According to studies conducted by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, the air inside your home may up five times more polluted than the air outside. For some people, this may mean no more than a runny nose or watery eyes. But, for others, particularly children, seniors and those who suffer from respiratory ailments, the effects may be devastating and long lasting. Reducing the amount of pollutants in the air is the most effective way to improve indoor air quality.

Indoor Air Quality (IAQ) refers to the effect, good or bad, of the contents of the air inside a structure, on its occupants. Usually, temperature (too hot or too cold), humidity (too dry or too damp), and air velocity (draftiness or motionlessness) are considered "comfort" rather than indoor air quality issues. Unless they are extreme, they may make someone unhappy, but they won't make a person ill.

No building is perfectly sealed and so the air inside ultimately originates outside. Air pollution present in the outdoor environment will therefore enter into the building as well. Generally, pollutants present in the outdoor environment are present at a somewhat lower concentration than outside (probably 10 to 90% in most cases). There are several reasons for this. Some pollutants are absorbed by materials in the building. Others deteriorate or react chemically and so disappear.

The usual clue is that people feel ill while inside the building, and the symptoms go away shortly after leaving the building, or sometimes, when away for the building for a period of time (as on weekends away from work, or a vacation). This doesn't necessarily work in cases of BRI (sections 2.3, 2.4), where it may take medical testing and investigation of the building to determine whether the building is the source of the problem.

Look over this FAQ. Find the material most related to what seems to be going on. In most cases there are suggestions as to things that can checked in to. Some of these can be checked by anyone; others require an expert (medical doctor, HVAC service company, IAQ investigator, etc.).

According to the World Health Organization, as many as one-third of the buildings in the United States may have some form of indoor air pollution which is potentially harmful to people. Since most Americans now spend more than 80% of their time indoors, it is important to be sure that the air they are breathing is not harming them.

The only way to diagnose indoor air with certainty is through scientific evaluation. The people who occupy the building, however, are also affected by the air inside it, and their physical symptoms can provide several important indications that the indoor may be contaminated. Conditions such as headaches; eye, nose or throat irritation; dry cough; dry or itchy skin; dizziness and nausea; difficulty concentrating and fatigue are all indicators that there may be contaminants in the air.

Many everyday household items contribute to poor indoor air quality. Compounds found in carpeting, furniture, upholstery and drapery fabric consistently emit gas or fumes. Other sources of pollutants can include, but are not limited to, cleaning agents, paints and personal care products. Also, newer homes that are tightly sealed for energy efficiency tend to limit air circulation, which can contribute to a buildup of contaminants.

The first step toward better indoor air is to identify the types of pollutants present in the home. The best way to do this is to schedule an in-home air-quality test with your local Lennox dealer. Routine cleaning and housekeeping helps reduce indoor air pollutants, but these simple fixes are not cure-alls. Some contaminants are so small that they may escape through the vacuum or never land on a surface.

Poor indoor air quality (IAQ) can be the cause of numerous health problems. Medical groups report that as many as half of all illnesses are caused or aggravated by indoor air pollution. Pollutants in your home's air can cause dizziness, headaches and nausea, plus aggravate allergies and asthma. Clean indoor air benefits everyone, even people who have never suffered from allergies.

The air pollutants found in industrial buildings varies widely and depend on the type of activities performed. Non-industrial buildings are not likely to be a source of high levels of any indoor air pollutant. These may include: carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, biological contaminants such as animal dander, molds and dust mites, volatile organic compounds (cleaning agents, solvents and other), radon , asbestos and heavy metals such as lead and mercury.

The Nebraska Clean Indoor Air Act is a State law that applies to all businesses. On and after October 2, 2006 the NCIAA will primarily pertain to those businesses with a delayed smoke-free date in the Omaha Smoke-Free Ordinance. The NCIAA requires that if a smoking area is provided in restaurants with a public area of over 1200 square feet and all other businesses regardless of size (except bars, which are exempt) a nonsmoking area must be created.

Some sources of indoor air pollution: tobacco smoke, pollen, dust, animal dander, mold, mildew, radon, cleaning products, beauty products, building materials, carpets, furniture, air fresheners, pesticides, etc.

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has declared Indoor Air Quality (IAQ) the nation's worst environmental health problem, even worse than outdoor air pollution. A significant increase in asthma and hay fever corresponds to an increased level of allergens and irritants in our homes and offices as a result of poor Indoor Air Quality (IAQ).

the core of the issue is the effect of indoor air components – microbiological, chemical or particulate – on the well-being and productivity of the occupants. It is well documented that poor indoor air quality may adversely affect both health and productivity. In this context, allergic reactions, exacerbation of asthmatic responses, and fatigue are clearly negative impacts.

There are “signatures” associated with some components that cause problems. Knowing your symptoms and the conditions around you at the time they appear can be of great value to an IAQ investigator.

We have two programs. The first deals with assisting our clients in creating and managing an indoor air quality program within their own organization. This is usually done at the clients’ place of business. The second deals with training our network of associates. It is part of an accredited continuing education program. Typically the program is conducted at the Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center. However, it can also be presented at other locations.

Lennox® offers air quality systems for a variety of different needs. To determine which system is best for your home, you need to consider the cause, or pollutant source, as well as your sensitivity. Pollutants are present in most homes, but the classification and concentrations of these contaminants vary. New homes tend to have higher concentrations of chemicals, while older homes are breeding grounds for mold and mildew.

Nevada law now limits smoking tobacco within most indoor places of employment including, but not limited to, the following:

There are many sources of indoor air contaminants. Some are brought by the building's occupants. Humans exhale carbon dioxide. New building materials can contribute to the presence of volatile organic chemicals (carpet, wallpaper, glues, particle board, furniture, etc). Radon naturally occurs in the subsoil and may migrate into the building. Lead is ubiquitous, appearing in the dust matrix as a result of previous lead-based gasoline and paint use.

No. The Clean Indoor Air Law is enforced by local health departments. Unlawful threats of violence or property damage are enforced by police departments. If you smoke and want to quit, or know someone who wants to quit call the New York State Smokers’ Quit Line at 1-866-NY-QUITS (1-866-697-8487) for free helpful information, or visit www.nysmokefree.com. The information on this page was prepared by the NYS Department of Health Tobacco Control Program, Ursula E. Bauer, Ph.D., M.P.H.

The Clean Air Campaign was formed specifically to address ambient air quality issues that face the metro Atlanta region, and increasingly, the rest of the state of Georgia. We work on the air quality issues that affect large parts of the state. In Georgia, the two most pressing air pollution issues that affect large parts of the state are ground-level ozone and particle pollution.

Sniff the air. The nose is the best odor and gas detector, and a good particle detector as well, especially when first entering a contaminated environment. Unfortunately, in as little as 15 minutes, it adapts to the environment and stops detecting contaminants.

Indoor humidity is caused by everyday living. Showers, baths, cooking, washing dishes, doing laundry, and cleaning all add moisture to the air in your home — as much as four gallons or more per day in some homes. Additionally, we exhale moisture into the air as we breathe. Today’s energy-efficient, well-insulated homes tend to keep down heating and cooling costs. But the same things that block outdoor air from entering our homes also keep moisture from venting to the outdoors.

Indoor pollution sources that release VOC's (Volatile Organic Compounds) or particulate into the air are the primary cause of indoor air quality problems in homes and offices. Inadequate ventilation can increase indoor pollutant levels by not bringing in enough outdoor air to dilute the emissions from indoor sources and by not carrying indoor air pollutants out of the home. High temperature and humidity levels can also increase concentration of some pollutants.