According to the American Lung Association, in 1999, 85% of Americans did not realize the air in their homes might be a health hazard. However, more people are becoming increasingly aware of the importance of the quality of air that we breathe indoors. We take for granted the cleanliness of our indoor air. The average person spends 90% of their time indoors, may it be at a store, bank, school, etc. therefore making it vital to our health that we are informed on improving our indoor air quality.

Well, this is the 6 million dollar question. To be truthful, the answer is "we don't know", but we are starting to get a better idea.

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.

The study is contributing to our understanding of how air quality information collected at the community level compares to actual human exposures. This is accomplished by comparing air quality measurements taken at a centrally located community monitoring site to data collected in neighborhoods, in and around individual homes, as well as, to personal exposure measurements.

Wildland fires occur naturally and are one of the many natural sources of particulate matter (tiny particles such as dust, soot, etc.) Particulate matter is the main pollutant of concern from smoke because it can cause serious health problems. Smoke can also adversely affect the clarity (visual range) of our air. Wildland fire is also part of the natural ecological process of many ecosystems.

Although the FDA has no health-related standards, it does consider some portable air filtration systems to be Class II medical devices. In the United States, nothing can claim this status without FDA approval. To get approval, a manufacturer must show two things: (1) that the device is safe, usually indicated by the Underwriters Laboratory (UL) seal, and (2) that it has a medical benefit. Look for both the UL seal and a statement of the FDA's Class II approval.

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.).

Kiln manufacturers have always recommended that firing areas have adequate ventilation. There are many reasons why kiln venting stressed more now. Today's environmental consciousness has created more awareness of potential health hazards. Studies have shown that carbon monoxide emissions can exceed OSHA Threshold Limit Values during bisque firing of electric kilns. Formaldehyde and sulfur dioxide also may be present in lower concentrations.

ldquo;…indoor air is often two-to-five times more polluted than outdoor air and can be up to 1,000 times as dirty. The EPA estimates that most Americans are exposed every day to indoor air contaminants than can lead to serious health problems for some people, including cancer, respiratory ailments, fatigue and headaches.”

Poor quality sunglasses that simply reduce the amount of glare reaching the eye without, blocking any harmful rays are enormously harmful to eye health. Because poor quality sunglasses allow the pupil to dilate and actually increase the amount of dangerous radiation and fatiguing glare that can enter and injure the eye. This damage is cumulative, and can accrue over the course of years.

Our personal experience and research, plus feedback from hundreds of satisfied customers over the years tells us the quality of the gemstone is very important. Over the past 26 years, Jay, our chief graduate gemologist and overseas buyer, has continually refined his personal buying tastes. Jay is known and respected around the world as one of the very best "intuitive" colored stone buyers.

Changes were made to the guidance based on new science and experience. The new guidance offers three improvements; 1) It aligns with recommendations from the new Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Air Standard for PM2.5, 2) It allows greater flexibility in allowing healthy students to benefit from outdoor exercise, and 3) It provides a conservative level of protection when outdoor activities are not recommended for all students.

Air quality conditions are monitored at various sites throughout the state. To check the current PM2.5

Yes. The guidance was developed for schools and local health departments to help in decision-making about outdoor recess. However, the guidance is based on national and Utah-specific research and can be useful for anyone with asthma or other respiratory diseases.

Not all school districts are affected by air quality. Generally, only those with access to results of air monitoring stations in their areas are able to apply the guidance. These areas include Cache, Davis, Salt Lake, Utah and Weber counties. For school districts in which the gudiance may not apply, administrators can contact their local health department to adapt the guidance to meet their needs. It is important that students continue to get physical activity on worsening air quality days.

Reducing driving and bus idling on worsening air quality days may help. For information on bus idling reduction programs visit epa.gov/cleanschoolbus/index or visit www.cleanair.utah.gov for tips on how to improve the air quality in your community.