The time is ripe for housing-related health hazard assessment tools to be used by communities most affected by these hazards. CEHRC has attempted to adapt these technical assessment tools in a manner that maintains scientific rigor while making them easy to use. Data regarding health hazards in homes can have great power when used in organizing and advocacy, and they can support a wide range of policy goals and solutions. Hazard data can help shift policy away from reacting to sick children and toward prevention through addressing hazards before exposure occurs. Use of these tools raises important issues around working with residents, including benefits, unintended consequences, and protecting the health, privacy and legal rights of residents.