Welcome to the Health Haven post!  My name is Jazmyne Boyd, and I am a public health fellow at WNC Bridge Foundation. I graduated from the University of South Carolina in 2022 with a Bachelor of Science in public health. I am very excited to share my knowledge and passion for bettering health in our communities!

The Green and Healthy Homes Initiative promotes a “whole-house strategy,” and the two elements we discussed last month were “Safe” and “Well -Ventilated.” This month, we will dive into the importance of maintaining a “Pest-Free” and “Contaminant-Free” home.

Pest-Free

Dealing with pests like dust mites, mice, rats, and cockroaches in your home isn’t just an issue of comfort—it can also be a serious health concern. These pests can contaminate food, and their waste can trigger asthma attacks and respiratory problems. Breathing in dust mite feces left in bedding, encountering mouse urine trails, or inhaling cockroach droppings can all lead to respiratory issues. To help keep pests out of your home, try washing bed linens weekly in hot water, using allergen-blocking mattress and pillow covers, lowering humidity with a dehumidifier, and only using pesticides when absolutely necessary. For more tips on pest prevention, click here.

Contaminant-Free

You may also be unknowingly exposed to harmful contaminants in your home. According to the Green & Healthy Homes Initiative (GHHI), lead and radon pose serious risks, particularly in older homes. Lead poisoning affects over 500,000 children under six each year in the U.S. Although symptoms can be hard to detect, lead exposure can lead to learning disabilities, behavior problems, hearing loss, and decreased IQ in children. In adults, lead exposure increases the risk of high blood pressure, depression, reproductive issues, and even early death. To protect your family, have a certified lead assessor evaluate your home, repair peeling or chipping paint, and ensure children are tested for lead exposure at 12 and 24 months. For more information on lead risks, click here. 

Radon is another silent threat that can enter your home through poor ventilation, wall cracks, or even the water supply. It is the leading cause of lung cancer in non-smokers, with 1 in 15 homes in the U.S. showing levels above the EPA’s concern threshold. To ensure your home is safe, contact a qualified contractor to test for and mitigate radon. For more details on radon, click here.

Preventing exposure to pests and harmful contaminants is possible. If you found this information helpful, share it with friends, neighbors, or anyone who might benefit. Thank you for reading—your health matters!