Healthy Homes

At Lorain County Public Health we know that where you live impacts your overall health. Since most people spend most of their time indoors, it’s important to keep the indoor environment safe and healthy.

There are 8 key principles to a healthy home:

1. Keep it dry - learn about mold
2. Keep it clean
3. Keep it pest-free - learn about bed bugs
4. Keep it safe
5. Keep it contaminant-free - learn about lead
6. Keep it ventilated
7. Keep it maintained
8. Keep it energy efficient

Follow these steps to help improve the health of your home:

• Repair leaks and maintain dehumidifiers and/or air conditioning units to prevent mold growth
• Clean the home often (i.e. flooring, bedding, furniture, etc.)
• To prevent pests: keep food in sealed containers, remove pet food & water daily, properly store and get rid of trash
• Install carbon monoxide and smoke detectors in the home
• Install locks on cabinets that contain hazardous chemicals, cleaning supplies, or medicines
• Test the home for radon and/or lead
• Clean the vents in the kitchen, bathroom and dryer for proper ventilation
• Install/repair insulation, weather-stripping, and window efficiency

If you have any concerns about the health of your home, contact LCPH at 440-322-6367. Click here to ask about any healthy homes issues. 

Environmental hazards inside your home to be aware of include (but are not limited to): water leaks, moisture, mold, dust, allergens, bed bugs, cockroaches, chemicals, asbestos, lead, carbon monoxide, and radon. While some of the environmental hazards are visible (e.g. moisture/water damage, mold growth, or pest/rodent infestation), others are invisible (e.g. carbon monoxide or radon), and they all can pose a significant risk to your overall health.

Helpful Resources

• Green and Healthy Homes Initiative Website
• HUD Healthy Homes Website
• National Center for Healthy Housing
• CDC Guidelines for Healthy Homes