A Guide to Healthy Homes

for Leaders and Decisionmakers —

American Indian and Alaska Native Communities

■ The Eight Principles of a Healthy Home

■ Important Steps for Healthy Homes In Your Communities

www.hud.gov/healthyhomes OFFICE OF LEAD HAZARD CONTROL AND HEALTHY HOMES

Healthy 

Children Healthy Families Healthy Communities
U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development

Office of Lead Hazard Control and Healthy Homes

April 2020

OFFICE OF

LEAD HAZARD CONTROL

AND HEALTHY HOMES

Healthy 

Children

Healthy

Families

Healthy

Communities

Introduction

 “Many tribal communities have a traditional understanding of inter-dependent ties with 

the land, and it can be said that when the environment (dwelling) is “sick,” the people 

may become sick.

It is important to be aware of certain concerns when communicating with residents 

on the operation and maintenance of their home. Good housekeeping practices can 

alleviate many of the conditions associated with an “unhealthy home.’”

— National Tribal Air Association, 

in Letter to HUD’s Office of Lead Hazard Control and Healthy Homes
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A Guide to Healthy Homes 

for Native American Leaders and Decisionmakers

Helping American Indians and Alaska 

Natives Have Safe and Healthy Homes

Families spend 90% of their time indoors and 50% of their time in their homes. 

If the home has indoor air quality-related problems, such as mold, radon, dust 

or dander, children are more likely to suffer from allergies, asthma, or other 

serious health issues.

Content of this publication was developed by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development’s Office of Lead Hazard Control and Healthy Homes (HUD/

OLHCHH), in collaboration with the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s National 

Institute of Food and Agriculture (USDA/NIFA); the U.S. Environmental Protection 

Agency (EPA); and the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), 

including the Indian Health Service (IHS). Housing offices 

are sometimes small, with staff wearing many hats. To help, 

three other companion publications were developed for 

housing professionals, family members, and medical and 

health workers. The OLHCHH website of https://www.hud.

gov/program_offices/healthy_homes/Tribal_Healthy_Homes

has two digital stories that relate directly to the health of 

Native Americans and their homes. The script and video 

images were provided for the most part, by the Fort Peck 

Tribe in Montana. A tribal elder was invited to provide the narration. See Appendix 

for more information about the Tribal Healthy Homes Program, maintained by the 

Montana State University Extension 2009–2012.

Tribal officials, educators, and others are focused on the health, safety and wellbeing of their communities, in a way that looks forward to future generations. This 

Guide will help tribal leaders and decisionmakers gain a deeper understanding of 

potential hazards inside Native American homes. 

Tribal leaders will need to collaborate with a range of stakeholders to implement 

and sustain healthy housing. The Healthy Homes Program Guidance Manual, developed 

by HUD/OLHCHH and partners, https://www.hud.gov/sites/documents/HHPGM_

FINAL_CH1.PDF can also help tribal decisionmakers. It covers healthy homes rating 

systems, budget prioritizing, and staffing, as well as program implementation and 

sustainability. Despite tribes’ early and long history of sustainable building practices, 
2 www.hud.gov/healthyhomes

Helping Native Americans Have Safe and Healthy Homes

modern tribal buildings often do not incorporate many green 

building practices. Utilizing green building codes can be 

an opportunity to revitalize sustainable cultural practices 

by integrating traditional knowledge and values into tribal 

building codes. By implementing green building practices, 

tribes can help maintain the natural resources that have 

historically sustained them. In the Tribal Green Buildings 

Toolkit, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has tied 

in traditional housing to tribes’ development of their own 

building codes.

The Appendix gives helpful examples of healthy homes 

implementation with tribes around the United States. This includes 

training, home assessments, and other technical assistance. Tribal leaders 

can foster cultural change within their organizations to help accomplish 

healthy housing. 

Additionally, tribal leaders and decisionmakers can reach out to 

HUD’s Office of Native American Programs (ONAP), which administers 

six programs specifically serving Native American (American Indian, 

Alaska Native, or Native Hawaiian) individuals and families, and 

federally recognized tribal governments. ONAP’s helpful newsletter 

contains Federal News, Trainings, Funding Announcements for Tribes/

Tribal Entities, a very extensive listing of resources as well as federal 

partners, and Tribal News. The ONAP website is www.hud.gov/codetalk

Some Benefits of a Healthy Home

• Children are safer and have less sickness and disease.

• Reduces burden of health disparities for Tribal 

citizens, families, and Tribal governments.

• Enhance community sustainability.

• Lower operating costs for major systems in homes.

• Minimize the need for long term repairs in homes.

• Improve disaster preparedness.
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A Guide to Healthy Homes 

for Native American Leaders and Decisionmakers

This Guide will help support the tribe’s decision-making process affecting 

budgets, resource usage, achieving cost savings, and more. These key steps 

will help tribal leaders navigate the decisionmaking processes and trade-offs 

they face. Housing professionals view houses as systems, constructed along 

building science principles. There are many benefits from health and housing 

program collaboration among partners. One major benefit of healthy homes 

is the reduction of the burden of health disparities.

As part of an overall approach to implementing healthy homes, five 

major steps (below) are suggested to inform policy development and 

agendas around healthy housing. Regardless of whether the tribe has already 

adopted healthy homes practices, or is in the early stages of doing so, the 

Appendix and Resources at the end of this publication will help. 

A healthy home environmental assessment, conducted by housing 

or health professionals along with household residents (clients), is a 

fundamental step toward establishing tribal healthy housing. The 

assessment, which includes a site visit/walk through, is covered in more detail 

in companion publications for housing professionals and community health 

workers, and in other references. 

HUD/OLHCHH also has a publication called Everyone Deserves a Safe and 

Healthy Home that offers valuable supplemental information on the hazards 

covered here. It also highlights how a single unhealthy housing problem can 

lead to multiple health effects. https://www.hud.gov/sites/

documents/SAFEANDHEALTHYHOME.PDF.

A healthy home is one that is maintained to avoid injuries and 

illnesses to occupants. Common indoor health concerns are lead hazard 

control, radon, mold and moisture, pest management, and injury prevention. 

The Eight Principles of a Healthy Home, below, explain more about these 

and other hazards, and actions needed for prevention. Reduction of negative 

health impacts from improper ventilation and poor indoor air quality are 

especially serious concerns in many Native American households.

Tribes have different traditions, cultures, and types of housing. 

