1. Green Housing Research Sponsored by HUD’s Office of Healthy Homes and Lead Hazard Control Going Green: Intelligent Investments in Public Housing July 14, 2011 Peter J. Ashley, DrPH HUD Office of Healthy Homes and Lead Hazard Control

2. Green Building and Health Focus of “green construction and rehab” has generally been on improving energy efficiency and use of sustainable building materials, with less focus on indoor environmental quality (IEQ) and resident health. If IEQ (resulting in improved resident health) is considered during the initial construction or rehab design AND in ongoing maintenance practices and policies, health benefits are expected. ).

3. Possible Connections Between Health and Green Construction and Maintenance Green CharacteristicsPotential Health Benefits Low emission materials (e.g., flooring, coatings, wood products, upholstery) Improved IAQ:  exposure to VOCs and SVOCs (  Cancer risk;  irritation;  respiratory health;  risk of developmental effects) Improved/efficient HVAC systems  Thermal comfort  Exposure to particulates: (  respiratory health)  Moisture levels: (  respiratory health from reduced exposure to bio-contaminants) Tighter building envelope/improved insulation  Moisture levels  Pest migration into living space:  allergen exposure;  pesticide exposure (improved respiratory health; reduced risk of developmental effects) Radon resistant construction  Radon levels: (  lung cancer risk)

4. Possible Connections Between Health and Green Construction and Maintenance, contd. Green Maintenance/PolicyPotential Health Benefits Integrated pest management  Pest allergen exposure;  pesticide exposure (improved respiratory health; reduced risk of developmental effects) Smoke-free housing policies  Exposure to particulate/carcinogens/toxins: (  resp. health;  cardiovascular health;  cancer risk) Use of low toxicity cleaning products  Exposure to irritants (improved respiratory health, other)

5. OHHLHC Support of Green Building Research and Policies Research supported through the Healthy Homes Technical Studies Grant program. A 2009 NOFA focused on research RE indoor environmental quality (IEQ) and potential health benefits of green construction/rehab. CDC “green study” funded through an interagency agreement between HUD and CDC. Adoption of integrated pest management (IPM) by PHAs is being supported by a training program in coordination with USDA (see: www.stoppests.org). Notices promoting smoke-free housing policies published by HUD Offices of PIH/OHHLHC and Housing. A broader strategy to promote smoke-free housing is currently being developed.

6. Asthma Intervention Study in Seattle Public Housing HUD Healthy Homes Grant to Neighborhood House (CBO) partnering with Public Health Seattle & King Co., Seattle Housing Authority, and U. of Washington Created 35 “breathe easy homes (BEH)” through upgrades to High Point BuiltGreen™ design. Recruited 35 families with a child/adolescent with clinician-diagnosed persistent asthma for to move into the homes. One year after move-in, children reported significant increases in symptom-free days and decreases in urgent care visits.

7. 7 Breath-Easy Home Characteristics

8. Thank You! peter.j.ashley@hud.gov 8