NewsHealth

Actions

SL Co. initiative looks at risk factors for illnesses in homes

Posted at 11:05 PM, Nov 28, 2012
and last updated 2012-11-29 01:05:42-05

SALT LAKE CITY – Asthma is the leading cause of missed school days in the United States. A new initiative in Salt Lake County looks at how changes in homes can have a big impact on children.

Outgoing Salt Lake County Mayor signed the Green and Healthy Homes initiative on Wednesday morning. It includes an in-home assessment where experts try to identify factors – like mold or leaky pipes – that could exacerbate the illnesses of people living in the home.

A major focus is asthma and breathing issues, a common cause of hospitalization among children.

“To be able to get into the homes of our most severely impacted patients with asthma lung disease and other chronic diseases and really understand what is in there is an amazing opportunity,” said Dr. Michelle Hofmann.