Surgeon General Releases Call To Action To Promote Healthy Homes

Main Category: Respiratory / Asthma
Also Included In: Lung Cancer
Article Date: 10 Jun 2009 - 3:00 PDT

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Statement of Charles D. Connor, American Lung Association President and CEO:

The American Lung Association welcomes the Surgeon General's Call to Action to Promote Healthy Homes issued today. We pledge to work to ensure healthy indoor air in homes for everyone.

In far too many homes across the United States people breathe air that can make them seriously ill or even threaten their lives. Inhaling some of the most dangerous poisons like tobacco smoke, radon and carbon monoxide, they risk diseases like lung cancer and even early death. Every person and every family in the nation deserves a healthy home-a safe, secure place that protects them from these and other substances that can cause or worsen serious illnesses like asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease or threaten their lives. We note that all too often the burden of unhealthy air falls disproportionally on communities already suffering from a higher burden of disease and exposure to dangerous outdoor air pollutants.

The American Lung Association has long worked for healthy air in our homes, recognizing years ago that there are simple and effective steps to ensure that happens. We have worked to educate the public about smokefree housing, radon testing, and steps to reduce asthma triggers, for example. Right now, Lung Associations are leading the way to help promote smokefree multifamily housing and to promote policy changes that will result in healthy air in homes.

We look forward to working with the Surgeon General and other partners on these important steps in the future.

Source
American Lung Association