• English
    X

    Google Translate Disclaimer

    The Maryland Department of Information Technology (“DoIT”) offers translations of the content through Google Translate. Because Google Translate is an external website, DoIT does not control the quality or accuracy of translated content. All DoIT content is filtered through Google Translate which may result in unexpected and unpredictable degradation of portions of text, images and the general appearance on translated pages. Google Translate may maintain unique privacy and use policies. These policies are not controlled by DoIT and are not associated with DoIT’s privacy and use policies. After selecting a translation option, users will be notified that they are leaving DoIT’s website. Users should consult the original English content on DoIT’s website if there are any questions about the translated content.

    DoIT uses Google Translate to provide language translations of its content. Google Translate is a free, automated service that relies on data and technology to provide its translations. The Google Translate feature is provided for informational purposes only. Translations cannot be guaranteed as exact or without the inclusion of incorrect or inappropriate language. Google Translate is a third-party service and site users will be leaving DoIT to utilize translated content. As such, DoIT does not guarantee and does not accept responsibility for, the accuracy, reliability, or performance of this service nor the limitations provided by this service, such as the inability to translate specific files like PDFs and graphics (e.g. .jpgs, .gifs, etc.).

    DoIT provides Google Translate as an online tool for its users, but DoIT does not directly endorse the website or imply that it is the only solution available to users. All site visitors may choose to use alternate tools for their translation needs. Any individuals or parties that use DoIT content in translated form, whether by Google Translate or by any other translation services, do so at their own risk. DoIT is not liable for any loss or damages arising out of, or issues related to, the use of or reliance on translated content. DoIT assumes no liability for any site visitor’s activities in connection with use of the Google Translate functionality or content.

    The Google Translate service is a means by which DoIT offers translations of content and is meant solely for the convenience of non-English speaking users of the website. The translated content is provided directly and dynamically by Google; DoIT has no direct control over the translated content as it appears using this tool. Therefore, in all contexts, the English content, as directly provided by DoIT is to be held authoritative.

    Maryland Department of Health
    Environmental Health



    Maryland Healthy Homes Programs

    What does​​ it mean to live in a healthy home?

    ​Environmental hazards in the home can affect the health and safety of those who live there, especially children. These environmental health and safety concerns include mold, lead, allergens, carbon monoxide, home safety, pesticides, radon, tobacco smoke, and more.  By preventing, identifying, and addressing t​hese concerns, healthy homes programs seek to provide every Maryland resident with a safe, clean home that supports the health and well-being of the people living there.


    Asth​​m​a

    Asthma is a chro​​nic lung disease that causes repeated episodes of chest tightness, wheezing, cough, and shortness of breath. Asthma triggers in the home can include allergens, pet dander, pests, mold, tobacco smoke.​ Learn more about asthma and the Home Visiting Program for Children with Asthma.


    Lea​​d​​

    Lead poisoning can harm a child’s brain, causing lifelong learning and behavior problems. Lead in the home can be found in deteriorating lead-based paint, toys, jewelry, and other consumer products and may be brought home from some jobs.​ Learn more about lead poisoning prevention and the Home Visiting Program for Children with Lead Poisoning and the Lead Abatement Funding.​


    Mo​l​​d

    ​Molds can produce irritants that can exacerbate asthma or cause an allergic response, such as sneezing, runny nose, red eyes, and skin rash. The best way to control mold growth is to address underlying causes of mold growth, especially building moisture and leaks, and properly maintain heating, ventillation, and air conditioning systems. Learn more about mold on the EPA's website.


      Rad​on

      Radon is the number one cause of lung cancer in non-smokers.  Unless you test with a radon test kit, you can't tell whether your home has radon, because radon is a gas that has no smell, no color, and can't be seen. ​​Learn more.


      Carb​​on Monoxide

      Car​​bon monoxide poisoning is a preventable cause of death. Click here to learn what you can do to protect yourself and your family.

      ​​Enviro​​nmental Tobacco Smoke

      Secondhand smoke poses risks to infants, children, and adults. Learn more about Maryland’s Clean Indoor Air Act​ and the health risks of tobacco smoke from the CDC and EPA.


      Safe Drin​​king Water

      Every Marylander depends on access to clean, safe drinking water. Whether your home is part of a public water system or uses a well, learn more about issues that can affect drinking water quality.​ Learn more​ about what the Department of the Environment is doing to protect your water supply.


      Children's ​​Environmental Health

      Children are often at a higher risk of exposure to environmental hazards in the home. This can be due to being closer to the floor (where dust, allergens, paint flakes, and other debris collect) or hand-to-mouth behaviors. Pound for pound, children also breathe more air, drink more fluids, and eat more food than adults do. Because children are still developing, children may be more vulnerable to these environmental exposures as well. Some of MDH's other programs that work to improve children's environmental health include:

      ​​Con​​sum​​er Products

      Maryland has restrictions on certain types of products that are made with chemicals that may be harmful to health, such as some flame-retardant chemicals and pesticides. Some consumer products contain volatile organic compounds (VOCs) that can affect your indoor air quality. Learn more he​​re​.

      ​

      ​Injury Prevention

      Keep your family safe around the home by:
      • Preventing access to pools when not in use,
      • Store chemicals and cleaning products in a secured location,
      • Keep firearms locked and stored away from children, and
      • Reduce the likelihood of falls (see more).
      ​Contact the Healthy Homes Program

      1-866-703-3266
      Email:  mdh.healthyhomes@maryland.gov