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More Information on IAQ and Remodeling
Read more about home improvement, see "Improve Your Home’s Energy Efficiency with ENERGY STAR"
Also, read "The Inside Story: A Guide to Indoor Air Quality"
EPA Publications and Resources
EPA's Indoor Environments Division maintains a complete list EPA publications on indoor air quality, including many available online. Most of these publications are available free to the public. EPA publications and web sites of special interest to those considering a home remodeling or renovation project are listed below.
Reference herein to any specific commercial products, process, or service by trade name, trademark, manufacturer, or otherwise, does not necessarily constitute or imply its endorsement, recommendation, or favoring by the United States Government. The views and opinions of authors expressed herein do not necessarily state or reflect those of the United States Government and shall not be used for advertising or product endorsement purposes.
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- The
Inside Story: A Guide to Indoor Air Quality
(EPA-402-K-93-007), April 1995. This is our most
popular and comprehensive publication on the subject of Indoor
Air Quality. It describes sources of air pollution in the home
and office, corrective strategies, and specific measures for
reducing pollutant levels. This illustrated booklet covers all
major sources of pollution such as radon, household chemicals,
biological contaminants, carbon monoxide, formaldehyde,
pesticides, asbestos, and lead. Includes a glossary and a list
of sources for additional information. Written in
easy-to-understand language for the general consumer.
- ENERGY
STAR® ENERGY
STAR-labeled products use less energy than other products, save
you money on utility bills, and help protect the environment.
Look for the ENERGY STAR label on quality household appliances,
home electronics, office equipment, heating and cooling
equipment, windows, residential light fixtures, and more.
The ENERGY STAR Homes Program promotes partnerships with home builders to construct highly energy-efficient new homes. An energy efficient, ENERGY STAR Home significantly lowers your utility bills, reduces air pollution, and increases resale value.
-
Clear
Your Home of Asthma Triggers
[En Español] Asthma is a serious
lung disease, affecting about 15 million Americans. Asthma may
be triggered by allergens and irritants that are common in
homes. To help your child breathe easier: consult a doctor and
reduce asthma triggers in your home.
- Should
You Have the Air Ducts In Your Home Cleaned?
(EPA-402-K-97-002), October 1997. This publication is
intended to help consumers answer this often confusing question.
The guide explains what air duct cleaning is, provides guidance
to help consumers decide whether to have the service performed
in their home, and provides helpful information for choosing a
duct cleaner, determining if duct cleaning was done properly,
and how to prevent contamination of air ducts.
- Ozone
Generators That Are Sold As Air Cleaners
The purpose of this
document (which is only available via this web site) is to
provide accurate information regarding the use of
ozone-generating devices in indoor occupied spaces. This
information is based on the most credible scientific evidence
currently available. Whether in its pure form or mixed with
other chemicals, ozone can be harmful to health. Some studies
show that ozone concentrations produced by ozone generators can
exceed health standards even when one follows manufacturer’s
instructions. Available scientific evidence shows that, at
concentrations that do not exceed public health standards, ozone
is generally ineffective in controlling indoor air pollution.
The public is advised to use proven methods of controlling
indoor air pollution.
- Fact Sheet: Flood
Cleanup: Avoiding Indoor Air Quality Problems (EPA-402-F-93-005),
August 1993. Discusses steps to take when cleaning and
repairing a home after flooding. Excess moisture in the home is
cause for concern about indoor air quality primarily because it
provides breeding conditions for microorganisms. This fact sheet
provides tips to avoid creating indoor air quality problems
during cleanup.
- Asbestos
in Your Home (EPA-400-K-90-100), 1990. This
document discusses health effects of asbestos exposure,
identifies common products and building materials from the past
that might contain asbestos, and describes conditions which may
cause release of asbestos fibers. Describes how to identify
materials that contain asbestos and how to control an asbestos
problem. Explains role of asbestos professionals and use of
asbestos inspectors and removal contractors. This brochure was
prepared by the American Lung Association, the U.S. Consumer
Product Safety Commission, and the EPA.
- Biological
Pollutants in Your Home. This document explains indoor biological pollution,
health effects of biological pollutants, and how to control
their growth and buildup. One third to one half of all
structures have damp conditions that may encourage development
of pollutants such as molds and bacteria, which can cause
allergic reactions--including asthma--and spread infectious
diseases. Describes corrective measures for achieving moisture
control and cleanliness. This brochure was prepared by the
American Lung Association and the U.S. Consumer Product Safety
Commission.
www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/pubs/425.html [EPA 402-F-90-102, January 1990]
- Healthy
Indoor Painting Practices (EPA 744-F-00-011), May 2000.
