Environmental Stewardship for Homeowners - 7

Indoor Air Quality: Reducing Health Risks and Improving the Air You Breathe

Why should you be concerned about the air quality in your home?

Clean air is a precious asset. It should be fresh, clean-smelling, and without harmful pollutants. Most people spend at least half their lives inside their homes, where the air may not be suitable to breathe. It can be more polluted and harmful to your health than outdoor air. If your home has poor air quality, it may be simply annoying or unpleasant, or it may lead to serious health problems.

How can we help?

This publication will help you understand how the air in your home may be polluted by household activities or materials. After you have read this publication, answer the questions in the margins. Your responses will help you see where you may have potential problems.

• If you answer a or b, you have few problems with household activities or materials you use.
• If you answer c or d, you may have a problem with household activities or materials. You may want to consider making changes to protect your indoor air quality.

If you would like further help in assessing the condition of your air quality, please contact your nearest Cooperative Extension Service Center and talk with your Extension agent.

What is the North Carolina Home*A*Syst Program?

The North Carolina Home*A*Syst program has a series of publications that can help you be a good environmental steward and protect the health and well-being of your family. This publication will help you identify and solve air quality problems. If there is a problem or a potential problem, the Home*A*Syst publications have information about how to solve it. The publications also list the North Carolina agencies responsible for helping you solve your particular problems.

The goal of the North Carolina Home*A*Syst program is to help protect your health and the environment.

1. What are the signs of indoor air problems?

It is not always easy to detect poor air quality. You can recognize some air pollutants, such as paint vapors, by smell, and you can see smoke. However, many harmful pollutants, such as deadly carbon monoxide gas, are invisible and odorless.

Substances in the air you breathe may cause common health problems such as irritated eyes and nose, headaches, dizziness, tiredness, asthma, viral infections, and respiratory diseases. Some serious effects of poor air quality, like lung cancer from radon, may take many years to develop. People react differently to contaminants depending on their age, sensitivity, health status, and the type and length of exposure.

1. Circle the answer that best describes the indoor air quality in your home.

1. No one is experiencing unexplained symptoms, such as headaches, dizziness, asthma, etc.
2. Only one person is experiencing the mild, unexplained symptoms noted above.
3. The above symptoms are reported by more than one family member, and these symptoms are most severe among those who spend the most time at home.
4. Symptoms experienced by an adult, young child, or infant become less severe when he or she is away from the home; OR do not know.

2. Where do indoor air problems come from?

The first step toward solving indoor air quality problems is to identify the source or sources of pollutants. Addressing problems at the source is usually the most cost-efficient and effective approach. However, poor air quality is usually not the result of a single pollutant. Reducing health risks to you and your family from indoor air pollutants may require several courses of action.

In addressing the problem of indoor air pollution, you need to think in terms of specific pollutants, such as carbon monoxide or formaldehyde. You also need to track down the source of each pollutant, such as a furnace or damp crawl space. This publication cannot cover all possible pollutants and their sources, but it calls attention to the most common types. These include:

• Combustion byproducts, such as carbon monoxide and smoke.
• Building materials and home furnishings, like carpets and paint.
• Household products and chemicals, such as cleaning solvents, adhesives, and paint strippers.
• Biological contaminants, like mildew, animal dander from pets, and dust mites.
• Radon, a radioactive gas.

2. Circle the answer that best describes any changes in your life that may have caused you or your family to be exposed to new air pollutants.

1. I have not moved to a different house or remodeled my home.
2. I have not acquired any new furnishings, carpets, or pets.
3. I have acquired new pets, furnishings, or carpets.
4. I recently remodeled my home or moved to a different house; OR do not know.

3. What precautions are you taking with combustion byproducts in your home?

Fuel-burning appliances

Airborne combustion byproducts are produced by appliances that burn gas, oil, wood, and kerosene. They include oil and gas furnaces; wood and coal stoves; fireplaces; kerosene and gas space heaters; gas logs (especially unvented); gas ranges, stovetops, water heaters; and automobiles. Pollutants include carbon monoxide, nitrogen and sulfur oxides, formaldehyde, and tiny breathable smoke particles. All of these byproducts should be vented outside the house to prevent buildup of pollutants indoors. Because of the pollution potential, you should never use unvented space heaters or gas logs, gas stoves, or other combustion equipment in an enclosed room. If using unvented combustion appliances, open the nearest window about 2 or 3 inches for exchange of fresh air and better ventilation.