Additionally, housing hazards can vary widely by region, due to differences 

in climate, land, weather events, sizes and types of homes, building materials, 

home construction techniques, and many other situational concerns. Local 

issues, such as water quality and allergens, can play roles in tribal decisionmaking. This diversity will impact the Eight Principles and remedial actions 

related to them. More information, including technical materials and 

scientific research results, is available at www.hud.gov/healthyhomes.
4 www.hud.gov/healthyhomes

Helping Native Americans Have Safe and Healthy Homes

Examples of Native American Housing - New 

and Old

At tribal housing fairs, for example, maintenance crews often present on how to repair a hole in the wall, 

repair a leak, clear a clogged drain, or how to put out stove 

fires. This is an excellent opportunity to share healthy 

homes information with residents - how to spot pests and 

contamination, and tackle issues related to indoor air 

quality, ventilation, and mold.

We encourage families and stakeholders to follow these 

principles and practices. Tribal leaders can work closely with 

a range of housing professionals and partners to help Native 

American families embrace these healthy homes principles 

and practices.

Who can use this guide?

➤ Tribal Leaders

➤ Tribal Board and Council Members

➤ Heads of Tribal Housing, Environmental, and Health 

Planning Departments

➤ Directors of Tribal Housing Authorities

➤ Tribal Emergency Services Managers

➤ Tribal Consultants

➤ Tribal Educators

➤ Others whom may be designated by Tribal Leaders
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A Guide to Healthy Homes 

for Native American Leaders and Decisionmakers

Maintaining Air Quality in Homes Is Vital

I

ndoor Air Quality (IAQ), also called air pollution, is one of the most 

critical issues facing many tribes. Improving IAQ can result in significant 

health benefits to occupants, which can reduce medical costs and improve 

the quality of life.

Housing and health professionals serving Native American families are 

particularly concerned about:

➤ Volatile Organic Compounds

➤ Wood smoke

➤ Fireplace safety

➤ Infestation

➤ Thirdhand smoke

➤ Scented products

➤ Vacuuming

Problems such as a leaking sink or broken window seals can lead to damp 

environments that allow mold to flourish if left unattended. Therefore, 

regular home maintenance is important, as is educating tenants on 

the Eight Principles of a healthy home. Housing departments share 

responsibility for ensuring the home is well-maintained while the tenants 

who reside in the home have a responsibility for housekeeping and 

reporting issues of mold, leaks, pests, and other items that can lead to 

health problems.

Five Important Steps for A Healthy Home

Every community needs a champion to ensure that families have access to a safe and healthy home. So, what can be done to actively 

ensure that your residents have a safe and healthy home? As part of 

an overall strategic approach, here are five important steps that can 

help your communities and constituents. Priorities may be different for 

different tribes, but these actions collectively will help map out a long-term 

approach.

Smoke from cooking 

indoors on an open 

wood fire. 
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Helping Native Americans Have Safe and Healthy Homes

❶Keep it dry:Prevent water from entering 

the home through leaks 

in roofing systems, prevent 

rainwater from entering the 

home due to poor drainage, 

and check interior plumbing for any leaking.

❷Keep it clean:

Control the source of 

dust and contaminants, 

by creating smooth 

and cleanable surfaces, 

reducing clutter, and using 

effective wet-cleaning methods.

❸Keep it safe:

Store poisons out of the 

reach of children and 

properly label. Secure loose 

rugs and keep children’s play 

areas free from hard or sharp 

surfaces. Install smoke and carbon monoxide 

detectors and keep fire extinguishers on 

hand.

❹Keep it well ventilated: 

Ventilate bathrooms and 

kitchens and use wholehouse ventilation for 

supplying fresh air to 

reduce the concentration of 

contaminants in the home.

The Eight Principles of a Healthy Home

HUD’s Office of Lead Hazard Control and Healthy Homes defines Eight Principles of a Healthy Home. 

❺Keep it pest-free:

All pests look for food, water, and 

shelter. Seal cracks and openings 

throughout the home; store food 

in pest-resistant containers. If 

needed, use sticky-traps and baits 

in closed containers, along with least-toxic 

pesticides such as boric acid powder.

❻Keep it contaminant-free:

Reduce lead-related hazards 

in pre-1978 homes by fixing 

deteriorated paint and keeping 

floors and window areas clean 

using a wet-cleaning approach. Test the 

home for radon, a naturally occurring 

dangerous gas that enters homes through 

soil, crawlspaces, and foundation cracks. 

Install a radon removal system if levels 

above the EPA action level are detected.

❼Keep it well maintained:

Inspect, clean, and repair the 

home routinely. Take care of 

minor repairs and problems 

before they become large 

repairs and problems.

❽Keep it thermally controlled:

Houses that do not maintain 

adequate temperatures may 

place the safety of residents at 

increased risk from exposure 

to extreme cold or heat.

❶Step 1 Learn More about the Eight Principles of a Healthy Home
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A Guide to Healthy Homes 

for Native American Leaders and Decisionmakers

❷Step 2: Apply the Eight Principles of a Healthy Home to 

 Your Housing Program

➤ Especially Important - develop a process for providing a 

home assessment and provide training for your staff. 

➤ Ensure that all maintenance and admissions and occupancy staff 

are trained on the Eight Principles of a Healthy Home.

➤ Develop long-term strategies for mold/lead remediation. The 

effects of mold can produce allergies. The majority of residents are 

not born with an allergy or sensitivity to mold but develop these 

responses after chronic exposure to mold. This is particularly 

pervasive in tribal communities where mold is present. Mold 

contamination is often present for years before it is treated.

➤ During move-ins, show the tenant how to operate the thermostat 

and other appliances; review the lease with them and remind 

them of their maintenance responsibilities both inside and outside 

the unit; review the Eight Principles of a Healthy Home while doing 

the move-in walk through.

➤ Provide regular preventative maintenance inspections to 

check plumbing fixtures/roofing and inspect for condensation, 

dampness, mold, termites or vermin.

➤ Ensure that there are smoke alarms and carbon monoxide 

detectors in all units. Replace removable batteries annually (some 

units have sealed long-term batteries).

➤ Ensure that bathrooms and kitchens are well ventilated, with 

exhaust fans connected (ducted) to the outside.

➤ Host a Housing Fair and provide green cleaning kits for 

participants; host a mini session on the Eight Principles of a 

Healthy Home.

➤ Create a newsletter for tenants that highlights how to report 

maintenance issues and/or suggestions for addressing indoor air 

quality and other healthy homes related topics; pick a home of the 

month and reward them with green cleaning items.

❸Step 3: Develop and Convene Cross Sector Partnerships

There are many benefits from health and housing program 

collaboration. A health and housing collaboration promotes long 

The majority of residents 

are not born with an 

allergy or sensitivity to 

mold but develop these 

responses after chronic 

exposure to mold. 

Ensure that there are 

smoke alarms and carbon 

monoxide detectors in 

all units/replace batteries 

annually.

