately greater amounts of environmental toxins than adults.

Homes with moderate or severe physical problems place residents at increased risk for fire, electrical injuries, falls, rodents bites, and other illnesses and injuries. Additional issues of concern include exposure to pesticide residues, indoor toxicants, tobacco smoke, and combustion gases. Asthma and quality of life issues have been linked to the conditions present in approximately 6 million housing unites nationwide. We know that more than 200,000 children in Massachusetts are not protected from smoke in their own homes, exposing children to increased risks of asthma attacks, Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS), and making them more likely to develop or be hospitalized for coughs, colds, ear infections, pneumonia or bronchitis. With proper education, home maintenance equipment, and testing, many of these home-related issues can be reduced or even eliminated.

MAAP works with governments, organizations, community health centers, and individuals around the state to work to improve the quality of the indoor home environment. Specifically, the MAAP Health Housing subcommittee aims to reduce exposures to factors that cause and/or exacerbate asthma in the home setting.