Carbon monoxide (CO), an odorless, colorless gas, is a special concern because it can kill swiftly. A malfunctioning furnace or blocked flue pipe can result in fatal CO levels. Another dangerous source is a charcoal grill used indoors. Symptoms of exposure include drowsiness, headaches, dizziness, and nausea, and they may be mistaken for other health problems. For this reason, having a carbon monoxide detector in your home is helpful. 

Carbon monoxide detectors look and operate much like smoke detectors. The latest research recommends using CO detectors that provide a constant digital reading. This is important if a family member has asthma or other respiratory illness and may be sensitive to lower levels. Some experts recommend that CO detectors be installed in all homes that have combustion appliances. For installation, follow the manufacturer's recommendations. Caution: the detectors will not replace good maintenance of your heating system.

To determine the safety of your combustion appliances, call the dealer or a service professional for expert assistance. Yearly inspection of the equipment and chimney or flue is recommended for most heating systems. Like your car, your furnace needs cleaning and tune-ups to stay in good condition. Twice a year is recommended—once before cooling season and once before heating season. Even a system that is running properly can become a hazard if the chimney or flue becomes blocked and gases cannot escape.

In addition, be alert for backdrafting. This occurs when the indoor air pressure is lower than the outdoor air pressure, causing combustion gases to be pulled back into the living space instead of being fully vented to the outside. Backdrafting is more likely to occur in well-sealed, energy-efficient homes, especially when attic exhaust fans are in use.

Tobacco smoke

The smoke from cigarettes, cigars, and pipes contains a wide range of throat and lung irritants, as well as hazardous and cancer-causing chemicals. Research has shown that a smoky home environment puts everyone at risk, not just the smoker.

3a. Circle the answers that best describe how combustion appliances are vented in your home.

1. All combustion appliances are vented directly to the outside.
2. No unvented gas or kerosene space heaters or gas logs are used in my home.
3. I use unvented gas or kerosene heaters only in open spaces with a partially open window.
4. I frequently use unvented kerosene or gas space heaters or gas logs in closed rooms; OR do not know.

3b. Circle the answer that best describes how combustion appliances, chimneys, and flues are maintained in your home.

1. I have all flues and chimneys inspected and cleaned at least once a year.
2. I have all gas/oil furnaces, wood stoves, and other combustion appliances inspected and cleaned at least once a year.
3. I do not have flues, chimneys, and combustion devices inspected.
4. I do not know if the chimneys, flues, and combustion appliances in my home have been inspected.

3c. Circle the answer that best describes the situation in your home regarding carbon monoxide detectors.

1. A carbon monoxide detector is properly installed in my home, and the battery is tested weekly (if applicable).
2. There are no combustion appliances in my home.
3. A carbon monoxide detector is installed, but the battery is not tested regularly (if applicable).
4. My home does not have a carbon monoxide detector.

3d. Circle the answers that best describe how you prevent smoking from causing indoor air quality problems.

1. No one in my house smokes.
2.  I do not allow tobacco smoking in my home, especially when young children or older adults are present.
3.  Smoking is permitted occasionally, but only in areas well ventilated to the outside.
4.  Frequent smoking causes smoky indoor air in my home; OR do not know.

4. Are building materials, wood finishes, and home furnishings affecting your indoor air?

Many products used to build and furnish a home can pollute indoor air. Four of the most common types are 1) pressed wood products; 2) carpet; 3) paint, varnish, and other surface finishes; and 4) asbestos. Some of these products, especially when new, can release hazardous pollutants, such as formaldehyde and other volatile organic compounds, into the air. Air pollutants, such as asbestos or formaldehyde, can also be released from old or deteriorating materials.

