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The publications are grouped into categories, descriptions are included.  Some publications are available as both HTML and PDF files.  See specific Indoor Air Quality (IAQ) related topics on the right for more publications and resources.  See also our Site Index and information on how to order EPA publications.

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Indoor Air Quality-related Fact Sheets

Tools/Models/Studies

Related IAQ Publications Available from the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC)
Other Indoor Air-Related Materials
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  The Inside Story: A Guide to Indoor Air Quality

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. U.S. EPA and U.S. CPSC.

  • This guidance is only available in HTML
Care for Your Air brochure
 Care for Your Air: A Guide to Indoor Air Quality

This brochure provides quick and simple overview of some key indoor air pollutants including radon, secondhand smoke, asthma triggers, volatile organic compounds, molds and combustion pollutants. The brochure unfolds into a poster that features action steps to improving indoor air.
An Office Building Occupant's Guide to Indoor Air Quality

This booklet is intended to help people who work in office buildings learn about the factors that contribute to indoor air quality and comfort problems and the roles of building managers and occupants in maintaining a good indoor environment.  Because good indoor air quality depends on the actions of everyone in the building, a partnership between building management and occupants is the best way to maintain a healthy and productive work space.
Residential Air-Cleaning Devices: A Summary of Available Information

Describes the general types of residential air cleaners and their effectiveness in reducing pollutants such as particles and gaseous contaminants. This detailed booklet discusses additional factors to consider when deciding whether to use an air cleaner, and provides guidelines to compare them.
Guide to Air Cleaners in the Home

This brochure is written in easy-to-understand language for the general consumer interested in the technical differences among the various air cleaners available. The brochure provides types of indoor air pollutants and air cleaning devices; performance of air cleaning devices in removing indoor air pollutants; general information on the health effects of indoor air pollutants; and additional factors to consider when deciding whether to use an air cleaning device. This brochure replaces "Residential Air Cleaners - Indoor Air Facts No. 7, EPA 20A-4001, February 1990."
Should You Have the Air Ducts In Your Home Cleaned?

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.

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 Building Air Quality:  A Guide for Building Owners and Facility Managers

The Building Air Quality, developed by the EPA and the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, provides practical suggestions on preventing, identifying, and resolving indoor air quality (IAQ) problems in public and commercial buildings. This guidance provides information on factors affecting indoor air quality; describes how to develop an IAQ profile of building conditions and create an IAQ management plan; describes investigative strategies to identify causes of IAQ problems; and provides criteria for assessing alternative mitigation strategies, determining whether a problem has been resolved, and deciding whether to consult outside technical specialists. Other topics included in the guide are key problem causing factors; air quality sampling; heating, ventilation, and air conditioning systems; moisture problems; and additional sources of information.

  • The text of Building Air Quality is available here as a series of PDF files which you can download and view or print. You can go to the table of contents and select just the form or section that you need to download and view/print, or you can download the entire PDF version of the guide as a ZIPPED file to view/print. Go to the Building Air Quality Table of Contents and select the specific PDF file that you require.

Building Air Quality Action Plan

The Building Air Quality Action Plan (BAQ Action Plan) meets the needs of building owners and managers who want an easy-to-understand path for taking their building from current conditions and practices to the successful institutionalization of good IAQ management practices. It emphasizes changing how you operate and maintain your building, not increasing the amount of work or cost of maintaining your building. The BAQ Action Plan follows 8 logical steps and includes a 100-item Checklist that is designed to help verify implementation of the Action Plan.
Healthy Buildings, Healthy People: A Vision for the 21st Century

The Healthy Buildings, Healthy People: A Vision for the 21st Century, addresses the future of indoor environmental quality. In preparing Healthy Buildings, Healthy People, EPA sought the advice of many, both within the Agency and outside, to develop the vision, goals, guiding principles, and potential actions presented in the report. Healthy Buildings, Healthy People lays out a blueprint by which agencies and individuals across the country, and around the world, can focus their efforts towards improvements in the indoor environment and health.
Indoor Air Pollution: An Introduction for Health Professionals

