There is now considerable interest in “green” building strategies that reduce both the environmental impacts of construction and residential exposure to hazards. While this movement is affecting some new construction, it mostly benefits upper-income households. These strategies rarely reach low-income communities of color that face the highest risks of exposure to pesticides, lead, carbon monoxide, asthma triggers, and so forth.

Preventing environmental exposure to protect the health of the most at-risk families requires low-cost interventions that are suited to the older properties typically occupied by low-income households. Since many already pay more of their income toward their housing costs than they can afford, the incremental cost of steps to make homes healthy must be reasonable.

A range of practical, low-cost, and feasible approaches to assessing and improving housing condition while preserving affordability are now available. These include assessment tools, basic guidelines for construction and repair work, and preventive maintenance.

Homeowners and rental property owners can stay ahead of potential health hazards—and other kinds of problems—by regularly checking for evidence of problems. Performing a visual survey is free, requires minimal training or special knowledge, and can, for example, help uncover a roof leak that portends potential mold and lead-based paint hazards, and ultimately serious structural problems. Testing for hazards can cost very little for supplies (a few dollars for a spot test kit to check paint for lead and $5-$10 for the analysis of a lead dust, soil, or paint sample) or reusable equipment ($50 for a carbon monoxide monitor). Engaging the help of a professional can cost a few hundred dollars. In some cases, health departments and community organizations may be able to check the house for free.

Maintenance practices that are sensitive to health considerations also play an important role in prevention. Regular maintenance can avoid water leaks and moisture problems and avoid paint deterioration. Modest changes in paint repair practices can avoid creating lead dust hazards. An ideal time for preventive maintenance and repairs is when properties are vacant.

Housing affordability can be enhanced by healthy homes interventions that reduce utility costs. The incremental cost of energy improvements, ranging from $500 to $3,000, can yield savings of one-third to one-half of a household’s annual utility bills. Some of these improvements offer important health benefits: old windows that are replaced can no longer shed lead-based paint and dust; arrested moisture can’t breed more mold or loosen intact lead paint; closed wall openings won’t admit more pests or exhaust fumes.

Moisture control and good ventilation, which are essential strategies to achieve a healthy home environment, also improve building durability and reduce maintenance costs. Newer building materials, such as drywall and gypsum board, typically retain far more water than plaster and other traditional materials. Keeping water out and maintaining low humidity protect against the deterioration of building materials and problems such as wood rot and mold. Simple steps to ensure that gutters and downspouts function, that site grading moves water away from buildings, and that flashing around windows, doors, and roofs directs water away from wall cavities will all help to minimize water problems. Appropriate ventilation that keeps inside humidity low helps to avoid damage to walls and ceilings from excess moisture.