ROC Home Study
Rochester is the epicenter of some very exciting research that could create public health positives in hundreds, if not thousands, of other communities.
The ROC Home study– led by the University of Rochester Environmental Health Sciences Center in partnership with the Silent Spring Institute, the National Center for Healthy Housing, and the City of Rochester– investigated whether federally-funded lead poisoning prevention work can also shrink exposure to almost 50 other common, serious chemical carcinogens in the home.
These common chemicals include pesticides, phthalates, rodent allergens, and flame retardants, and they contribute to health crises such as asthma, cancer, and learning disabilities.
In addition to testing homes, the researchers worked with the residents as well to provide information about accomplishing healthier homes, to include suggesting and providing safer home products, and connections to the best community resources.
Key findings of the study include:
- Lead-remediated homes have much lower lead levels– but lead remains. Cleaning, maintenance, and continuing education of residents is essential.
- Nearly 100% of tested homes revealed evidence of mice, the hazards can be fixed with proper, regular cleaning–especially vacuuming.
- Testing revealed the consistent presence of both legal and banned pesticides, along with phased-out and new phthalate types.
- When made aware of practices and products that can reduce these chemicals, many residents made quick changes to reduce their risks.