FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                              Connecticut Department of Public Health

April 29, 2011                                                             William Gerrish

                                                                                    (860) 509-7270

Public Health Department and Realtors join together to prevent environmental hazards in the home

Hartford – In the market for a new house, condo, or apartment? If so, you’re likely interested in your potential new home’s curb appeal, number of bath and bedrooms, neighborhood, and other similar considerations. 

But state health officials want you to be aware of something else - potential hazards like lead, mold, carbon monoxide, and other environmental conditions in the home that could affect your health. 

That’s why the Connecticut Department of Public Health (DPH), in collaboration with the Connecticut Association of Realtors (CAR), have collaborated to produce a resource guide for homeowners and prospective homebuyers, as well as landlords and tenants, about environmental hazards that may affect their residential property. 

“Whether you’re a homeowner or renter, or buying or selling, this guide is important for you,” stated DPH Commissioner Dr. Jewel Mullen. “This guide will provide you with the information you need to make an informed decision about environmental hazards that may be present on your property, and give you the tools to help ensure a healthy home.” 

Gene Fercodini, President of the Connecticut Association of REALTORS®, Inc. said, “This collaboration is a natural fit for our organization. Realtors® spend every day working with consumers to guide them through the home buying and selling process. Healthy homes build strong communities and this book gives homeowners the resources they need to ensure that they are maintaining as healthy an environment as possible in their home. I hope Connecticut’s homeowners will take the time to use this valuable resource.”

The guide, titled Environmental Hazards in the Home:  A guide for homeowners, homebuyers, landlords and tenants, has two parts.  The first presents information about what you need to know before you buy a house, and is geared towards buyers and sellers. This part provides important information about environmental conditions such as asbestos, electric and magnetic fields, lead, and radon. 

The second part, What You Need to Know After the Home is Occupied, is a resource for owners, tenants, and landlords, and covers such topics as allergens and asthma, carbon monoxide, injury prevention and safety, and household hazardous waste. 

The guide also provides additional information such as how to find a licensed home inspector, and links to other resources. 

The guide was produced as part of DPH’s Healthy Homes Initiative, a holistic and comprehensive approach designed to address the connection between housing and health. The goal of the Healthy Homes Initiative is to promote health and well-being through safe and healthy home environments. This goal is accomplished by addressing physical, chemical, and toxic hazards in the home through a variety of programs.

To download the report, visit www.ct.gov/dph or call (860) 509-8000. 

The Connecticut Department of Public Health is the state’s leader in public health policy and advocacy with a mission to protect and promote the health and safety of the people of our state.  To contact the department, please visit its website at www.ct.gov/dph or call (860) 509-7270.

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