CREATING AND MAINTAINING A HEALTHY INDOOR ENVIRONMENT

Kandace Fisher McLean Housing and Environmental Design Specialist

HELP YOURSELF TO A HEALTHY HOME: PROTECTING YOUR CHILDREN’S HEALTH

Booklet designed to help you identify safety risks and hidden dangers in the home.

Developed by the Healthy Homes Partnership. Funded by the HUD office of Healthy Homes and Lead

Hazard Control in partnership with USDA-NIFA.

Available in English, Spanish, Vietnamese, Bosnian, Hmong, and Arabic.

WHY CONCENTRATE ON CHILDREN?

Their bodies are growing!

Given their size, children eat, drink, and breathe more air than adults!

Children play and crawl on the ground.

Children depend on adults!

Even with a focus on children, everything in this booklet is useful to adults!

HELP YOURSELF TO A HEALTHY HOME The home has hidden dangers to a family’s health.

Most people spend 90% of their time indoors!

The air inside the home can be more harmful than

the air outdoors.

SEVEN HEALTHY HOMES PRINCIPLES Keep it DRY!

Keep it CLEAN!

Keep it WELL-VENTILATED!

Keep it PEST-FREE!

Keep it CONTAMINATE-FREE!

Keep it SAFE!

Keep it WELL-MAINTAINED!

KEEP IT DRY!

Prevent water from entering the home through leaks in roofs, poor drainage around the home, and interior plumbing leaks!

KEEP IT CLEAN! Control dust and pollutants, make sure surfaces are smooth and easily cleanable, decrease clutter, and utilize effective wet cleaning methods!

KEEP IT WELL-VENTILATED!

Provide fresh air through adequate ventilation of entire home; including bathroom and kitchen to reduce the intensity of toxins in interior spaces!

KEEP IT PEST-FREE!

Roaches, mice, ants, and other pests need food, water, and a warm place to live! Decrease ways for them to enter, reduce food availability, and utilize less toxic methods for getting rid of them!

KEEP IT CONTAMINATE-FREE!

Decrease lead hazards in pre-1978 homes.

Maintain clean floor and window areas utilizing a wet cleaning technique and fix decaying paint.

Test the home for radon.

Installation of radon mitigation system if levels are at or exceed 4 pCi/L.

KEEP IT SAFE!

Properly label and keep poisons out of reach.

Secure loose rugs; reduce hard and sharp surfaces. Keep smoke and carbon monoxide detectors working properly;

make fire extinguishers up to date and readily available.

KEEP IT WELL-MAINTAINED! Inspect, clean, and repair regularly!

Fix small problems before they become big problems!

MOLD AND MOISTURE

Mold grows on wet or damp surfaces.

Mold can be grey, black, white, orange, or green.

Mold can produce in the open or in hidden areas.

Mold has a musty smell.

MOLD AND MOISTURE

Mold produces spores; you cannot see them and they become airborne.

You breathe spores into your lungs and they can cause health issues.

People who are allergic to mold can have a reaction.

Can trigger asthma attacks.

WHERE DO I FIND MOLD? Bathrooms.

Showers or tubs, and on walls, ceiling, or floor.

Wet or damp basements or crawlspaces.

Leaky bathroom or kitchen sinks.

Attics under leaking roofs.

Wet clothes not dried fast enough.

WHERE DO I FIND MOLD?

Windows and walls where condensation collects.

Closets.

Underneath wallpaper or carpet.

In your air-conditioner.

MOLD AND MOISTURE ACTION STEPS, THINGS YOU CAN DO

Gutters and downspouts should be clean, in good repair, and guiding water away from building.

Slope dirt away from buildings foundation and assure there is no water sitting around foundation.

Make sure exhaust fans are vented to the outside and are in good working order.

MOLD AND MOISTURE ACTION STEPS, THINGS YOU CAN DO

Inspect and repair leaking roofs, walls, doors, and windows.

Utilize storm windows to prevent moisture collection.

Cover basement window wells if they leak.

Appliances that produce moisture must vent to outside (clothes dryer).

MOLD AND MOISTURE ACTION STEPS, THINGS YOUR TENANTS CAN DO

Those with allergies or asthma should keep away from damp areas in home.

Make sure all surfaces are clean and dry, wipe up spills immediately.

Store laundry clean and dry, not wet in laundry basket or washing machine.

