Home Environmental Health Risks of People With Developmental Disabilities Living in Community-Based Residential Settings: Implications for Community-Health Nurses

Abstract

Chronic, long-term exposure to indoor air pollutants is increasingly being recognized as a threat to health. Vulnerable populations, such as those with cognitive disabilities, the elderly, and children, are frequently at increased risk from these hazards. This study assessed home environmental health hazards, home characteristics, and household practices that create risk in a sample of community-based group homes. A survey and a home environmental assessment of each home were used to assess the presence of neurotoxicants, such as lead, mercury, and pesticides, in the home and use of protective measures such as carbon monoxide detectors and radon testing.