June is Healthy Homes Month

The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development’s (HUD) Office of Lead Hazard Control and Healthy Homes (OLHCHH) has declared June as “National Healthy Homes Month”.  Its main focus is to bring awareness and action to a variety of health issues caused from within a home dwelling. HUD estimates that close to 6 million homes in the U.S. have moderate to severe physical infrastructure problems. These can include water intrusion, injury hazards, pests, and HVAC deficiencies to name a few.

For more than ten years the OLHCHH has promoted the ‘Principles of a Healthy Home’ during National Healthy Homes Month. It’s not surprising that many of these principles are about maintaining good IAQ. In fact, number one on the list is Keep Your Home Dry, because moisture promotes mold and fungal growth. These will increase allergen and asthma triggers making it hard for occupants who suffer from these health conditions. Number two is Keep Your Home Clean from pests, dust, and exposure to contaminants. Finally, to round out the top 3 IAQ related principles for a healthy home is  number six, Keep Your Home Ventilated with a fresh air supply for improved respiratory health

How Healthy is Your Home?

There are a few different ways to assess the health of your home. Firstly, do a visual inspection of your home for cleanliness and to see if there are any issues like water damage or mold. You can also look to see if there are any signs of mold or dust collecting on the duct vents and returns. But what about the stuff you can’t see?

Do-It-Yourself Test Kits

Building Health Check has many specific kinds of IAQ test kits to help you maintain a healthy home. Above all, these kits are easy to use and include laboratory analysis with a detailed report of the findings. Using a DIY test kit can help to identify and determine how much of a contaminant is present in the area sampled. Then a report helps make plans to remedy any IAQ issues. There are kits for detecting Allergens, Bacteria, Dust Mites, Formaldehyde, Mold, Mycotoxin, and more.

What to do if There’s a Problem?

The scope of the issue will determine the path needed for remediation. For example, if there is mold growing in your ducts or HVAC system then, it’s best to contact professionals to hygienically clean the contaminated areas.

Healthy Home IAQ Maintenance

It’s always a good idea to have a well-managed plan for keeping a clean house. A normal routine of topical cleaning, dusting, vacuuming, mopping, etc. sets a solid foundation for a healthy home. But there are ways to go above and beyond.

Air Purification

An air purifiers, like AeraMax Pro, are an efficient way to monitor and clean the air of both particulates and odors. Used in conjunction with the normal air exchange, they provide optimal IAQ for the room where they operate. Many of these air purifiers are energy efficient and are “smart”, sensing when the condition of the air changes then adjusting the mode of cleaning. Most have filters used for a specific need or combination filters for broader use. Air Purifiers are great for improving the IAQ in the home.

Learn More About Healthy Homes

Get better informed about the air quality and conditions of your indoor environment and keep your home healthy. Like HUD, Building Health Check also remains committed to helping educate people and advocate for healthier living and working environments.

For more information on Healthy Homes Month, DIY IAQ Testing, AeraMax, or Halosil please call 1-800-422-7874 ext 404 or email hcho@indoorairtest.com

To order products please visit Indoor Air Test.