Community Action for a Renewed Environment (C.A.R.E.) :

Urban Rock Hill
Community Action for a Renewed Environment

  
          
The Community Action for a Renewed Environment (CARE) program is a competitive grant program that offers communities an innovative way to address the risks from multiple sources of toxic pollution in their environment. CARE educates and supports communities by helping them assess the pollution risks they face. A major goal outlined in the Rock Hill work plan is to create a self-sustaining, community-based partnership that will work to improve the local environment.  This will be done by the creation of a Toxic Task Force that will help community residents gain an understanding of the potential sources of toxic pollutants in their neighborhoods, identify environmental health issues and concerns of the residents, and create the Urban Rock Hill Toxics Substance Registry.  As a result of this work, residents will be empowered to identify, prioritize, and implement risk reduction activities. 

 

 

 

Upcoming Event
Free Lead Awareness Seminar 


FREE Radon Testing
The C.A.R.E. program, is offering FREE radon testing to home owners living in any of the following five Urban Rock Hill neighborhoods: Hagins-Fewell, Crawford Road North, Sunset Park, South Central, or Flint Hill. Call 803/817-5127 right now to sign up to have your home tested FREE for radon gas.  However, if you do not own your home or live outside of the C.A.R.E. target area, please call 864/241-1090 to receive your free in-home test kit.  The ONLY way to know if you have radon gas in your home is to test your home.   


To sign up for FREE Radon testing, call 803/817-5127.


Mold and Moisture Tips
Five Things You Should Know About Mold

  1. Potential health effects and symptoms associated with mold exposures include allergic reactions, asthma, and other respiratory complaints. 
  2. There is no practical way to eliminate all mold and mold spores in the indoor environment; the way to control indoor mold growth is to control moisture.
  3. Reduce indoor humidity (to 30-60% ) to decrease mold growth by: venting bathrooms, dryers, and other moisture-generating sources to the outside; using air conditioners and de-humidifiers; increasing ventilation; and using exhaust fans whenever cooking, dishwashing, and cleaning.
  4. Clean mold off hard surfaces with water and detergent, and dry completely. Absorbent materials such as ceiling tiles, that are moldy, may need to be replaced.
  5. In areas where there is a perpetual moisture problem, do not install carpeting (i.e., by drinking fountains, by classroom sinks, or on concrete floors with leaks or frequent condensation).

Remember:  The Key to Mold Control is Moisture Control


For more information about mold and moisture control visit the EPA website.

EPA's A Brief Guide to Mold and Moisture & Your Home  (1.2 MB)


Lead Poisoning prevention and awareness
Many houses and apartments built before 1978 have paint that contains high levels of lead (called lead-based paint).  Lead from paint, chips, and dust can pose serious health hazards if not taken care of properly. Older homes may also contain pipes that contain lead.  If you suspect that your house has lead hazards, you can take some immediate steps to reduce your family's risk:

  • If you rent, notify your landlord of peeling or chipping paint, and clean up paint chips immediately.
  • Clean floors, window frames, window sills, and other surfaces weekly. Use a mop, sponge, or paper towel with warm water and a general all-purpose cleaner or a cleaner made specifically for lead. REMEMBER: NEVER MIX AMMONIA AND BLEACH PRODUCTS TOGETHER SINCE THEY CAN FORM A DANGEROUS GAS.
  • Thoroughly rinse sponges and mop heads after cleaning dirty or dusty areas.
  • Wash children's hands often, especially before they eat and before nap time and bed time, keep play areas clean. Wash bottles, pacifiers, toys, and stuffed animals regularly.
  • Keep children from chewing window sills or other painted surfaces.
  • Clean or remove shoes before entering your home to avoid tracking in lead from soil.
  • Make sure children eat nutritious, low-fat meals high in iron and calcium, such as spinach and dairy products.  Children with good diets absorb less lead.
  • Use only cold water for drinking and cooking.
  • Run water for 15 to 30 seconds before drinking it, especially if you have not used your water in a few hours

 

Lead Awareness Information   

 
1-800-424-LEAD


For more information about lead poisoning visit the EPA website.   

EPA's Lead Poisoning and Your Children  (165 KB)

EPA's Protect Your Family from Lead in Your Home (674 KB)

EPA's Fight Lead Poisoning with a Healthy Diet (375 KB)