New Healthy Housing Standards Released

June 18, 2014- Key public health and housing leaders unveiled a new National Healthy Housing Standard last month in Washington. The National Center for Healthy Housing (NCHH) and the American Public Health Association (APHA) developed the Standard -- a health-focused property maintenance policy targeting America’s 100 million existing homes -- single family, multifamily, rental and owner occupied.  

In September 2013, NCHH found that 35 million (or 40 percent) of metropolitan homes in the U.S. have one or more health and safety hazards as reported in The State of Healthy Housing, a comprehensive study of housing conditions in 46 metropolitan areas. That study draws on data from the American Housing Survey, which found that 6.3 million housing units are considered to be substandard—a statistic that has remained relatively static for over a decade.

Between 20 and 30 percent of asthma cases are linked to home environmental conditions, for instance. About 21,000 lung cancer deaths result from radon in homes. Over 24 million homes that have lead-based paint hazards put children at risk of the irreversible neurologic effects of lead poisoning.

“While we have made great strides in improving the quality of housing nationwide, too many Americans are left making the false choice between affordable or quality housing. Families deserve access to quality and affordable housing,” said HUD Secretary, Shaun Donovan.

To read more click here.

Carnow Conibear and Associates is a demonstrated leader in the occupational and environmental health professions since 1975. To find out more, click here or call us at (800) 860-4486.