Healthy Homes and Lead Poisoning Prevention

Minnesota Department of HealthEnvironmental Health Division

January 2013

Housing impacts health

“The connection between health and the dwelling of the population is one of the most important that exists”

Florence Nightingale

Success in Reducing Lead HazardsComprehensive

system includes data/evaluation, enforcement, prevention, and hazard reduction

Guidelines established & partnerships nurtured

Brings together medical providers, public health, housing agencies/trades, and advocates

Support from CDC for LeadGrants to MDH for childhood lead poisoning prevention ended in 2012 after 18 years of funding

Initial steps taken to transition to healthy homes

Program areas at risk:Blood Lead Information System database triggers lead Enforcement process, supports grants (HUD, EPA), and informs health care

Statewide lead guidelinesEducation/outreach

What is a healthy home?US Surgeon General says:

“A healthy home is sited, designed, built, renovated, and maintained in ways that support the health of residents.”

CharacteristicsNational Center for Healthy Housing has established seven principals of healthy housing:

1. Dry2. Clean3. Pest-free4. Safe5. Contaminant-free6. Ventilated7. Maintained

Health Problems that can occur…AsthmaAllergiesInjuriesBrain damageBehavior and learning disabilities

PoisoningsLung CancerInformation taken from the National Center for Healthy Homes

Healthy Homes Strategic PlanInput from 7 meetings around the

stateA greater public health impact

because it promotes interrelated strategies:

Changes in structural conditions and building practices;

Modification of resident and property owners’ behaviors; and

Development or revision of policies, legislation, and service systems to enable healthy housing practices.

What to do

Alliance for HH & CommunitiesA group of affordable, green

and healthy homes non-profit organizations

Funded by BC/BS FoundationA three-year effort to build

bridges between different sectors: planning, public health, education, property management, building inspections, primary care providers, and more

Who will do it

SummaryA healthy home provides a foundation on which the citizens of Minnesota can build healthy, productive lives.

A multi-agency approach will work best

Interventions have proven positive return on investment

Yes, it’s about jobs…

http://www.health.state.mn.us/divs/eh/homes/

http://www.health.state.mn.us/divs/eh/lead/

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