Pressed wood products

Pressed or manufactured wood products made from wood chips or sawdust are widely used in home construction today for flooring, sheathing, shelving, and cabinets. Furniture, too, is often made of manufactured wood products. The primary concern with pressed wood products is formaldehyde, which is used in the glues that hold these materials together. Formaldehyde will "off-gas" or be released into the air, especially when a product is new. Sealing the surface of a wood product, especially the edges, will reduce formaldehyde emissions.

Formaldehyde levels in indoor air depend mainly on what is releasing the formaldehyde (the sources), the temperature, the humidity, and the air exchange rate (the amount of outdoor air entering or leaving the indoor area). Increasing the flow of outdoor air to the inside decreases the formaldehyde levels.

Some individuals are very sensitive to formaldehyde. It is a colorless, strong-smelling gas, as well as a strong irritant that causes eyes to water and, in low doses, a burning sensation in the eyes, nose, and throat. People sensitive to formaldehyde also may experience wheezing and coughing, fatigue, skin rashes, headaches, loss of concentration, and nausea. Higher doses can cause asthma attacks as well as damage the liver, kidneys, and central nervous system. Some people are highly sensitive to and react to formaldehyde concentrations that do not bother most other people.

Manufactured wood products are available that are formaldehyde-free or have low formaldehyde emissions (such as exterior-grade products).

Carpets

New carpets can release volatile chemicals from carpet backing, padding, and fibers, as well as from the finishes that give carpeting its antistatic and soil-release properties. The carpet industry is working to reduce these emissions; the Carpet and Rug Institute (CRI) now tests carpets for emissions (see a sample label, right).

A carpet of any age can act as a trap or sponge for chemical pollutants, such as herbicides, and for biological pollutants (discussed in the following section) that are carried in the air or tracked in from outside. Damp, dirty carpet is a breeding ground for biological pollutants. Regular vacuuming (at least once a week) and cleaning of carpets can decrease indoor air pollution risks.

Paint, varnish, and other surface finishes

Products used to finish, protect, and beautify materials in the home—paint, varnish, and other surface finishes— may be potential sources of indoor air pollutants because they contain volatile organic compounds (VOCs). The term "volatile" means that the compounds vaporize, that is, become a gas, at normal room temperatures. Products that are oil-, solvent-, or alkyd-based release more harmful vapors than water-based products. If you are not sure about a particular product, check the label. If the instructions say to clean up with soap and water, then the product is water-based. Provide lots of extra ventilation when finishes are newly applied, or apply finishes outside the home and wait until they are dry to bring the finished product inside.

Lead, a highly toxic substance, was once a common ingredient in household paint. Many homes still have lead-based paint. Lead dust can be released into the air as the paint wears or during renovations. See Home*A*Syst publication #8, Lead In and Around the Home: Identifying and Managing Its Sources, for more information.

Asbestos

Until about 1980, asbestos was widely used in building materials to give strength, increase heat insulation, and provide fire resistance. It was used in roof and siding shingles, floor tiles, soundproofing materials, insulation around pipes, heating ducts and flues, and decorative finishes. If asbestos material in your home is in good condition (without tears or cracks) and will not be disturbed, do nothing! If there is a problem, there are two types of correction: repair or removal. Repair usually involves either sealing or covering asbestos material. When asbestos products get old, they can become crumbly and disperse tiny fibers into the air. If you breathe asbestos particles over time, they can accumulate in your lungs and lead to serious respiratory problems or death.

North Carolina law requires that asbestos be removed by a contractor who is licensed by the state to perform such work. For more information, contact the N.C. Department of Health and Human Services.

4a. Circle the answer that best describes how you reduce indoor air pollution caused by building materials.

1. I select low-emission or no-emission building materials.
2.  I give all new items adequate ventilation and seal surfaces of pressed wood products with paint, varnish, or laminate to limit off-gassing of formaldehyde.
3.  I do not select low-emission wood products.
4.  I do not worry about providing extra ventilation or sealing the edges of new building materials; OR do not know.

 4b. Circle the answers that best describe how you buy, install, and maintain your carpets.

