Radon Exposure in Homes
In Oregon, approximately 276 radon-related lung cancer deaths happen each year. Although, smoking is the leading cause of lung cancer, exposure to radon is the second leading cause of lung cancer. If you live in a home with high levels of radon - smoking raises your risk of lung cancer by 10 times. High radon levels have been found in communities across Oregon.
Lead Exposure in Homes
The primary source of lead exposure for most Oregon children is from exposure to lead-based paint particles either inside or outside of older homes where lead-based paint may be chipping, or where renovation deposits lead-based paint dust. Lead-based paint can be found in homes built before 1978, with homes built before 1950 posing the greatest risk. The effects of lead poisoning can be permanent. In children, lead can cause reduced IQ, learning disabilities, behavioral problems, and kidney and liver damage. Lead is also harmful to adults.
Excessive Heat in Homes
In the last five years, Oregon: recorded its hottest years in state history (2015, 2016, 2018 and 2020 are all in the top 10 hottest years) and had the lowest snowpack ever on record (2015). Increases in average and extreme temperatures have and are projected to increase the number of heat-related hospitalizations and deaths.
Poor Indoor Air Quality in Homes
Oregon had the most severe wildfire seasons in modern history in 2020, with wildfires burning more than 1 million acres and destroying or severely damaging more than 4,000 homes. By comparison, Oregon's next worst fire year, 2015, saw only 56 residences lost to conflagration fires. These fires severely impacted air quality around the state and can lead to increased respiratory illnesses, heart disease and other poor health outcomes in the decades to come.
Safety in Homes
Unintentional falls are a major cause of injury and death among older adults. According to the Public Health Division Injury and Violence Prevention Program, falls are the leading cause of injury death among adults age 65 years and older (2013). During 2021 for Oregon residents 65 years old or greater there were 930 fall related deaths, 13,073 fall-related hospitalizations, 3,855 nonfatal hip fracture related falls resulting in a hospitalization and 42,437 emergency department only visits (there was no hospitalization).
Mold in Homes
Flooding after major storm events is one way that mold – fungi commonly found in moist environments - can grow in homes and make air quality unhealthy. Other causes of mold in homes include clogged gutters and downspouts, leaky plumbing, leaky roofs, using hot water or cooking without properly venting the steam to outdoor air. Mold can grow on wood, drywall, carpet and furniture if they remain wet for more than 24 hours. For people with asthma who are sensitive to mold, inhaling airborne mold spores can trigger an asthma attack.