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Indoor pollution sources that release gases or particles into the air are the primary cause of indoor air quality problems in homes. Inadequate ventilation can increase indoor pollutant levels by not bringing in enough outdoor air to dilute emissions from indoor sources and by not carrying indoor air pollutants out of the home. High temperature and humidity levels can also increase concentrations of some pollutants.
Read more about what steps to take both to reduce the risk from existing sources of indoor air pollution and how to prevent new problems from occurring in The Inside Story- A Guide to Indoor Air Quality.
Contents
- Radon Resistant New Construction
- ENERGY STAR Indoor Air Package label for new homes
- Healthy Indoor Air for America's Homes Project
- Remodeling Your Home: Have You Considered Indoor Air Quality? - Home Improvement with Energy Star
Radon Resistant New Construction
Radon can enter and collect inside homes and other buildings that are not built with radon-resistant techniques. However, buildings constructed with radon-resistant techniques can ensure lower radon levels, energy efficiency, and a safer home.
- Radon Home Page - www.epa.gov/radon
- Radon Resistant New Construction page - www.epa.gov/radon/rrnc
ENERGY STAR Indoor Air Package label for new homes
Homebuyers today are increasingly concerned about the indoor air quality (IAQ) of their homes. Issues like mold, radon, carbon monoxide, and toxic chemicals have received greater attention than ever as poor indoor air quality has been linked to a host of health problems. To address these concerns, builders can employ a variety of construction practices and technologies to decrease the risk of poor IAQ in their new homes.
EPA created the ENERGY STAR Indoor Air Package to help builders meet the growing consumer preference for homes with improved indoor air quality and energy efficiency. Forward-thinking builders can distinguish themselves by offering homes that have earned this advanced designation. A home qualifies when verified to meet the Indoor Air Package specifications, by a certified home energy rater.
- Read more about the Indoor Air Package - www.energystar.gov/homes/iap
Healthy Indoor Air for America's Homes Project
EPA and the U.S. Department of Agriculture-Cooperative State Research, Education and Extension Service have developed a national consumer education program concerned with improving the quality of indoor air in homes. The project helps provide awareness of indoor air quality issues such as Carbon Monoxide and other combustion products, Radon, Formaldehyde, Molds, Lead, and Air Hazards associated with remodeling and household products. Read the brochure: Indoor Air Hazards Every Homeowner Should Know About.
The brochure is also available in Spanish as," Contaminantes Peligrosos del Aire Que Cada Dueño De Hogar Debe Conocer.
- Healthy Indoor Air for America's Home Project - www.montana.edu/wwwcxair/
Read more about home improvement, see "Improve Your Home’s Energy Efficiency with ENERGY STAR"
Remodeling Your Home: Have You Considered Indoor Air Quality?
Home Improvement with Energy Star® While remodeling or improving the energy efficiency of your home, steps should be taken to minimize pollution from sources inside the home, either from new materials, or from disturbing materials already in the home. In addition, residents should be alert to signs of inadequate ventilation, such as stuffy air, moisture condensation on cold surfaces, or mold and mildew growth. These issues should be addressed either before or during the remodeling process. Read More...