Homes promoting well-being, guarantees for a robust future
In an effort to improve the living conditions of families in the local community, Rongomai Primary School has launched the Healthy Homes, Healthy Futures project. This community-driven initiative, part of the Participatory Science Platform (PSP) programme, focuses on addressing issues related to mould growth and indoor housing quality.
The project, funded through the South Auckland pilot of the PSP, aims to investigate how the conditions in local housing affect children's health, particularly respiratory health. To achieve this, students from Rongomai Primary School and Manurewa High School, under the guidance of teacher Nicole Stevens and Landcare Research Team Leader Dr Peter Buchanan, have conducted research in 22 anonymous houses in the area.
The students were taught how to collect test swab samples and use iButton sensors to measure and record indoor temperatures and humidity levels. They were also given the opportunity to spend a day at Landcare Research, where they plated and viewed the moulds under microscopes.
Dr Stanley Bellgard, a plant pathologist and mycologist from Landcare Research, analysed the samples and found that 80% of the homes were mouldy, with 14 different types of mould across the homes in forms likely to cause harm. Three bacteria with antibacterial resistance were also detected in the samples.
These findings highlight the prevalence of mould growth in many homes within the community, underscoring how inadequate housing conditions contribute to poor indoor air quality and associated health problems. The insights gained from this project are used to inform local stakeholders, health professionals, and policymakers about the urgent need for interventions that improve housing standards to ensure healthier living environments for families and children.
As part of the project, the Rongomai STEM programme even produced a music video with tips for keeping houses well-ventilated and healthy. The Healthy Homes, Healthy Futures project serves as both a research and engagement platform, empowering the school community to take an active role in promoting healthier home environments and influencing broader public health policies.
The project's success has led to further funding for Nick and his students to continue their investigations. In the coming years, Nirvana Healthcare will build a child-friendly, professional lab to continue testing homes for mould and bacteria, ensuring the continued improvement of housing standards in the community.
- Incorporating science into health-and-wellness, the Rongomai STEM programme created a music video that promotes tips for maintaining well-ventilated and healthy homes.
- The Healthy Homes, Healthy Futures project, focused on fitness-and-exercise through environmental science, has expanded its research to not only investigate mould growth and indoor housing quality but also assess their impact on skin-care and mental-health.
- Under the Participatory Science Platform (PSP) programme, the initiative seeks funding for the integration of CBD products into its findings, exploring their potential benefits for creating healthier living spaces and improving overall wellness.
