Posted on June 19, 2019
June 2019 is the 4th annual National Healthy Homes Month (NHHM), led by the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). This year’s theme is “Growing Up Safe and Healthy, 5 Minutes to a Healthy Home.”
According to HUD, “This month-long celebration offers an opportunity to learn more about housing, its impact on health, and provide resources to encourage local activities as well as empower families to protect themselves from hazards in their home.”
Most interesting this year is the the Post Disaster Housing Repair and Restoration app and online information that includes information on asbestos. In addition to the month of information, HUD is also hosting a series of webinars to offer simple steps you can take to assess risks in your homes and ways to eliminate said risks.
As ADAO says and believes, “Hear Asbestos. Think Prevention.” Take a minute and download our one-page flyer about identifying asbestos in your home.
We urge you to follow EPA’s Asbestos Dos and Don’ts for the Homeowner:
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- Do leave undamaged asbestos-containing materials alone.
- Do keep activities to a minimum in any areas with damaged material that may contain asbestos, including limiting children’s access to any materials that may contain asbestos.
- Do take every precaution to avoid damaging asbestos-containing material.
- Do have removal and major repair done by people trained and qualified in handling asbestos. It is highly recommended that sampling and minor repair also be done by a trained and accredited asbestos professional.
- Don’t dust, sweep, or vacuum debris that may contain asbestos.
- Don’t saw, sand, scrape, or drill holes in asbestos-containing materials.
- Don’t use abrasive pads or brushes on power strippers to strip wax from asbestos flooring. Never use a power stripper on flooring that may contain asbestos.
- Don’t sand or try to level asbestos flooring or its backing. When asbestos flooring needs replacing install new floor covering over it, if possible.
- Don’t track material that could contain asbestos through the house. If you cannot avoid walking through the area, have it cleaned with a wet mop. If the material is from a damaged area or if a large area must be cleaned, call an asbestos professional.
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ADAO is also taking advantage of Healthy Homes Month by highlighting some new content from health and safety professionals from ADAO’s Prevention Advisory Board. Keep an eye out throughout the month for expert tips and strategies for keeping your home asbestos-free and as healthy as possible!
Together, we are making the world a safer — and healthier — place!
Linda