| Healthy homes are not the province of
a few specialized experts. Everyone whose work involves building, remodeling,
repairing, repainting, or maintaining residential properties needs to understand
healthy homes principles and take advantage of myraid opportunities to prevent
and avoid health hazards. Usually, modest changes in work practices can
make a big difference. A wealth of resources are available for training
in and learning about healthy homes. Systems for dealing with hazards that
have received more attention in recent years are more developed. For example,
training in lead-safe work practices is offered in almost every city, while
curricula and trainer capacity for other topics are still emerging. Although
some training providers listed here charge fees to course participants or
organizations that sponsor a course delivery, numerous training curricula
and other materials can be downloaded from these organizations’ websites
free of charge.
Advanced
Energy -
Workshops for builders, contractors, lenders, affordable
and multifamily housing providers, and others.
Affordable
Comfort - National and regional conferences on energy efficiency,
weatherization, and healthy building construction techniques.
American Lung Association of the Upper Midwest, Health
House - Training for builders, contractors, architects, and
others on building healthy housing.
American Lung Association in Washington,
Master Home EnvironmentalistTM Program
- Training for community volunteers in checking homes for hazards
and developing action plans.
Asthma
Regional Council of New England - Training
for builders, architects, contractors, and code officials on healthy and
affordable housing; special attention to housing issues related to asthma.
Building
Performance Institute - Contractor accreditation
and professional certification to recognize skills in incorporating comfort,
health and safety, durability, and energy efficiency into residential
building practices.
Building
Science Corporation - Training, workshops,
and seminars on building science, moisture control, and energy efficient
and healthy housing; training related materials.
Energy Efficient
Building Association - Training courses and workshops on
energy and health issues in housing; “Master Builder” accreditation.
National
Center for Healthy Housing - Training and technical assistance
in lead poisoning prevention and methods for lead hazard control for local
and state agencies, contractors, developers, and others.
National
Paint and Coatings Association - Through an agreement
with States’ Attorneys General, NPCA will be funding
150 free deliveries of training in lead safety, annually for four years,
beginning October 2003.
U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
Weatherization Plus Health
- Weatherization Plus Health is an initiative to provide weatherization
programs with the tools they need to address asthma triggers (e.g., moisture/mold,
pests, allergens), lead hazards, and carbon monoxide when they are in
a home. Weatherization Plus Health was developed by a collaborative effort
among weatherization, health, and environmental experts.
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