1. I buy carpets that are certified by the CRI as low-emission carpets, and I have the dealer unroll and leave the carpet in a well-ventilated area for 24 to 48 hours before it is brought into my home.
2. I vacuum my carpets regularly and clean up spills immediately.
3. I have new carpets installed without ventilation.
4. I do not vacuum and clean my carpets regularly.

  4c. Circle the answer that best describes what measures you take to reduce indoor air pollution caused by paint, varnish, and other surface finishes.

1. I select water-based products that are low-emission or no-emission paints and varnishes.
2. I provide adequate ventilation for all paints and varnishes.
3. I do not select low-emission paint and surface finish products.
4. I do not provide extra ventilation for paints or varnishes; OR do not know.

 4d. Circle the answers that best describes if your home contains asbestos, and if so, what condition it is in.

1. My home was built after 1980 and does not contain asbestos.
2. My home was built before 1980 and contains asbestos that is safely encased, isolated, and regularly inspected.
3. Asbestos is present in my home and intact, but it is located in high-traffic areas.
4. Asbestos-containing material in my home is in poor condition and crumbling; people are exposed to the dust and fibers; OR do not know.

5. How do biological contaminants affect indoor air?

Your house is home to many organisms. Some are wanted, like pets, but many are uninvited. Biological contaminants come from living or once-living organisms. They include mainly animal hair, dander, saliva, and feces; molds and other fungi; dust mites; insect residues; pollen; and microscopic organisms. These contaminants can cause odors, damage household materials, lead to allergic reactions, and cause infectious diseases and respiratory problems. Each person has a different sensitivity level to biological contaminants.

Moisture

Biological pollutants are found in every home and cannot be eliminated completely. Their growth and quantities can be controlled, however, by keeping surfaces clean and moisture levels low. Many biological contaminants increase in damp or humid spaces. Relative humidity levels of over 60 percent can increase condensation and provide a damp environment conducive to the growth of biological contaminants. Thorough cleaning and good home maintenance can control moisture and reduce the need for chemical products like pesticides and disinfectants, both of which can introduce other pollutants into the air.

Dust

Household dust includes some biological contaminants that are common allergens. Animal dander is shed from skin, fur, or feathers. Dust mites are microscopic insects, and their feces—the primary allergen—are easily airborne. Regular cleaning, including dusting with a treated cloth, damp cleaning, and laundering bedding with hot water, are needed to control these contaminants.

Regular vacuuming may help control dust, but some particles are so small they pass through cleaner filters and become airborne. Some vacuum cleaners have high-efficiency (HEPA) filters to trap more particles. HEPA filters 0.3 microns in size will remove very small particles from the air stream. If your vacuum cleaner does not have a HEPA filter, you can purchase one; but make sure to buy the correct one for your appliance.

If dust-related allergies are a particular problem, limit the use of carpeting, upholstered furnishings, and "dust catchers" such as window blinds, stuffed animals, and knick-knack displays. Be especially careful about sleeping areas, using mattress covers and pillow covers and eliminating stuffed animals, carpets, and other dust catchers.

5a. Circle the answer that best describes what you do to prevent or reduce moisture in your home.

1. There is no evidence of condensation in high-moisture areas. I prevent standing water in crawl spaces, basements, and air conditioner and refrigerator drip pans.
2. I use exhaust fans to remove moisture created by activities such as cooking, bathing, showering, and laundering clothes.
3. There is evidence of condensation in high-moisture areas or seasonally, for which I sometimes use exhaust fans.
4. Damp air is not exhausted outside; the crawl space does not have a ground cover or vents; there are drips, leaks, or standing water in, around, and under the house; OR do not know.

5b. Circle the answer that best describes what you do to prevent or reduce biological contaminants in your home.

1. The house has little or no carpeting and is cleaned regularly; we have no furry pets.
2. Furry pets live in our home, but the house is cleaned regularly.
3. Our house is mostly carpeted, and the carpet is poorly maintained.
4. Pet hair and dust are allowed to accumulate in living and sleeping areas; OR do not know.