Assists health professionals (especially the primary care physician) in diagnosis of patient symptoms that could be related to an indoor air pollution problem. Addresses the health problems that may be caused by contaminants encountered daily in the home and office. Organized according to pollutant or pollutant groups such as environmental tobacco smoke, VOCs, biological pollutants, and sick building syndrome, this booklet lists key signs and symptoms from exposure to these pollutants, provides a diagnostic checklist and quick reference summary, and includes suggestions for remedial action. Also includes references for information contained in each section.  Co-sponsored by: The American Lung Association (ALA), The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), The Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), and The American Medical Association (AMA) U.S. Government Printing Office Publication No. 1994-523-217/81322, 1994

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Indoor Air Quality-Related Fact Sheets

Protect Your Family and Yourself from Carbon Monoxide Poisoning

You can’t see or smell carbon monoxide, but at high levels it can kill a person in minutes. Carbon monoxide (CO) is produced whenever any fuel such as gas, oil, kerosene, wood, or charcoal is burned. If appliances that burn fuel are maintained and used properly, the amount of CO produced is usually not hazardous. However, if appliances are not working properly or are used incorrectly, dangerous levels of CO can result. Hundreds of people die accidentally every year from CO poisoning caused by malfunctioning or improperly used fuel-burning appliances. Even more die from CO produced by idling cars. Fetuses, infants, elderly people, and people with anemia or with a history of heart or respiratory disease can be especially susceptible. Be safe. Practice the DO’s and DON’Ts of carbon monoxide.

Proteja su vida y la de su familia: Evite el envenenamiento con monóxido de carbono

The Carbon Monoxide fact sheet has also been translated into: Vietnamese [EPA 402-F-99-004C]; Chinese [EPA 402-F-99-004A]; and Korean [EPA 402-F-99-004B]

Flood Cleanup: Avoiding Indoor Air Quality Problems - Fact Sheet

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.

Ozone Generators That Are Sold As Air Cleaners

For general audiences, this fact sheet provides 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. 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 proven to be both safe and effective to reduce pollutant concentrations, which include controlling pollutant sources and increasing outdoor air ventilation.

Sick Building Syndrome - Indoor Air Facts No. 4 (revised)

Explains the terms "sick building syndrome" (SBS) and "building related illness" (BRI). Discusses causes of sick building syndrome, describes building investigation procedures, and provides general solutions for resolving the syndrome.  (February, 1991)

Indoor Air Facts No. 8 Use and Care of Home Humidifiers

Explains that some types of home humidifiers can disperse microorganisms from their water tanks into the indoor air. Describes the different types of humidifiers and provides recommendations for their use and maintenance.  (February 1991)

Ventilation and Air Quality in Offices - Fact Sheet

Discusses the role of mechanical heating, ventilation, and air conditioning systems in maintaining indoor air quality of commercial buildings such as offices, stores, and hotels. Topics include health problems associated with poor ventilation, ways of controlling pollution, ventilation standards and building codes, and various ventilation system problems and solutions. Provides measures for resolving air quality problems and sources for additional information.  (July 1990)

For information on how to order ANY of our IAQ-related publications, click here.

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Tools/Models/Studies

 Energy Cost and IAQ Performance of Ventilation Systems and Controls Modeling Study

In 1999, EPA completed an extensive modeling study to assess the compatibilities and trade-offs between energy, indoor air quality, and thermal comfort objectives for HVAC systems, and to help formulate strategies to simultaneously achieve superior performance on each objective. Variations of Constant Volume (CV) and Variable Air Volume (VAV) HVAC systems were modeled in three different climates-hot and humid (Miami), temperate (Washington D.C.), and cold (Minneapolis). Buildings included several variations of an office building, plus a school, and an auditorium.
IAQ Building Education and Assessment Tool (I-BEAM)

EPA's I-BEAM program is the newest and most advanced IAQ guidance for building professionals. IAQ-Building Education and Assessment Model (I-BEAM) is packed with up to date information, text modules, animations and graphic displays of air and pollution flows, checklists, forms, search capabilities, web links, and budget assessment tools. I-BEAM updates and expands EPA's original Building Air Quality (BAQ) guidance.
The School Advanced Ventilation Engineering Software (SAVES)

SAVES is a tool to help school designers assess the potential financial payback and indoor humidity control benefits of Energy Recovery Ventilation (ERV) systems for school applications.  SAVES software tools (the Energy Recovery Ventilation Financial Assessment Software Tool (EFAST) and the Indoor Humidity Assessment Tool (IHAT)) can be downloaded at www.epa.gov/iaq/schooldesign/saves.html

  • CD-Rom [EPA 402-C-04-004]

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Related IAQ Publications Available from CPSC

Consumer Product Safety Commission's Indoor Air Quality Publication page - www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/pubs/iaq.html

Asbestos in Your Home (CPSC Publication #453)

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  (CPSC Publication #425)

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.