This brochure by EPA and the U.S. Consumer Product Safety
Commission discusses safety practices for residents, property
managers, and painters. English Version (via the
CPSC website) in PDF -
www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/pubs/456.pdf Spanish Version -
www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/spanish/456s.pdf
- What You Should Know About Using Paint Strippers (CPSC-F-747-F-95-002), February 1995.
Paint strippers contain chemicals that loosen paint from surfaces. These chemicals can harm you if not used properly. Some paint stripping chemicals can irritate the skin and eyes, or cause headaches, drowsiness, nausea, dizziness, or loss of coordination. Some may cause cancer, reproductive problems, or damage of the liver, kidney, or brain. Others catch fire easily. Proper handling and use of paint strippers will reduce your exposure to these chemicals and lessen your health risk.
- An Update on Formaldehyde: 1997 Revision (CPSC Document #725)
The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, with assistance of EPA, developed this brochure to provide information about formaldehyde in indoor air. The brochure tells consumers where they may come in contact with formaldehyde, how it may affect their health, and how their exposure to formaldehyde might be reduced. www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/pubs/725.html [EPA 402-F-04-026]
- Lead and Your Drinking Water (EPA-810-F-93-001)
A question and answer discussion on lead in drinking water. See EPA's Lead in Paint, Dust and Soil page - www.epa.gov/lead/pubs/leadinfo.htm See also, EPA's web site - www.epa.gov/lead
- Lead in Your Home: A Parent's Reference Guide (EPA 747-B-98-002) A colorful and comprehensive guide to educate parents and homeowners about lead hazards and lead poisoning prevention in the home. This new guide book is intended for people who already know that lead is a potential problem and who want to learn more about what they can do to help prevent lead poisoning and reduce lead hazards. See EPA's Lead in Paint, Dust and Soil page - www.epa.gov/lead/pubs/leadinfo.htm See also, EPA's web site - www.epa.gov/lead
- Reducing Lead Hazards When Remodeling Your Home (EPA-747-K-97-001) This pamphlet is for anyone involved in a home improvement project - whether you are actually doing the work yourself or overseeing the work of renovation and remodeling professionals. EPA's Lead in Paint, Dust and Soil page - www.epa.gov/lead/pubs/leadinfo.htm See also, EPA's web site - www.epa.gov/lead
- Citizens Guide to Pest Control and Pesticide Safety Teaches consumers how to control pests in and around the home, alternatives to chemical pesticides, how to choose pesticides, and how to use, store, and dispose of them safely. It also discusses how to reduce exposure when others use pesticides, how to prevent pesticide poisoning and how to handle an emergency, how to choose a pest control company, and what to do if someone is poisoned by a pesticide
- Citizens Guide to Radon You can't see radon. And you can't smell it or taste it. But it may be a problem in your home. Radon is estimated to cause many thousands of deaths each year. That's because when you breathe air containing radon, you can get lung cancer. In fact, the Surgeon General has warned that radon is the second leading cause of lung cancer in the United States today. Only smoking causes more lung cancer deaths.
- Consumer's Guide to Radon Reduction Consumer Federation of America strongly urges consumers to have elevated radon levels in their homes reduced. This publication will assist those individuals and offers very good advice for selecting and working with a qualified radon contractor.
- Building a New Home: Have You Considered Radon? This brochure is designed for consumers who are purchasing newly constructed homes and are curious about radon-resistant features, builders who construct homes with radon-resistant features, and real estate professionals who are selling homes which have radon-resistant features. It can be used as a marketing tool for the home building industry.
Other Resources
In addition to information available from EPA, there are a variety of other resources available which may be of interest to those considering a home remodeling project. Note that, since the following documents are not published nor maintained by EPA, there may be some differences EPA's recommendations.
Remodeling
-
Builder's Guide - Mixed Climate;
Builder's Guide - Cold Climate; Builder's Guide - Hot-Dry &
Mixed Dry Climates. By Joseph Lstiburek. 1998. Energy
Efficient Building Association
Guides are well-illustrated and contain recommendations for foundations, framing, heating and cooling, insulation, drywall, plumbing, electrical systems, painting, sheathings, and windows all with respect to moisture control, energy efficiency and ventilation.
Lead
- U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development's Office of Healthy Homes and Lead Hazard Control - HUD
Ventilation
by the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority's (NYSERDA) discusses the basics of home ventilation.Moisture Control
- Moisture Control Handbook: Principles and Practices for Residential and Small Commercial Buildings.
Windows
- Residential Windows: A Guide to New Technologies and Energy Performance
Combustion
- Combustion Gases in Your Home
Other
project was developed to provide basic but comprehensive information to consumers on how to get a handle on indoor air quality. Developed by the United States Department of Agriculture - Cooperative State Research, Education and Extension Service, the Montana State University Extension Service and the U.S. EPA.
The ALA site has a variety
of information on indoor air quality issues related to respiratory
problems.