On November 17, 2015, HUD published a proposed rule to make the nation’s public housing properties entirely smoke-free. HUD’s proposed rule would require more than 3,000 public housing agencies (PHAs) across the country to implement smoke-free policies in their public housing units within 18 months of the final rule. Comments on the proposed rule are due on January 19, 2016.

OLHCHH also has a smoke-free webpage to help stakeholders plan for, implement and build support for smoke-free policies for public housing and multifamily properties. The webpage includes information on the proposed rule, popular videos, and a resource bank. 

Four states and local communities have been instrumental in shaping the future of our electronic grant management system (HHGMS): the City of Houston (TX), the City of Roanoke (VA), Onondaga County (NY), and the State of Michigan. These states and local communities have helped us improve grant management and data collection practices for all lead hazard control grants.

Our office appreciates the time and effort provided by these states and local communities, and we look forward to comprehensive improvements to HHGMS because of their hard work! Click on the buttons below to learn about the lead hazard control programs in these four states and local communities. 

Health Benefits of Green Public Housing: Associations with Morbidity and Building-Related Symptoms, an article supported by an OLHCHH technical studies grant, was published in the American Journal of Public Health (published in October 2015).

This article reports that researchers found that people living in green public housing had improved health outcomes compared to those living in conventional public housing. These findings remained consistent throughout the study. Green housing may provide a significant value in resource-poor communities where green construction or renovation could reduce harmful indoor exposures, promote resident health, and reduce operational costs.

Another paper on this research, Indoor Air Quality in Green vs Conventional Multifamily Low-Income Housing, was published previously (June 2014). That paper documented improved indoor air-quality measures in green multifamily low-income housing. 

Radon is a colorless, odorless, radioactive gas, and it is the second leading cause of lung cancer in the United States. Radon enters our homes through cracks in floors, walls, or foundations. It can also be released from building materials and water obtained from wells that contain radon. Basements and first floors usually have the highest radon levels because of their closeness to the ground.

January is National Radon Action Month. Here's what you can do this month:

•   If you are a homeowner or tenant, you can take action and have your home tested to see if you have elevated or high radon levels. 

•   If you are a stakeholder, read the National Radon Action Plan, a comprehensive strategy announced by three federal departments and eight national organizations for preventing 3,200 lung cancer deaths. 

You have a coat and hat. You have a scarf and gloves. You are ready for winter, but is your home? Not preparing for cold weather can compromise your home and your family’s well-being.

We know that some winter days are going to be much colder than others.

If you plan to use your fireplace, wood stove, or kerosene heater, be sure to install a smoke detector and a battery-operated carbon monoxide detector near the room you are heating. Unlike smoke, carbon monoxide is an odorless, colorless gas that can cause sudden illness and death. Click on the buttons below to see the resources that our friends at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) have created to help you get ready for winter.