The key to healthier homes is understanding the connection between housing hazards and health. Housing conditions effect health directly and indirectly. A healthy home is a home that supports and enhances the physical, mental, and social wellbeing of an individual or family.
Pollutants that can impact indoor air quality include radon, lead, asbestos, mold, tobacco smoke, and household chemicals such as cleaning products, pesticides, and paint. Other factors include ventilation systems, cooking practices, and excess moisture from leaks or condensation.
The eight principles of healthy housing is to keep it:
- Dry
- Clean
- Pest-free
- Well-ventilated
- Safe
- Contaminant Free
- Maintained
- Thermally Controlled
The Healthy Homes program is a no-cost resource for all Indian River county residents. The program concentrates on indoor health and safety by completing an assessment with the resident and providing information and recommending no to low-cost solutions as needed.
The Healthy Homes program provides, educational materials that explain how hazards develop and how to reduce or remove them, information about relevant resources , referrals to free or low-cost services and solutions, and assistance with applications for grants or low interest loans.
healthy homes assessment
The free Healthy Homes assessment evaluates the structure and condition of the home and focuses on providing education and information to improve the indoor air quality and safety within the home. The program assessment is organized around the eight principles of healthy housing and makes recommendations for simple changes that can improve indoor air quality and reduce housing hazards.