6. What air problems do household chemical products cause?

You may use a variety of potentially hazardous chemical products in your home for maintenance, cleaning, personal grooming, and hobbies. Some products, such as those from spray cans, can release chemicals or particles into the air during use. Other substances, such as glues or caulking, release chemicals as the product dries or cures. Off-gasing may result as products such as plastics or air fresheners age. Potentially hazardous products include furniture waxes, paint strippers, adhesives, some cleaning products, disinfectants, degreasers, cosmetics, and hobby supplies.

Products containing petroleum distillates or other volatile organic compounds release more unhealthy emissions than water-based products. Many everyday household products, such as chlorine bleach, ammonia, boric acid, and deodorizers, may generate indoor air pollutants if used improperly.

Reducing the hazard from household products

Choose the least hazardous product and the smallest amount that will do the job. Be sure to provide adequate ventilation. To avoid having to store hazardous products, buy only the amount you will need, then use it up. You can reduce the need for many household chemicals by practicing preventive maintenance, such as quickly cleaning up spills and stains or promptly removing food wastes to control odors and pests. Do not bring chemically treated items, such as dry-cleaned clothing, into your home until they have been aired out to allow chemicals to disperse.

It is very important to read and follow carefully all label instructions for proper use of household products. Some contain pesticides and other toxic chemicals and require special precautions. Labels provide information about the toxicity of the chemicals in a product. Any product that contains hazardous substances must be labeled as such. The front label must include a warning and a description of the hazard. The product label must include a statement telling you how to avoid the hazard and how to use the product safely. Look for the following signal words:

Poison: highly toxic or poisonous

Danger: extremely flammable, corrosive, or highly toxic

Warning or Caution: moderately or slightly toxic

To reduce the danger in your home, buy cleaning products labeled "warning" or "caution" and pesticides labeled "caution"—these products are less harmful than those labeled "poison" or "danger." For more information, ask your local Extension center for the publication Reducing Hazardous Products in the Home (FCS-368-2). 

6. Circle the answer that best describes your use of hazardous household products.

1. I avoid products with hazardous vapors or use them only according to the manufacturer's instructions, outdoors or indoors, with proper ventilation and safety precautions.
2. I do not store hazardous products in my home.
3. I use products with hazardous vapors indoors, often for long periods without ventilation.
4. I use or store hazardous products in my home; OR do not know.

7. Is radon present in your home?

Radon, which cannot be seen, smelled, or tasted, is a naturally occurring, radioactive gas that is present in all soils at different concentrations. Radon is produced from the natural breakdown of uranium and moves through the soil as a gas. The movement of underground radon is determined by soil and rock types. Radon enters homes through cracks in floor slabs, utility lines passing through floors and below grade walls, ductwork, and other penetrations of floor systems. Radon and other soil gases also may enter many houses through the suction associated with mechanical equipment used for heating, cooling, and ventilating.

Radon poses a health threat when it builds up in enclosed buildings. The only way to determine if there are harmful levels of radon in your house is to test (see below, "Testing for radon").

Health risks associated with radon

Radon is the second leading cause of lung cancer in this country behind smoking. It is estimated that radon causes about 15,000 deaths per year. The health risk from radon occurs when it is breathed. Radon gas breaks down into radioactive particles that can damage lung cells. A person's lung cancer risk rises as the number of years he or she has been exposed to radon increases. The higher the radon level you are exposed to, the greater your risk of getting lung cancer. Smokers are especially at risk as a result of radon exposure. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has set an action level for radon of 4 picocuries per liter of air (pCi/L). If your average exposure is greater than 4 pCi/L, the EPA recommends that you take steps to lower the indoor level of radon.

Radon occurrence in North Carolina

In North Carolina, indoor radon levels are usually low along the coast and in the coastal plain. Levels in the piedmont and mountains are generally higher. Because radon levels vary from house to house, it is impossible to predict indoor radon levels. Elevated levels can occur in any type of house, old or new, those with crawlspace or basement foundations. The only way to know the radon level in your house is to test for it.