Show tenants how to 

operate the thermostat 

and other appliances.
8 www.hud.gov/healthyhomes

Helping Native Americans Have Safe and Healthy Homes

term success; builds long term community relationships; empowers 

families; and produces concrete and measurable positive change. 

Consider creating a work group or task force to identify the issues/

concerns around healthy homes.

➤ Look for and/or explore programs in your community or 

broader area. These could include community development 

organizations, neighborhood improvement organizations, home 

weatherization programs, and HUD grants.

➤ Invite health providers, youth agencies, school teachers, and 

housing maintenance staff to a meeting to learn more about the 

relationship between healthy homes and health outcomes.

➤ Review the health data statistics and identify locations of home 

hazards (for example, where asthma and lung related issues are 

taking place). 

➤ Work with health care workers to develop a referral process for a 

home assessment. This work group could evolve to a permanent 

body, or just be temporary.

❹Step 4: Develop New Policies and Processes that can be 

 Implemented or Enforced to Ensure the Safety 

 and Well-being of your Tenants (Community 

 Members)

This step is a follow-up to the prior steps.

➤ Develop/enforce a maintenance policy that clearly identifies 

the work order process, inspections, tenant maintenance 

responsibilities, and standard charge costs.

➤ Develop a “no smoking” policy. Not only does it protect children 

and the household residents from second hand smoke, it also 

keeps the home safe by reducing fire issues and cuts down on 

maintenance costs. Promote smoking cessation programs by 

working with health agencies.

Tobacco smoke, whether used for ceremonies or leisure can cause 

severe problems for those who already have breathing problems. 

It is estimated that 25% of people killed in smoking-related fires 
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A Guide to Healthy Homes 

for Native American Leaders and Decisionmakers

are not the actual smokers, but are the children of the smokers, 

neighbors or friends.

 Smoke from tobacco products can create residue that sticks on 

surfaces; this residue is commonly being referred to as thirdhand 

smoke. Thirdhand smoke can be hard to remove because it can 

withstand vacuuming and wiping. It can irritate the airways 

of people with allergies or asthma and may be associated with 

long-term health problems such as cancer. All tobacco products 

such as cigarettes, e-cigarettes, hookah, and even smokeless 

tobacco can contribute to this harmful residue.

 Besides household residents, smoke-free housing benefits 

landlords and managers as well. It reduces fires caused by 

smoking. In 2007, over 140,000 fires were started by cigarettes, 

cigars and pipes in the United States, causing $530 million in 

property damage, according to the National Fire Protection 

Association.

 Smoke-free housing also saves on property maintenance 

costs from cleaning and painting stained walls and ceilings and 

repairing burn marks left by smoking. Less damage means less 

expense to get a unit ready for a new resident. It is completely 

legal to go smoke-free, and not all smoke-free policies have 

to look alike. For more information see https://www.hud.gov/

program_offices/healthy_homes/smokefree.

 Although people’s smoking habits are not directly a housing 

issue, one suggestion is to advise residents not to smoke inside. If 

weather is an issue, suggest that that they build a sheltered allseason smoking area outside of the home. This will help to keep 

the tars and pollutants of the smoke from clinging to the inside 

walls and residing in the carpeting.

❺Step 5: Develop Additional Partnerships with Federal/

 State/Local Resource Providers

This step refines and/or expands the prior actions.

➤ Continue to seek additional resources and maintain 

partnerships.

➤ Evaluate results.

➤ Continue to educate for solutions.
10 www.hud.gov/healthyhomes

Helping Native Americans Have Safe and Healthy Homes

Special Concern: Educating Tribal Families on 

Substance Abuse

Although not strictly a housing maintenance problem, substance abuse in Native American communities can include addiction to 

alcohol, methamphetamine (meth) and opioids.

Many occupants are unaware of the severe and potentially sustained 

impact /damage that meth has on the safety, security, and health of the 

residents; nor on the viability of the home. Smoking meth in a home 

can infiltrate the HVAC system, walls, carpets, and furniture. It is costly 

to remediate. Young children are particularly vulnerable when they 

crawl around the home. Meth labs create significant environmental and 

safety hazards. Homebuyers are often worried about buying a methcontaminated house.

In addition to providing resources to the addict, family members 

need resources as well. Family members are the change agents, and 

if you help them, lives can be saved. Meth testing kits, from local 

health departments, are increasingly available to home buyers, renters, 

and many others. Some resources are: the U.S. Department of Health 

and Human Services’ Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services 

Administration (SAMHSA) National Helpline, 1-800-662-HELP (4357). 

Also, see these Voluntary Guidelines for Methamphetamine Laboratory 

Cleanup at https://www.epa.gov/sites/production/files/documents/meth_

lab_guidelines.pdf and https://www.drugabuse.gov/patients-families.

Manufactured Homes in Tribal Communities

Tribal leaders may have community residents who do not have the ability to own their own land due to tribal lot shares, extended family 

ownership or sheer cost. Manufactured housing, modular housing, and 

mobile homes are common in many tribal communities. A portable home 

can be brought onto a family member’s lot or to a trailer park. Some 

healthy homes issues are of concern in these types of structures.

Challenges can arise in controlling how these homes are constructed. 

Ventilation and indoor air quality are some paramount considerations.

Occupant education on operations and maintenance of these homes 
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A Guide to Healthy Homes 

for Native American Leaders and Decisionmakers

may be even more crucial to well-being. Tribal 

leaders will most likely interact with specialized 

housing professionals, who are responsible for 

on-site inspection of arriving mobile homes.

Once the manufactured home is delivered, it 

must be secured to the ground, and leveled on 

the foundation. The site should be dry ground 

and the home should have proper gutters and 

drainage. If not level, or the ground is too 

moist, there could be stability troubles later for 

the home, as well as deterioration of the metal 

frame that is acting as the foundation. 

Although tribal leaders may rely on trained 

specialists, it may help to list things that these 

professionals will be looking at. The U.S. Department of Energy studied 

the most cost-effective measures to assist with mobile homes in cold 

climates, and five items were suggested:

➤ Seal air leaks around any furnace ducts.

➤ Tune–up the furnace when first commissioning, and every year 

afterward. Add skirting around the trailer’s bottom area.

➤ Install a vapor barrier between the earth and trailer before skirting is 

assembled to keep moisture from the ground from rotting out home 

from underneath.

➤ Install interior film over the windows (or provide storm windows 

outside) during winter months.

➤ Locate the home so that it gets shade from nearby trees, as 

insulation from cold and heat are not going to be plentiful in a premanufactured home. Also, clearance from trees or large bushes is 

important to not only avoid limbs possibly falling on the structure, 

but also to keep pests from having easy access.

