The Green & Healthy Homes Initiative™ has developed the 8 Elements of a Green & Healthy Home, a holistic strategy for creating green, healthy and safe homes to improve the health, safety and well-being of children and families.  This strategy seeks to reduce health and safety risks in the home and lower energy costs.1  Read more about the 8 Elements and why they are important by clicking on the tabs below.

139709949DryGHHA dry home is a Green & Healthy Home. Water and moisture can lead to rot, mold and pests like mites, roaches and rodents that can cause asthma and other health and safety risks.2 To keep water from getting into your home, check roofs, gutters and plumbing for any disrepair that could cause leaks and make sure that you have good drainage around the outside of your home.1
78718721CleanGHHA clean home is a Green & Healthy Home. Dust and grime can increase the risk of pest infestation and can lead to asthma, allergies and other health and safety risks.2 Keep your home clean by controlling the source of dust and grime, making all home surfaces smooth and easy-to-clean, and getting rid of clutter. Use a mop, sponge, or paper towel with warm water and a general all-purpose cleaner to clean surfaces in your home regularly.1
128950026SafeGHHA safe home is a Green & Healthy Home. Protect your family from accidental poisoning by making sure that medications, cleaning products, pesticides and garden supplies are properly labeled and kept where children can’t get to them. Protect your family from falls, injury and even death by fixing rugs to the floor and taking out any hard or sharp surfaces in areas where kids play. Protect yourself from fire by installing smoke detectors and keeping a fire extinguisher near the kitchen.1,2
140752877VentGHHA well-ventilated home is a Green & Healthy Home. Poor air circulation can lead to less fresh air, more concentration of contaminants and moisture which can cause mold and pests in your home. This can increase the risk of respiratory illness, such as asthma, and other health problems. To keep the air in your home clean, make sure that you have good circulation throughout your home, especially in bathrooms and kitchens.2
LS021212A pest-free home is a Green & Healthy Home. Exposure to pests like cockroaches and mice can lead to more severe asthma symptoms in children or cause wear and tear to your home. Prevent pests by reducing their access to food, water and shelter. Make sure to seal any cracks or opening where pests may be able to get into your home and store food in plastic containers. To get rid of pests already in your home, use sticky-traps and baits in closed containers or less-toxic pesticides such as boric acid powder. Don’t use pesticides which may cause additional health risks for children.1
83643080ContamGHHA contaminant-free home is a Green & Healthy Home. Homes built before 1978 should be tested for lead-based paint and any chipping paint should be fixed to prevent lead poisoning. Asbestos, found in building materials in older homes, should be removed to prevent cancer. Homes should be tested for radon, a natural gas that can enter homes through soil or foundation cracks and cause cancer. Install a carbon monoxide detector to prevent carbon monoxide poisoning. Encourage your family to quit smoking to reduce secondhand smoke exposure which can lead to breathing problems, cancer and heart disease.1
83815229MaintainGHHA well-maintained home is a Green & Healthy Home. A poorly maintained home can increase the risk of many health and safety hazards including mold and moisture, pests, chipping lead paint, and other structural risks.2 Inspect and clean your home regularly and take care of minor repairs and problems before they get bigger.1
85007908EnergyGHHAn energy-efficient home is a Green & Healthy Home. Being energy efficient is good for the environment and it saves you money. Reduce how much energy you use by installing ENERGY STAR© appliances, Compact Fluorescent Light Bulbs (CFLs) and programmable controls for temperature, water and electricity. Reduce how much energy you waste by weatherizing your home with insulation, air-sealing, weather-stripping and energy efficient windows. Keep your home energy efficient by making sure that heating and cooling systems are well maintained to keep good air and temperature flow throughout your home.1

Sources

1 Green & Healthy Homes Initiative™: The 8 Elements of a Green & Healthy Home (http://www.greenandhealthyhomes.org/what-green-healthy-home)
2U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development: Making Homes Healthier for Families (http://portal.hud.gov/hudportal/HUD?src=/program_offices/healthy_homes/healthyhomes)