Testing for radon

Conducting a radon test is easy to do. Test kits are usually available from hardware and home improvement stores and some discount stores. They are also available through mail-order companies. The kits cost from $10 to $20, which includes lab and mailing fees. Testing should be done in the lowest lived-in level of your home.

If you are considering selling your home, you may be asked to test for radon. Radon testing is not required in North Carolina, but highly suggested in piedmont and mountain counties.

Radon testing during a home sale requires the use of two tests, and it is recommended that a radon testing company unconnected with the seller complete the testing. If elevated radon levels are found, a radon reduction system can be installed. These systems consist of a pipe and fan system that removes radon in the soil beneath a house and usually cost between $1,000 and $2,000.

Contact your county Cooperative Extension center for publications describing radon, radon testing, and radon mitigation.

7. Circle the answer that best describes your house and any radon testing conducted.

1. My house is located along the coast of North Carolina or within 50 miles of the coast.
2. A radon test was conducted properly, and the radon level is below the threshold for action.
3. A properly conducted radon test showed that the level in my home is higher than the EPA action level, or radon testing has not been done.
4. My home is in the piedmont or mountain region of North Carolina and I have not conducted a radon test; OR do not know.

Radon gas enters a home through openings in contact with the ground and in household water.

Ventilating Indoor Air

8. How do you control potential sources of indoor air quality problems?

Ventilation

Removal or reduction of pollution sources is the first priority in improving the air quality in your home. The second priority is to dilute the concentration of air pollutants through increased ventilation of the home.

Even in homes with few sources of contamination, ventilation is needed, especially during seasons when windows and doors are kept shut. Many homes leak air, which may help maintain freshness but also wastes energy. Newer homes tend to have tighter construction, which makes it easier for pollutants to build up to dangerous levels. Tight homes also may be susceptible to humidity problems.

Use your nose and eyes to help evaluate indoor air quality. Be aware of persistent odors of chemicals, mildew, or tobacco smoke. Steamy windows in cool weather indicate high levels of moisture in the home. Lingering odors of grease and food may mean that your kitchen needs more ventilation.

Increasing the ventilation rate of your home will reduce the concentration of air pollutants. Exhaust fans in the kitchen and bathrooms are helpful, as long as adequate replacement air is available. Some ventilation equipment can increase ventilation while conserving energy. For example, a heat recovery ventilator removes "stale" air from a house and brings in fresh air. The incoming fresh air is warmed by heat removed from the outgoing air. If you suspect the ventilation in your home is inadequate, consult an energy professional.

Air filters and air cleaners

Air filters in your heating/cooling air circulation system need to be inspected regularly and replaced or cleaned when dirty. Clogged or dirty filters limit the efficiency of the equipment. Standard air filters on heating and cooling equipment will remove only the largest dust particles. High-efficiency filters (HEPA) are more effective and will remove particles such as dust, smoke, pollen, and some microorganisms. Gases generally go right through air filters. For more information, order Extension publication Air Filters and Cleaners (FCS-360-06) from your local Extension center.

Air cleaners are portable units whose sole purpose is to purify indoor air. There are several types of air cleaners, each of which purifies the air in a different way:

• Mechanical filters use fibrous materials, sometimes coated to make them sticky, to collect particles in the air. Pleated mechanical filters use smaller, densely packed fibers, increasing efficiency without loss of air flow. HEPA (high efficiency particulate air) filters are a special type of high efficiency mechanical filter.
• Electronic air cleaners use electrostatic precipitation, static charge, or particle ionization to remove particles from the air. As a fan draws in air, larger particles are then charged by a high-voltage wire and captured in the precipitating cell. A carbon filter removes odors, and a post-filter removes any remaining particles. When a pre-filter is used, the electrostatic precipitator can remove mold, bacteria, tobacco smoke, and most household dust. Regular maintenance is a must.
• Ion generators are available only in portable air cleaners and use electricity to charge particles in the air. The charged particles then are attracted to room surfaces or a collector plate in the air cleaner. This type of cleaner may increase the level of ozone in the room. Air cleaners that generate ozone, which is a lung irritant, are not recommended because their operation may result in air pollution that can irritate the eyes, parch the throat, and stress the lungs.
• Solid sorbent air cleaners use absorption to remove gaseous pollutants from the air. This type of cleaner is often used to control odors. Activated carbon is a common sorbent air cleaner. Special sorbents are available to remove a specific gaseous pollutant, such as formaldehyde. Testing of the effectiveness of sorbent cleaners is limited, and the results vary widely. Specific concerns are the limited useful life of a sorbent filter and the possibility of reemission of pollutants.