The Importance of Green Building to Tribes

Native Americans are the first green architects and builders of the Americas. Traditional Native American building designs and practices are sustainable. Native American designs are often based on cultural 
12 www.hud.gov/healthyhomes

Helping Native Americans Have Safe and Healthy Homes

Potential benefits of 

implementing green 

building codes include:

➤ Reduction of 

asthma, cancer, 

and other 

illnesses.

➤ Prevention of 

radon in buildingsa cancer-causing, 

radioactive gas.

➤ Restriction of 

the use of toxic 

building materials.

➤ Prevention of 

mold that can lead 

to poor air quality 

and poor health.

values informed by many things including an intimate knowledge of place, 

its climate and resources and technology. 

Traditionally, tribes built structures from local resources and without 

written codes. These structures were safe, healthy and energy and water 

efficient. When properly developed and implemented, green building reinforces tribal culture and sovereignty; enhances the health and safety of 

community members as well as environmental sustainability. These codes 

can also promote affordability. 

Tribes have shown strong interest in developing healthy, green affordable housing, and in many tribal communities, there is a great need for 

such housing. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has created the 

Tribal Green Buildings Toolkit at this link (https://www.epa.gov/green-building-tools-tribes/tribal-green-building-toolkit) to support a tribe’s decision-making process in determining whether to adopt, adapt or develop 

green building codes. For tribal leaders, a community visioning section 

helps to lay out who should be involved in the planning process. For example, what traditional tribal governance practices might be incorporated into 

the code structure?

The Toolkit comprehensively covers the organizational process of green 

building codes, respectful of tribes’ unique sovereignties and traditions. The 

core is an assessment tool to guide adaptation or creation of codes. A highly valuable and practical component are the more than 25 different case 

studies of green building on reservations of varying sizes, land differences, 

number of dwellings, budgets, and much more.

When A Natural Disaster Occurs 

A home damaged by natural disasters, such as floods, fires, or earthquakes is likely to pose serious health risks. This typically 

includes mold, sickness due to polluted water, and many other unsafe 

conditions. Damaged homes are dangerous. Improper restoration methods 

can worsen, or even cause, some hazards.

HUD’s Rebuild Healthy Homes Guide to Post-Disaster Restoration for a Safe 

and Healthy Home covers restoration “A–Z” in plain language. Anyone 

doing rebuilding after winter storms, hurricanes, earthquakes, hail, 

droughts, and mudslides, should consult this reference. Clean up must 

be done according to the techniques described. This publication can be 

downloaded at https://www.hud.gov/sites/documents/REBUILD_HEALTHY_

HOME.PDF
www.hud.gov/healthyhomes 13

A Guide to Healthy Homes 

for Native American Leaders and Decisionmakers

Path to a Healthy Home

❶ 

Establish a knowledge base about Healthy Homes Principles and Practices

 ➤ An environmental history determines if residents’ health concerns are linked 

 with housing.

 ➤ Become familiar with Healthy Homes Principles and supporting resources.

 ➤ Consider the five steps suggested here as building blocks.

➤ Make residents aware of the Healthy Homes Do-It-Yourself Assessment Tool (DIY) Fort 

Collins DIY Home Assessment (see this weblink: https://healthyhomes.fcgov.com/). 

This was created to further meet the health needs of the community and optimize 

staff time, by the City of Fort Collins, CO. The DIY tool allows for greater access 

to pivotal information related to enhancing the indoor air quality of homes, and 

helps the program scale up to potentially unlimited usage. 

❷ Implement Steps

 ➤ Apply the 8 Principles of a Healthy Home to your housing program.

 ➤ Use of the Healthy Homes Assessment and Intervention Process is key.

 ➤ Get staff trained on the 8 Principles and organize outreach.

 ➤ Work with health care providers to develop a referral process for a home assessment.

❸ Evaluate Results and Continue to Maintain Healthy Homes for Residents

 ➤ Monitor applications of healthy homes principles and practices.

 ➤ Encourage continuous outreach such as tenant newsletters.

 ➤ Develop new partnerships.

 ➤ Develop long term plans.

Summary

This booklet has offered ways that tribal leaders and decisionmakers can improve the lives and well being of their residents. Tribal leaders have an opportunity to help bridge some of the gaps 

in understanding healthy homes concepts and practices. The resources section has more detailed 

information on all topics covered.

In summary, here is a path to healthy homes communities. For a much more comprehensive 

overview, please read the Healthy Homes Program Guidance Manual publication at https://www.hud.

gov/sites/documents/HHPGM_FINAL_CH1.PDF.
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Helping Native Americans Have Safe and Healthy Homes

Room by Room Checklist for a Healthy Home

This is a checklist that all tribal residents can use. Tribal leaders and decisionmakers can help 

increase awareness and encourage use among their residents. For more information, residents can 

visit www.hud.gov/healthyhomes or download the Healthy Homes Basic App. 

1. Living, Dining, and Family Rooms

 If the home was built before 1978, check 

painted doors, windows, trim, and walls for 

lead

 Vacuum carpets regularly to reduce asthma 

triggers

 Move window blind cords out of reach of 

children to prevent strangulation

 Check lighting and extension cords for fraying 

or bare wires

 Avoid having lighting and extension cords in 

floor pathways

 Purchase children’s toys that do not have 

small parts for choking and do not contain 

lead

 Secure heavy items (televisions, bookcases) to 

walls to prevent tip overs

2. Kitchen

 If the home was built before 1978, check 

painted doors, windows, trim, and walls for 

lead

 Use a range hood exhausted to the outside 

(or open window) to ventilate while cooking

 Clean up liquids and foods right after spills

 Keep matches, glassware, knives, and 

cleaning supplies out of reach of children

 Avoid leaving food and water out overnight 

 Mop floors at least weekly

 Place Poison Control Hotline number (800) 

222–1222 on the refrigerator and in every 

room

 Do not allow children to be in the kitchen 

unsupervised when the range or oven is on

3. Bedroom(s)

 If the home was built before 1978, check 

painted doors, windows, trim, and walls for 

lead

 Move window blind cords out of reach of 

children to prevent strangulation

 Make sure room has a working smoke 

detector

 Make sure the hall outside of bedrooms has a 

working carbon monoxide detector

 Use mattress and pillow covers, and vacuum 

carpets regularly to reduce asthma triggers

4. Entry

 Use floor mats by entry doors to reduce 

bringing lead dust and other toxins into the 

home

 Remove shoes before entering the house to 

keep dirt containing lead and other toxins 

outside 

 Repair or install weather seals around the 

perimeter of doors
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A Guide to Healthy Homes 

for Native American Leaders and Decisionmakers

5. Bathrooms

 If the home was built before 1978, check 

painted doors, windows, trim, and walls for 

lead

 Use an exhaust fan to ventilate after shower 

or bath use

 Use slip resistant mats in showers and tubs

 Clean up water from floors right after spills

 Move window blind cords out of reach of 

children to prevent strangulation

 Keep medicines and cleaning supplies locked 

away and out of reach of children

 If an older adult or someone with mobility 

or balance concerns is present in the home, 

install grab bars at toilets, showers, and tubs

6. Laundry

 Vent clothes dryer to the outside (through 

roof or wall, not into the attic)

