Spread the health!
Help a family make their home safe and healthy
A home environment safe from chemical and physical hazards is an important part of growing up healthy. Every year
thousands of NYC children are injured or poisoned in their homes. Some children with asthma, allergies or eczema live
in homes that are filled with triggers that make them sick. Cockroaches and mice, known asthma triggers, are present in
nearly 30% (880,000) and nearly 25% (680,000) of households respectively. Childhood lead poisoning is also a serious problem
because 70% of NYC housing was built before 1960, when the City banned lead paint in housing. When housing is old and poorly
maintained, lead dust hazards can poison young children.
From 2001 to 2006, there were 95 fire-related deaths in homes, with 66 deaths among children aged 1-12; tragically, many of these
homes did not have working smoke detectors - fires often strike in neighborhoods where low income families live. Injury deaths in
children ages 1-12 were highest in Central Brooklyn, South Bronx and East and Central Harlem. Hospital admissions for poisoning in
the home are also highest in these neighborhoods.
Staff from the NYC Department of Health visit homes with newborns and young children. Many of these families lack important home
safety items that could make their homes a safer and healthier environment. Funds are needed to help New Yorkers whose homes are
infested with pests, are fire hazards, or pose other threats to children. A "Healthy Home Kit" will be provided to a family in need
and will include smoke and carbon monoxide detectors, cleaning supplies to reduce dust hazards, outlet covers, cabinet locks, a pest
control guide, and supplies to prevent pests from entering homes. To donate now
click here and please designate
"Healthy Homes" when you make your donation. $100 will cover the cost of one kit.
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