Sorbent air cleaners sometimes are marketed for radon removal, but evaluation of their effectiveness is inconclusive. Air cleaning is not a recommended radon mitigation technique.

There is not one single or comprehensive method to compare the effectiveness of air cleaners. Different efficiency tests and standards are used with different cleaners (measures removal of specific, not all, pollutants).

8a. Circle the answer that best describes the measures you take to provide adequate ventilation in your home.

1. My house is well ventilated, and exhaust fans are used in the kitchen and bathrooms.
2. Ventilation and air circulation systems are regularly maintained.
3. No kitchen or bath exhaust fans are used.
4. My house is poorly ventilated, or ventilation systems are not regularly maintained; OR do not know.

8b. Circle the answer that best describes how you handle air filtration and purification in your home.

1. I have air filters in my heating/cooling air circulation system inspected regularly and replace or clean the filters when necessary.
2. I use high-efficiency filters on heating and cooling equipment.
3. I use an air cleaner that generates ozone.
4. The air filters in my heating/cooling air circulation system are not inspected regularly; OR do not know.

What can you do about your indoor air quality?

The potential for air quality problems in your home can seem overwhelming. It may appear that your only answer is to live outside or to hold your breath. The concern for indoor air quality is really an individual matter based on factors such as potential pollutants and air quality problems in your home, the sensitivity of people living in the home, the level of risk you are willing to accept, and your personal priorities. How much will you change or give up to reduce pollution in your home? How many of your personal resources are you willing to invest in lowering the air pollution in your home? As you make your choices, remember to consider these strategies to make the air quality in your home as healthy as possible:

• Source Control - reduce or eliminate sources of pollutants in your home.
• Ventilation - provide adequate ventilation in your home to reduce the concentration of pollutants.

Provide adequate ventilation when using hazardous household products.

Related publications

Prepared by the North Carolina Cooperative Extension Service

• Questions About Indoor Air Pollution, FCS-360-01
• Radon in North Carolina Homes, FCS-360-02
• How to Test for Radon, FCS-360-03
• Reducing Radon in North Carolina Homes, FCS-360-04
• Bioaerosols in the Human Environment, FCS-360-05
• Air Filters and Cleaners, FCS-360-06
• Mildew Prevention in the Home, FCS-237
• Lead Abatement in Residential Dwellings, FCS-475
• Moisture Control and Prevention Guide, FCS-486
• Lead in the Home: Sources, Hazards, and Solutions, FCS-401
• Reducing Hazardous Products in the Home, FCS-368-02

Or online:

• http://www.ces.ncsu.edu/depts/fcs/housing/energyiaq.html

 Prepared by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency

• The Inside Story: A Guide to Indoor Air Quality
• Indoor Air Pollution: An Introduction for Health Professionals
• Indoor Air Facts No.7: Residential Air Cleaners
• Indoor Air Facts No. 8: Use and Care of Home Humidifiers
• Residential Air-Cleaning Devices: A Summary of Available Information
• Home Buyers' and Sellers' Guide to Radon
• A Citizen's Guide to Radon: The Guide to Protecting Yourself and Your Family From Radon (second edition)
• Combustion Appliances and Indoor Air Pollution by U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission and American Lung Association
• Protect Your Family and Yourself from Carbon Monoxide Poisoning
• Carpet and Indoor Air Quality
• Asthma, Air Quality, and Environmental Justice: EPA's Role in Asthma Education and Prevention
• What You Should Know About Using Paint Strippers
• Secondhand Smoke: What You Can Do as Parents, Decision-makers, and Building Occupants
• Respiratory Health Effects of Passive Smoking
• Asbestos in Your Home
• Flood Cleanup: Avoiding Indoor Air Quality Problems
• Should You Have the Air Ducts in Your Home Cleaned?
• Indoor Air Hazards Every Homeowner Should Know About