 Keep laundry soaps and detergents out of 

reach of children

 Wash sheets and blankets weekly to reduce 

asthma triggers

 Regularly remove lint from dryer screen

7. Attic

 Clean up clutter to prevent rodents and 

insects from finding places to nest

 Check exposed attic insulation for asbestos 

and consult with an asbestos professional for 

removal

 Make sure eave and roof vents are not 

blocked with insulation

8. Basement (or Crawlspace)

 If the home was built before 1978, check 

painted doors, windows, trim, and walls for 

lead

 Seal holes in walls and around windows and 

doors to keep rodents and pests out of living 

spaces

 Clean up clutter to prevent rodents and 

insects from finding places to nest

 Test the home for radon. If test shows 

radon above EPA action levels, seal slab and 

foundation wall cracks, and if the problem 

persists, consider installing a radon mitigation 

system

 Keep pesticides and cleaning supplies locked 

away and out of reach of children

 Seal all cracks in slabs and foundation walls 

for moisture, radon, and pest protection

9. Garage

 Never run lawnmowers, cars or combustion 

equipment inside the garage, even if the door 

is open

 Keep gasoline, pesticides, and cleaning 

supplies out of reach of children

 Clean up oil, gasoline, and other spills 

immediately

 If a floor drain is present, make sure it drains 

to well beyond the outside of the home

 Attached garages should have the entry door 

to the home interior closed and door seals 

working properly to keep exhaust gases from 

entering home. 

10.Outside

 If the home was built before 1978, check 

painted doors, windows, trim, and walls for 

lead

 If painted walls, doors, windows, or trim may 

contain lead, keep children away from peeling 

or damaged paint and prevent children from 

playing around the ground next to the walls
16 www.hud.gov/healthyhomes

Helping Native Americans Have Safe and Healthy Homes

 Remove leaves and debris from gutters 

regularly and extend downspouts to drain 

away from the house

 Replace missing or broken shingles or flashings 

 Clean window wells of trash and debris

 Install and maintain fences completely around 

pools with openings less than 1/4 inch

 If the home was built before 1978, check 

hardboard siding for asbestos

 Make sure private wells are sealed and capped

 Consider testing well for pesticides, organic 

chemicals, and heavy metals before you use it 

for the first time

 Test private water supplies annually for nitrate 

and coliform bacteria

 Do not leave open garbage containers near 

the home

 Repair broken glass in windows and doors

 Seal holes in walls and around windows and 

doors to keep rodents and pests out of living 

spaces

11. General

 If the home was built before 1978, use leadsafe work practices for all renovation and 

repairs and test children in the home for lead 

exposure

 Check piping connecting the home to the 

water main and the piping in the home for 

lead. Since 1986 only “lead free” pipe, solder 

or flux can be legally used in the installation or 

repair of any plumbing in residential or nonresidential facilities providing water for human 

consumption, which is connected to a Public 

Water System

 No smoking inside the home

 Have a professional maintain yearly all gas 

appliances and check for carbon monoxide 

leaks and proper venting

 Do not use candles or incense in the home 

when adult supervision is not present

 Secure balcony and stair railings, and install 

no-slip nosings

 Replace burned-out bulbs in lights over stairs 

and landings

 Run a dehumidifier if indoor humidity is 

above 50 percent or there is condensation on 

windows

 Make sure all gas burning appliances, 

furnaces, heaters, and fireplaces ventilate to 

the outside

 Replace the furnace filter with a MERV 8 or 

higher every three months

 If mold is visible in any room, refer to mold 

removal guidelines from the EPA, CDC, or 

HUD

 Install child-proof locks on cabinets and childproof covers on electrical outlets

 Keep water temperature at less than 120 

degrees

 Keep firearms in locked safes

 Use pest management recommendations or 

safer alternative products before applying 

pesticides

 Keep all cleaning products in original 

containers and do not mix two products 

together

 Keep all hazardous products and chemicals in 

locked cabinets away from children
www.hud.gov/healthyhomes 17

A Guide to Healthy Homes 

for Native American Leaders and Decisionmakers

Appendix

Tribes Taking Action-Tribal Healthy Homes Assessment Training and Technical Assistance Support 

Center, 2009-2012

In an effort to increase family and community 

wellness among American Indian and 

Alaska Native communities, the Montana 

State University Extension Housing and 

Environmental Health Program and the 

Native American Housing Technical Assistance 

Institute created the National Tribal Healthy 

Homes Assessment, Training and Technical 

Assistance Support Center, located in Bozeman, 

Montana, in 2009. Guided by a Tribal Healthy 

Homes Advisory Board, goals were to:

➤ Enable tribal workforces to assess homes

➤ Enhance partnerships to support local tribal 

healthy home programs

➤ Establish, strengthen and sustain local 

tribal healthy home education/outreach 

programs for occupants

➤ Support tribes in funding technical 

assistance to support healthy housing 

assessment

Some 15 regional trainings were conducted 

between 2010-2012, with individuals from 

108 tribes or tribal organizations. Tribal 

participation was extensive, with a wide range 

of housing types were covered, and resources 

produced. Although the funding period did 

not allow for long-term evaluation and followup of all participating Tribes, documentation 

(workplans and correspondence) revealed that 

the actions below were taking place: 

1. Created tribal-wide healthy homes coalition. 

This integrated efforts of housing, Indian 

Health Service, police/fire, and USDA 

Extension (ie, action of many tribes).

2. Created healthy homes kids program.

3. Created healthy homes inspection program 

(action of many tribes).

4. Helped child protective staff include healthy 

homes assessment and information with 

home visits.

5. Created healthy homes education program 

with local Head Start officials.

6. Conducted healthy home workshop series 

with employees, powwows, at school and 

church events, on Facebook and websites 

(actions of many tribes).

7. Hosted EPA RRP training for regional tribes.

8. Created healthy homes outreach program 

for other tribes.

9. Conducted do-it-yourself preventative 

maintenance workshops for housing 

occupants.

10. Offered do-it-yourself home energy/

weatherization workshops.

