Because most individuals spend so much time inside, our homes typically account for a major share of exposures to toxics, irritants, allergens, and gases that can cause disease and hurt our health. For example:

• mold, mildew, and pests (such as cockroaches and rodents) can trigger asthma, the leading cause of absences from elementary school;

• carbon monoxide poisoning from combustion appliances, such as stoves, furnaces, and gas heaters, claims several hundred lives each year in the U.S. and causes flu-like symptoms at lower levels;

• lead-based paint in older housing is the primary cause of childhood lead poisoning, which reduces children’s intelligence, interferes with learning, and causes behavior problems;

• exposures to asbestos particles, radon gas, and second-hand tobacco smoke, all of which can cause cancer, are far higher indoors than outside; and

• pesticide residues in our homes can pose significant risks for neurological damage and cancer.

Health care providers, government officials, property owners, and consumers all need to realize the importance of decent housing to good health. A growing body of scientific research has demonstrated that children who live in homes that are well ventilated, dry, and free of pests, poisons, and dangerous gases will be healthier and lead fuller lives. In particular, the current preoccupation with drug therapies for asthma needs to shift to give greater emphasis to reducing children’s exposure to asthma triggers and sensitizers in the home environment.