Or Online:

• www.epa.gov/iaq

• http://www.epa.gov/iaq/homes.html

• http://www.epa.gov/iaq/homes/hip-concerns.html

Prepared by Other Agencies

• Biological Pollutants in Your Home by American Lung Association 
• Indoor Air Pollution Fact Sheet: Formaldehyde by American Lung Association
• An Update on Formaldehyde by U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission 
• Facts About Secondhand Smoke by American Lung Association
• Kerosene Heater Safety by U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission
• The Senseless Killer by U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission
• Tips for Purchasing and Installing New Carpet by U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission
• Health Hazard: CPSC Urges Caution with Consumer Products Containing Methylene Chloride by U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission
• Household Care Products and Indoor Air Quality by Chemical Specialties Manufacturers Association  http://www.pressroom.com/~csma/home.htm

Contacts for more information

• American Lung Association. Check local listings  http://www.lungusa.org/   
• Carpet and Rug Institute, Indoor Air Testing Program, phone (800) 882-8846  http://www.carpet-rug.com/
• Clean Air Council, phone (215) 567-4004  http://www.cleanair.org/index/index_1.html
• Indoor Air Quality Information Clearinghouse, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Safety & Health Administration, 200 Constitution Avenue, Washington, D.C. 20210, 800-321-OSHA (6742) http://www.osha-slc.gov/SLTC/indoorairquality/
• Consumer Product Safety Commission, phone (800) 638-CPSC and teletypewriter for the hearing impaired: (800) 638-8270 (outside Maryland)  http://www.cpsc.gov/
• Cooperative Extension Service. Check local listings under "County Government-Cooperative Extension Service"  www.ces.ncsu.edu/
• National Asbestos Hotline, phone (800) 368-5888  http://www.epa.gov/opptintr/asbestos/pubs.htm
• National Pesticides Information Center, phone (800) 858-7378,  http://npic.orst.edu/
• National Radon Hotline, phone (800) SOS-RADON(800-767-7236), http://www.epa.gov/iaq/radon/rnxlines.html
• North Carolina Cooperative Extension Service
  • Environmental Housing, phone (919) 515-9155  http://www.ces.ncsu.edu/depts/fcs/housing/menuhhf.html
  • Radon Program, phone (919) 571-4141  http://www.ces.ncsu.edu/depts/fcs/radon/
• North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services  http://www.epi.state.nc.us/epi/oii/hsfactsheet.html
  • Indoor Air Quality—Division of Environmental Epidemiology, phone (919) 733-3410 
  • Asbestos, phone (919) 733-0820 
• U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Public Information Center, phone (202) 260-7751 www.epa.gov

College of Agriculture & Life Sciences . NC State University
School of Agriculture . NC A&T State University

Prepared by

M. Cassandra Wiggins
Extension Associate, Environmental Housing

Robert Leker
Extension Associate, Radon Program Manager

Janet Young
Layout and Design Specialist

The concept adapted for North Carolina from materials produced by the National Home*A*Syst Program, University of Wisconsin, and Healthy Indoor Air for America's Homes Project, Montana State University Extension Service (author Kathleen Parrott, Associate Professor and Extension Housing Specialist, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University).

North Carolina's modification of Farm*A*Syst and Home*A*Syst is coordinated by Deanna L. Osmond, North Carolina State University. Technical editing was provided by Judith A. Gale.

This project has been funded through the United States Department of Agriculture Water Quality Initiative Funds.

Published by

NORTH CAROLINA COOPERATIVE EXTENSION SERVICE

Distributed in furtherance of the Acts of Congress of May 8 and June 30, 1914. Employment and program opportunities are offered to all people regardless of race, color, national origin, sex, age, or disability. North Carolina State University, North Carolina A&T State University, U.S. Department of Agriculture, and local governments cooperating.

AG-567-07
E01-38866

This document was last updated on 12/14/2002.