11. Developed tribal specific healthy homes 

publications (action of many tribes).

12. Created tenant healthy home pre-occupancy 

education program (action of many tribes).

13. Established a funding source for conducting 

healthy homes assessments.

14. Established healthy homes database for 

housing interventions.

15. Provided gift cards and door prizes to 

engage families with healthy homes 

education.
18 www.hud.gov/healthyhomes

Helping Native Americans Have Safe and Healthy Homes

The Healthy Homes Program Guidance 

Manual (July 2012) - This comprehensive 

manual (260 pages) was developed by HUD/

OLHCHH and many select partners and offers 

guidance and tools to help users establish or 

improve healthy homes/housing programs. It 

provides a broad range of practical information 

that will be of interest to organizations, 

programs, and individuals concerned about the 

need for healthy housing. The content takes into 

account that no “one size fits all” in designing 

healthy homes programs at the local level. 

https://www.hud.gov/sites/documents/HHPGM_

FINAL_CH1.PDF.

Tribal Green Building Toolkit (2015) This 

publication (160 pages) is designed to help 

tribal officials, planners, architects, builders, 

housing developers, community members, and 

others develop and/or adapt building codes to 

support green building concepts and practices. 

Tribes with and without building codes can 

utilize the toolkit. The toolkit was created by 

the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, with 

extensive involvement and contributions by 

Native Americans.

The implementation of “green building” 

offers a significant opportunity to revitalize 

sustainable cultural practices, by integrating 

Important Resources

This is a selection of a wide range of organizations, websites, and educational materials that 

expand upon this publication. Tribal leaders and decisionmakers may want to visit OLHCHH’s 

website at https://www.hud.gov/program_offices/healthy_homes/Tribal_Healthy_Homes to 

view some unique tribal healthy homes digital stories. These relate directly to the health of 

Native Americans. Each story describes the importance of traditional Native American housing. 

traditionally means. 

Overviews of Healthy Homes:

with tribal traditions and values. Tribes can help 

maintain natural resources that historically 

sustained them, through these green building 

codes. This product can be downloaded at: 

Tribal Green Buildings Toolkit https://www.epa.

gov/green-building-tools-tribes/tribal-greenbuilding-toolkit

HUD/OLHCHH Hazard-Specific Factsheets:

➤ Asbestos: https://www.cancer.gov/aboutcancer/causes-prevention/risk/substances/

asbestos/asbestos-fact-sheet

➤ Asthma: https://www.hud.gov/program_

offices/healthy_homes/healthyhomes/asthma

➤ Allergy: https://www.hud.gov/program_

offices/healthy_homes/healthyhomes/allergies

➤ Home Safety: https://www.hud.gov/program_

offices/healthy_homes/healthyhomes/

homesafety

➤ Mold: https://www.hud.gov/program_offices/

healthy_homes/healthyhomes/mold

➤ Lead: https://www.hud.gov/program_offices/

healthy_homes/healthyhomes/lead

➤ Radon: https://www.hud.gov/program_

offices/healthy_homes/healthyhomes/radon

➤ Carbon Monoxide: https://www.hud.

gov/program_offices/healthy_homes/

healthyhomes/carbonmonoxide
www.hud.gov/healthyhomes 19

A Guide to Healthy Homes 

for Native American Leaders and Decisionmakers

Interactive Healthy Homes Apps

➤ Healthy Homes Basics App - This HUD/

USDA product is for the general public. It 

introduces users, in simple terms, to healthy 

homes concepts. Content also covers many 

ways to have a healthy home. Download 

the app at https://apps.apple.com/us/app/

healthy-homes-basics/id1092367352.

➤ Healthy Homes Youth App - This HUD/

USDA product is for middle schoolers and 

helps them learn about healthy homes. 

Available at https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/

healthy-homes-youth/id1434450117?mt=8.

➤ Healthy Homes Do-It-Yourself Assessment 

Tool - The Healthy Homes Do-It-Yourself 

Assessment Tool walks users through each 

room and provides simple, low, and no-cost 

solution to many common healthy housing 

problems. https://healthyhomes.fcgov.com/.

➤ Healthy Homes Partners App - This HUD/

USDA product is for stakeholders. It is 

non technical but goes beyond the above 

consumer version. https://itunes.apple.

com/us/app/healthy-homes-partners/

id1244368357?mt=8.

Key Hotlines

All the phone numbers below may also be reached 

by people who are deaf or hard of hearing, or who 

have speech disabilities, by teletype at 711.

➤ Poison Control Centers, (800) 222-1222

➤ HUD and EPA National Lead Information 

Center, 1-800-424-LEAD, (800) 424-5323

➤ EPA Safe Drinking Water Hotline, (800) 

426-4791

➤ National Pesticide Information Center, 

(800) 858-7378

➤ FDA, Food Safety Information Service 

Hotline, (888) SAFE-FOOD, (888) 723-33663

➤ Centers for Disease Control and Prevention 

(cigarette smoking) 1-800- QUIT-NOW, or 

(800) 7848-669

➤ National Radon Information (800) SOSRADON, (800) 767-7236

➤ Window Covering Safety Council, (800) 

506-4636

General Safe and Healthy Homes 

Information Sources (for both the 

public and professionals)

➤ Local or state health department

➤ U.S. Department of Housing and Urban 

Development,

www.hud.gov

➤ Office of Lead Hazard Control and 

Healthy Homes,

www.hud.gov/healthyhomes

➤ Office of Native American Programs, 

www.hud.gov/codetalk

➤ U.S. Department of Agriculture, National 

Institute of Food and Agriculture, 

www.nifa.usda.gov

➤ Cooperative Extension Service for 

Healthy Homes Extension 

educators,

https://nifa.usda.gov/extension or 

www.extension.org

➤ National Healthy Homes Partnership,

https://extensionhealthyhomes.org/

➤ U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, 

www.epa.gov

➤ U.S. Centers for Disease Control and 

Prevention, www.cdc.gov, (800) 232-4636
20 www.hud.gov/healthyhomes

Helping Native Americans Have Safe and Healthy Homes

➤ U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission,

www.cpsc.gov, (800) 638-2772

➤ U.S. Department of Energy, www.energy.gov

➤ National Center for Healthy Housing, www.

nchh.org

➤ Tribal Healthy Homes Network, thhnw.org

➤ Institute for Tribal Environmental 

Professionals,

www7.nau.edu/itep/main/Home/

➤ Children’s Environmental Health 

Partnership, cehn.org

➤ National Safety Council, www.nsc.org

➤ Pediatric Environmental Health Specialty 

Units, https://www.pehsu.net/

➤ Tribal Epidemiology Centers 

https://tribalepicenters.org/

Healthy Homes Principles: The Healthy 

Homes Principles serve as a guide for addressing 

many of the topics discussed in this booklet. 

