Indoor Air Hazards Every Homeowner Should Know About... USEPA

Sunday, September 5th, 2010

www.healthyindoorair.org
Healthy Indoor Air for America's Homes is a national consumer education program concerned with improving the quality of indoor air in homes. The program offers nationwide education through state program managers and the development and distribution of educational resources, as well as a network of over 3000 county Cooperative Extension Service offices.
The goal of Healthy Indoor Air for America's Homes is to educate consumers about sources, health risks and control measures related to common residential indoor air problems and help consumers reduce their risks from these problems.
This program provides awareness of indoor air quality issues such as carbon monoxide and other combustion by-products, radon, secondhand smoke, molds, and other biologicals, formaldehyde, lead and air hazards associated with home remodeling and household products.
If you're like most Americans, you spend much of your time indoors. Here in the Treasure Valley we seem to be locked into our homes or offices during the hot part of the day. Have you ever stopped to think about whether the air you're breathing at home is healthy? This booklet can help you identify things in your home that may impact the quality of your indoor air and your health.
Research has found that in some homes across America, the quality of indoor air can be worse than outdoor air. In part, this is because many homes are being built and remodeled tighter.
You don't have to be a building scientist to deal with the quality of air in your home, However, you should understand a few basics to get you started. The "Healthy Indoor Air for America's Homes" project was developed to provide basic but comprehensive information to consumers to get a handle on indoor air quality.
A major hazard is MISINFORMATION. Be informed.
Signs of Possible Home Indoor Air Quality Problem:
Unusual and noticeable odors, stale or stuffy air.
Noticeable lack of air movement.
Dirty or faulty central heating or air conditioning equipment.
Damaged flue pipes or chimneys.
Excessive humidity or condensation.
Tightly constructed or remodeled home.
Presence of molds.
Health reaction when inside the home, especially after remodeling, weatherizing, installing new furniture, using household or hobby products or moving into a new home.
Feeling noticeably healthier outside the home.
Biological Pollutants (like molds, animal dander, cockroaches, and dust mites).
Sources include excessive humidity levels, poorly-maintained humidifiers and air-conditioners, inadequate ventilation and animal dander. 
Unhealthy Remodeling By-products.
Sources include materials such as: asbestos, lead, formaldehyde, and other hazardous materials disturbed during remodeling activities.
Combustion products including carbon monoxide.
Sources include excessive humidity levels, poorly-maintained humidifiers and air-conditioners, inadequate ventilation and animal dander.
Lead Dust:
Sources include lead-based paint dust from removing paint by sanding, scraping and burning
Secondhand smoke:
Sources include sidestream and exhaled smoke from burning tobacco products.
Radon:
This is a radioactive gas from soil and rock beneath and around the foundation, ground water wells and some building materials.