Wipe down shower walls after bathing or showering.

MOLD AND MOISTURE ACTION STEPS, THINGS YOUR TENANTS CAN DO

Run exhaust fan/open windows during and for 20 minutes after showering, bathing, cooking, and dishwashing.

Throw away wet carpeting, cardboard boxes, or anything else wet for more than 2 days. Begin drying wet items immediately.

Report leaky faucets, plumbing, etc. immediately to maintenance or landlord.

MOLD AND MOISTURE ACTION STEPS, THINGS YOUR TENANTS CAN DO

Increase air movement by opening doors and windows, especially in problem areas. Move furniture and other items away from walls and other

areas where mold may be growing.

Utilize a dehumidifier or air-conditioner to dry damp areas.

Use auto-fan setting on air-conditioner.

Don’t leave water sitting in drip pans, sinks, tubs, etc.

MOLD AND MOISTURE ACTION STEPS, THINGS YOUR TENANTS CAN DO

Houseplants add to the humidity of a home.

Check relative humidity in your home. Humidity should not be over 50%, stop using humidifier if

humidity exceeds 50%.

Rinse humidifier out with water daily. Disinfect with chlorine bleach every couple of days (1/2 cup of

bleach to 1 gallon of water). *Never mix products containing ammonia and chlorine bleach!

CLEANING UP MOLD – ADVICE FOR TENANTS

Area of mold greater than 15 square feet, hire a professional (contact property management to contact a professional).

Clean up mold with a mixture of laundry detergent or dishwashing soap and water.

After mold clean-up, a HEPA vacuum or air cleaner may help rid the air of mold spores.

Chlorine bleach is not needed in most cases to clean up mold!

CLEANING UP MOLD – USING BLEACH

Professional judgment may recommend bleach if area needs sterilization in the event an immune compromised person lives in home.

Scrub surface with water and detergent first.

Water down bleach (1 cup of bleach for 10 cups of water). *Never mix products containing chlorine bleach and ammonia.

Spray or sponge bleach mixture on moldy surface. Leave 15 minutes, rinse, and dry.

CLEANING UP MOLD – USING BLEACH

Adequately ventilate space where chlorine bleach is being utilized; exhaust air to outdoors.

Keep chlorine bleach out of the reach of children and pets.

Chlorine bleach takes color out of fabric and carpets. Do not spill or splash.

CLEANING UP MOLD – ADVICE FOR TENANTS Wear long sleeves and pants, shoes and socks,

rubber gloves, goggles to protect eyes, N-95 respirator. Ordinary gloves will do for soap and water use; use

gloves made from natural rubber, neoprene, nitrile, polyurethane, or PVC when using bleach.

Open a window to let in fresh air while cleaning.

Throw away carpet, mattresses, and cardboard boxes that have been wet for more than 2 days.

CLEANING UP MOLD – ADVICE FOR TENANTS If throwing items away, wrap in plastic to prevent

spreading mold.

Dry any items found wet immediately!

Scrub surfaces with a brush if needed; rinse area with clean water, dry quickly by wiping water away, and utilize a fan.

TESTING FOR MOLD?

Tell tenants to see a doctor if they think mold might be causing health problems, only a doctor can confirm this.

Health problems come more from length of exposure/amount of mold than the TYPE of mold.

Most experts think its better to spend time and money on clean-up rather than on testing.

WHY PEST FREE? Some pests are connected with asthma or asthmatic

symptoms.

Rats and mice transmit diseases and rate bites remain a large problem in the U.S.

Signs of daytime Cockroaches = severe infestation!

One cockroach and its frass can initiate an asthma attack.

Mouse urine can initiate an asthma attack.

WHY PEST FREE? From a study of 622 rat bites in Philadelphia:

Majority of rat bites occurred in the bedroom; midnight to 8am.

Most bites took place in warm months.

More bites in communities below poverty level.

86% of victims were asleep while bitten.

Large quantity of victims were less than 1 year old!

WHAT IS INTEGRATED PEST MANAGEMENT (IPM)?

The coordinated use of information about pests, the environment, and evidence based pest control methods to prevent and manage pest infestations.

Pests need food, water, and a place to hide.

Take these away and start to resolve pest problems sustainably.

WHY USE INTEGRATED PEST MANAGEMENT?

Utilizes economical techniques and lowest danger to people, property, and the environment.