The Everyone Deserves a Safe and Healthy 

Home booklet summarizes the Healthy Homes 

Principles and has a room-by-room checklist:

➤ Everyone Deserves a Safe and Healthy 

Home, www.hud.gov/sites/documents/

SAFEANDHEALTHYHOME.PDF.

• For a quick but thorough overview of 

healthy homes, Everyone Deserves a 

Safe and Healthy Home: A Consumer 

Action Guide (weblink at https://

www.hud.gov/sites/documents/

SAFEANDHEALTHYHOME.PDF) is a 12-

page booklet written for the general public. 

It outlines the eight principles of healthy 

housing and provides a useful overview of 

key healthy homes issues, including leadbased paint, asthma and allergies, mold 

Protect the health of children and families

a consumer action guide www.hud.gov/healthyhomes

Everyone Deserves a

Safe and 

Healthy Home

OFFICE OF

LEAD HAZARD CONTROL

AND HEALTHY HOMES

Healthy 

Children Healthy

Families

Healthy Communities

and moisture, radon, household chemicals, 

pests, carbon monoxide, home safety, 

asbestos, home temperature control, and 

indoor air quality.

 For each hazard, this publication 

provides critical action steps. It also 

includes a room-by-room checklist. For 

those who prefer an online resource, the 

Healthy Homes Basics App (weblink at 

 https://apps.apple.com/us/app/healthyhomes-basics/id1092367352) which 

includes the same information as the guide 

and a room-by-room checklist quizzes to 

reinforce key messages.

• For a more in-depth view, Everyone 

Deserves a Safe and Healthy Home: A 

A stakeholder guide for protecting the health of children and families

Lead  

Mold and Moisture 

Asthma and Allergies 

Radon 

Carbon Monoxide 

Indoor Environmental Quality 

Unsafe Drinking Water 

Household Chemicals

Pests 

Home Safety 

Home Comfort 

Asbestos 

Everyone Deserves a

Safe and 

Healthy Home

www.hud.gov/healthyhomes
www.hud.gov/healthyhomes 21

A Guide to Healthy Homes 

for Native American Leaders and Decisionmakers

Stakeholder Guide (weblink at https://www.

hud.gov/sites/documents/STAKEHOLDER_

EDSHH.PDF) is a 40-page guide that 

provides additional detail on each of the 

hazards described in the Consumer Action 

Guide. It is written for stakeholders, such 

as housing counseling agencies, that assist 

people in maintaining and improving 

their safety and health. This guide also 

has a companion app, the Healthy Homes 

Partners app (weblink at https://apps.

apple.com/us/app/healthy-homes-partners/

id1244368357) which includes the same 

information as the guide and a room-byroom checklist.

Lead Poisoning

HUD and EPA National Lead Information 

Center 1-800-424-LEAD, (800) 424-5323 This is a 

toll-free information hotline and clearinghouse. 

Staff respond to questions from the general 

public and professionals on lead-based paint 

topics. Callers can receive publications at no cost.

The Protect Yourself from Lead in Your Home

pamphlet (weblink at https://www.epa.gov/lead/

protect-your-family-lead-your-home)

lead-your-home. was created specifically to 

educate homebuyers and renters about leadbased paint and the protections provided by 

federal law. It is available in several languages, 

and it walks through the key things a homebuyer 

or renter must know about lead-based paint, the 

rules that protect consumers from lead-based 

paint, and the measures people can take to 

protect themselves from lead poisoning.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) 

and Consumer Product Safety Commission 

(CPSC) issue recall alerts when unsafe levels of 

lead are detected in food items, children’s toys, or 

other products. More information is available on 

the FDA recalls (www.fda.gov/Safety/Recalls) and 

CPSC recalls (www.cpsc.gov/recalls) online.

➤ HUD and EPA National Lead Information

Center, 1-800-424-LEAD, (800) 424-5323

➤ U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, 

www.epa.gov/lead

➤ U.S. Centers for Disease Control and 

Prevention, www.cdc.gov/nceh/lead

Asthma and Allergies:

➤ American Lung Association, www.lungusa.

org, (800) LUNG-USA

➤ American Cleaning Institute, www.

cleaninginstitute.org, (202) 347-2900

➤ Allergy and Asthma Network: www.

allergyasthmanetwork.org/ (800) 878-4403

➤ U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, 

www.epa.gov/asthma

Indoor Air Quality

➤ National Tribal Air Association, https://

www.ntaatribalair.org/indoor-air-quality/

Volatile Organic Compounds (VOC):

➤ Learn how to reduce exposure to VOCs at 

www.epa.gov/indoor-air-quality-iaq/volatileorganic-compounds-impact-indoor-air-quality.

Wood Smoke:

➤ Learn more about the health effects of wood 

smoke at www.epa.gov/burnwise/woodsmoke-and-your-health.
22 www.hud.gov/healthyhomes

Helping Native Americans Have Safe and Healthy Homes

➤ Learn how to protect your family at www.epa.

gov/burnwise/burn-wise-what-you-can-do.

Fire Place Safety:

➤ Learn about safe wood-burning practices at 

www.epa.gov/burnwise/burn-wise-best-burnpractices#safe.

Third hand Smoke:

The California Department of Public Health 

(CDPH) states that all tobacco products such 

as cigarettes, e-cigarettes, hookah, and even 

smokeless tobacco can contribute to this harmful 

residue. More information is available at

➤ California Department of Public Health,

www.cdph.ca.gov/Programs/CCDPHP/

DCDIC/CTCB/CDPH%20Document%20

Library/Community/EducationalMaterials/

ThirdhandSmokeFactSheet.pdf

➤ American Academy of Pediatrics, www.

healthychildren.org/English/health-issues/

conditions/tobacco/Pages/How-Parents-CanPrevent-Exposure-Thirdhand-Smoke.aspx

Scented Products:

Some people may feel discomfort around 

scented personal care products and household 

products with fragrance. Also, some of these 

products, such as air fresheners, may contain 

VOCs. Consider using unscented products when 

possible.

Vacuuming:

On carpets, using a vacuum cleaner that has a 

high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filter will 

help control the very fine dust and particles.

Mold and Moisture:

➤ U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, 

www.epa.gov/mold

➤ U.S. Centers for Disease Control and 

Prevention, www.cdc.gov/mold

Carbon Monoxide:

Additional information is available online from 

the CDC (www.cdc.gov/co) and EPA (www.epa.

gov/indoor-air-quality-iaq/carbon-monoxidesimpact-indoor-air-quality). 

