Erie County Government - Official website of the Erie County, NY Government
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The Erie County Department of Environment and Planning (DEP) Office for Indoor Air Quality (IAQ) offers a variety of programs which provide accurate information and technical assistance to citizens, businesses, local governments, and civic organizations. Our goal is to reduce the health risks associated with exposure to radon gas, carbon monoxide and other indoor air contaminants to Erie County residents. While the program emphasizes radon gas and carbon monoxide awareness, information is available on additional potential sources of indoor air pollution as well.
The Western New York Radon / Indoor Air Quality Coalition
- Protecting the citizens of Western New York
Erie County DEP is pleased to serve as the Coordinator to The Western New York (WNY) Radon / Indoor Air Quality (IAQ) Coalition. Established in the Fall of 1998, the Coalition provides the residents of Western New York with accurate information and technical support on radon and other indoor air quality pollutants through a coordinated regional approach. Current membership includes twelve Western & Central New York counties, two tribal communities, and numerous not-for-profit and civic organizations.
In the last several years, a growing body of scientific evidence has indicated that the air within homes and other buildings can be more seriously polluted than the outdoor air in even the largest and most industrialized cities. Other research indicates that, people spend approximately 90 percent of their time indoors. Thus, for many people, the risks to health may be greater due to exposure to air pollution indoors that outdoors.
Indoor air has always contained natural and man-made impurities such as bacteria, viruses, fungi, radon gas and carbon monoxide. In recent years, additional contaminants such as asbestos and formaldehyde have been identified in indoor air. While pollutant levels from individual sources may not pose a significant risk by themselves, most homes have more than one source that contributes to indoor air pollution.
Fortunately, there are steps that most people can take both to reduce the risk from existing sources and to prevent new problems from occurring. Erie County DEP - Office for Indoor Air Quality can help you decide whether to take actions that can reduce the level of indoor air pollution in you own home.
Office for Indoor Air Quality: (716) 858-6370
Indoor Air Quality 24 Hr Hotline: (716) 858-6200
Your information resource from the government of Erie County, New York