Emphasizes preventative actions; discover base of issue prior to infestation. In conjunction with weatherization (energy efficiency) and

healthy homes practices.

WHY USE INTEGRATED PEST MANAGEMENT?

Limits Exposure to Public Health Pests

Reduces Costs

Follow HUD’s 7 Healthy Homes Principles

5 BASIC STEPS TO IPM Inspect and Monitor

Identify Pests

Compare Observations to Action Thresholds

Take Control

Evaluate Effectiveness

PESTICIDE USE AND IPM

Consider This! Protect People, Pets, and the Environment

Reduce Risk

Address Illegal Pesticide Use

IPM BASICS Establish property wide system that finds, identifies,

documents, and responds to a pest prior to infestation.

Which pests live at the property and are a threat locally?

What modifications to building or landscaping could be made to avert pests?

Where are active infestations situated?

For each infested area: What has been done?, Did it work?, What else can be tried?

IPM TEAM IPM Coordinator

Property Manager

Pest Management Professional

Maintenance and Custodial Staff

Landscapers

Residents

Resident Support Staff

PEST ACTION STEPS – THINGS YOU CAN DO

Seal cracks, gaps, and holes where pests can get in!

Silicone caulk, copper mesh, screens, and door sweeps.

Repair loose or torn window screens.

Repair broken windows.

Promptly repair plumbing and roof leaks.

PEST ACTION STEPS-THINGS YOUR TENANTS CAN DO

Wash children’s hands, bottles, pacifiers, and toys often.

Regularly clean floors, windowsills, and other surfaces.

Keep a tight lid on trash cans and empty them often.

Store food in tightly sealed containers.

PEST ACTION STEPS-THINGS YOUR TENANTS CAN DO

Eat at the table. Don’t walk around with food.

Wipe up spills and crumbs immediately.

Clean up dirty dishes immediately.

Don’t leave water sitting in sinks, pet bowls, etc.

PEST ACTION STEPS-THINGS YOUR TENANTS CAN DO

Pests need Water! Report leaks to maintenance immediately! Do not leave water in sinks or tubs over night!

Wash linens, vacuum floors, shampoo pets often and treat them for fleas.

Pests need a home! Get rid of newspapers, papers, bags, and cardboard.

PEST ACTION STEPS-THINGS YOUR TENANTS CAN DO

Monitor bags and boxes for roaches prior to bringing them in; don’t let them “hitchhike” home with you!

Teach children not to share combs, hats, or coats at school or daycare.

Organize non-food materials so that pest actions can be seen.

Reduce clutter.

EVALUATING YOUR IPM PROGRAM

Cost

Health Impacts

Efficiency

SPREAD YOUR SUCCESS

Expand Your Program

Create Strategic Partnerships

Explore Funding Opportunities

REFERENCES Healthy Homes Partnership. Help Yourself to a Healthy Home:

Protecting Your Children’s Health Funded by Funded by the HUD office of Healthy Homes and Lead

Hazard Control in partnership with USDA-NIFA Book Ordering Information http://www.healthyhomespartnership.net/Pages/Educators-

Resources.aspx Stop Pests in Housing. Integrated Pest Management: A Guide to

Affordable Housing http://www.stoppests.org/stoppests/assets/File/IPM-Guide-for-Affordable-

Housing.pdf U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. Making

Homes Healthier for Families Includes guide to the Seven Tips for Keeping a Home Healthy http://portal.hud.gov/hudportal/HUD?src=/program_offices/healthy_homes/

healthyhomes

REFERENCES National Center for Healthy Housing-Healthy Homes Training

Center. Keep it Pest-Free, Essentials for Healthy Homes Practitioner Training http://www.nchh.org/LinkClick.aspx?fileticket=JgP4Ji7CVog%3D&tab

id=457 Environmental Protection Agency. A Brief Guide to Mold,

Moisture, and Your Home http://www.epa.gov/mold/pdfs/moldguide.pdf

CONTACT INFORMATION: KANDACE FISHER-MCLEAN

HOUSING AND ENVIRONMENTAL DESIGN SPECIALIST UNIVERSITY OF MISSOURI-EXTENSION

FISHERKL@MISSOURI.EDU WWW.EXTENSION.MISSOURI.EDU/STLOUIS

10650 GATEWAY BLVD., ST. LOUIS, MO 63136 (314) 400-7657