Another important tip is to never use a portable 

generator indoors; they should only be used 

outside. The Consumer Product Safety 

Commission has additional information on 

using portable generators at: https://www.cpsc.

gov/safety-education/safety-guides/carbonmonoxide/portable-generator-related-carbonmonoxide-deaths.

Radon:

➤ U.S. Environmental Protection Agency,

www.epa.gov/radon

➤ State radon contacts, www.epa.gov/radon/

find-information-about-local-radon-zonesand-state-contact-information

➤ National Radon Program Services (KSU), 

sosradon.org/, (800) 767-7236

Drinking Water:

If you have questions or concerns about your 

drinking water, call the EPA Safe Drinking Water 

Hotline at 1-800-426-4791 or visit www.epa.gov/

ground-water-and-drinking-water. Information 

about protecting private drinking water wells is 

available at www.epa.gov/privatewells.

➤ U.S. Environmental Protection Agency,

www.epa.gov/ground-water-and-drinkingwater/basic-information-about-your-drinkingwater (800) 426-4791

➤ Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 

www.cdc.gov/healthywater/drinking
www.hud.gov/healthyhomes 23

A Guide to Healthy Homes 

for Native American Leaders and Decisionmakers

Household Chemicals:

➤ U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, 

www.epa.gov/pesticides and www.epa.gov/

saferchoice

➤ Poison Control Centers, (800) 222-1222

➤ Household Products Database,

https://infocus.nlm.nih.gov/2015/11/04/

toxnet-the-nlm-toxicology-databases/

Pests:

➤ U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, 

www.epa.gov/bedbugs and www.epa.gov/

pesticides

Integrated Pest Management (IPM):

Traditional pest control involves the routine 

application of pesticides. In contrast, IPM focuses 

on pest prevention and uses pesticides only as 

needed. This provides long-term, cost-effective 

and environmentally sensitive pest control. 

More information on IPM and safe pest control 

is available at www.epa.gov/safepestcontrol/

do-you-really-need-use-pesticide. Stop Pests in 

Housing (www.StopPests.org) provides resources 

on ways to deal with pests that avoid or reduce 

your exposure to pesticides. EPA’s Citizen’s Guide 

to Pest Control and Pesticide Safety is available at 

www.epa.gov/safepestcontrol/citizens-guide-pestcontrol-and-pesticide-safety.

Home Safety:

➤ Poison Control Centers, (800) 222-1222

➤ National SAFE KIDS Campaign,

www.safekids.org, (202) 662-0600

➤ National Safety Council, www.nsc.org, 

(800) 621-7615

Temperature Control:

➤ U.S. Department of Energy, www.energy.

gov/energysaver/energy-saver

➤ Energy Information Administration,

www.eia.gov

➤ U.S. Environmental Protection Agency 

Indoor Air Plus, www.epa.gov/indoorairplus

➤ Mercury (from CFL bulbs) cleanup and 

disposal, www.epa.gov/cfl

➤ Energy Star, www.energystar.gov

➤ Residential Energy Services Network,

www.resnet.us

Cigarette Smoking:

➤ Centers for Disease Control and Prevention 

smoking cessation, 1-800 QUIT-NOW

➤ American Lung Association,

www.lung.org, (800) LUNGUSA

➤ E-Cigarettes: 

Using e-cigarettes can harm your health and 

can expose children and others to harmful 

secondhand and thirdhand smoke. More 

information about e-cigarettes is available at 

the links below.

• U.S. Surgeon General, 

e-cigarettes.surgeongeneral.gov

• Centers for Disease Control and 

Prevention (CDC), www.cdc.gov/tobacco/

basic_information/e-cigarettes/index.htm

• California Department of Public Health,

www.cdph.ca.gov/Programs/CCDPHP/

DCDIC/CTCB/Pages/ToolKitsAndManuals.

aspx
Acknowledgements

The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, Office of Lead Hazard Control and Healthy Homes, thanks the 

following individuals for their many valued comments and information used in the preparation of this publication: 

U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development

Funding for this guide is provided through an interagency agreement between the U.S. Department of Agriculture – 

National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA) and the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development – Office of 

Lead Hazard Control and Healthy Homes (OLHCHH). 

Project Coordination provided by Michael Goldschmidt, 

University of Missouri and National Director – Healthy Homes Partnership

April 2020

Project Director: Kitt Rodkey, MBA, HUD Office of Lead 

Hazard Control and Healthy Homes, Washington, DC

Project Coordinator: Michael Goldschmidt, AIA, LEED 

AP, Director – USDA-NIFA Healthy Homes Partnership, 

University of Missouri

National Tribal Air Association (NTAA) Indoor Air 

Quality Work Group:

• NTAA Chairman Wilfred J. Nabahe, Chairman, and 

All Members of the Indoor Air Quality Work Group

• Ernie Grooms, Group Lead and All Members of the 

NTAA Indoor Air Quality Work Group

• Andy Bessler, Project Director, NTAA, Institute 

for Tribal Health Professionals, Northern Arizona 

University, Flagstaff, Arizona

Project Team:

U.S. Environmental Protection Agency

• Lou Witt, Program Analyst, Indoor Environments 

Division, Washington, DC

• Erin McTigue, Alaska Tribal Air Program and Tribal 

Indoor Air Program Coordinator, Region 10 

• Priyanka Pathak, Air Toxics, Radiation, and Indoor Air 

Office, Region 9

U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development

• Kitt Rodkey, Senior Outreach Specialist, HUD Office of 

Lead Hazard Control and Healthy Homes 

• Dr. Peter Ashley, PhD, Director of Policy and Standards 

Division, HUD OLHCHH

• Iris Friday, Native American Program Specialist, HUD 

Northwest Office of Native American Programs, Seattle, 

WA

• Dr. Warren Friedman, PhD, CIH, Senior Advisor to the 

Director, HUD OLHCHH

• Karen Griego, Healthy Homes Representative, HUD 

OLHCHH

• Aaron J. Salkoski, HUD OLHCHH

Additional Contributors:

• Kristin Hill, Tribal Public and Environmental Health 

Think Tank

• Gillian Mittelstaedt, MPA, Executive Director, Tribal 

Healthy Homes Network, Issaquah, Washington

• Arthur Nash Jr., Energy Faculty and State Radon 

Outreach Coordinator, University of Alaska, Fairbanks

• Mansel A. Nelson, Senior Program Coordinator, 

Tribal Environmental Education, Institute for Tribal 

Environmental Professionals, Northern Arizona 

University, Flagstaff, AZ

• CAPT Stephen R. Piontkowski, MSEH, REHS, Senior 

Environmental Health Officer, Indian Health Service, 

U.S. Department of Health and Human Services