An Update on Formaldehyde 1997 Revision (CPSC Publication #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.  The publication was updated by CPSC in 1997.

The "Invisible" Killer  (CPSC Publication #464)

Describes symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning, sources of carbon monoxide in the home, and actions that can reduce the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning. This leaflet was prepared by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission.

What You Should Know About Combustion Appliances and Indoor Air Pollution (1997 version) (CPSC Publication #452)

Answers commonly-asked questions about the effect of combustion appliances (e.g., fuel-burning furnaces, space heaters, kitchen ranges, and fireplaces) on indoor air quality and human health. Describes other sources of combustion pollutants in and around the home. Suggests ways to reduce exposure to such pollutants and encourages proper installation, use, and maintenance of combustion appliances. This brochure was prepared by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, the American Lung Association, and the EPA.

What You Should Know About Using Paint Strippers (CPSC Publication #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. This brochure was prepared with EPA and the U. S. Consumer Product Safety Commission.

Healthy Indoor Painting Practices (CPSC Publication #465)

This safety guide was formulated for residents, property managers and painters who are strongly urged to follow several simple steps to reduce possible adverse reactions to chemicals emitted from paints.  The publication was produced by EPA's Office of Pollution Prevention and Toxics (OPPT) and the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), in cooperation with the Montgomery County, Maryland Department of Environmental Protection.

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Other Indoor Air-Related Materials

Program Needs for Indoor Environments Research (PNIER)

PNIER is a strategic document intended to capture the indoor environments research needs of all EPA offices with program responsibilities related to indoor environmental quality, and was developed with strong collaboration across several EPA offices. The needs are extensive and range from basic research on sources and emissions (including biological, chemical and particulate matter), through exposure characterization, health effects and mitigation techniques. It is anticipated that PNIER will articulate EPA’s indoor environments research needs, for both internal and external uses; identify where knowledge gaps exist; help establish a more well-defined indoor environments research presence at EPA; facilitate collaboration between EPA’s program offices and research laboratories; and possibly serve as EPA’s foundation towards a larger federal cross-agency research strategy on indoor environments research.

Contractor Report: Criteria for Evaluating Programs that Assess Materials/Products to Determine Impacts on Indoor Air Quality

EPA’s Indoor Environments Division commissioned the following report under contract with Bruce Tichenor to gain a better understanding of private-sector, commercial programs which currently provide labels or certifications to products and materials used indoors. Because it is a contractor’s report, it presents the findings, recommendations and views of its author, and not necessarily those of EPA, regarding emissions from indoor sources. However, since the report contains so much valuable and timely information, EPA chooses to release this contractor’s report in its current form in the belief that other organizations, e.g., industry associations, standard-setting organizations and government agencies, will benefit from the information it offers. EPA believes it will stimulate constructive discussion and promote further progress in this important area.

Contractor Report: Flood-Related Cleaning

EPA’s Indoor Environments Division commissioned a report that addresses approaches to cleaning up residences flooded after a hurricane or other weather event. This report is based on a literature search. The report considers the types of illnesses associated with such flooding; the effectiveness, selection, use, and hazards of biocides for cleaning and decontaminating surfaces affected by the presence of microorganisms and their biofilms; and available guidance documents that provide recommendations for cleaning up after floods, hurricanes, and related events.

Project Summary: The Total Exposure Assessment Methodology (TEAM) Study

Summarizes a study of exposure to toxic and carcinogenic chemicals (VOCs) in the air and drinking water by 600 residents of seven U.S. cities. Study concluded that indoor air in the home and at work far outweighs outdoor air as a route of exposure to toxic chemicals. Other major findings: Study demonstrated the utility of breath sampling to estimate levels of toxic chemicals in the body due to normal daily exposure; also demonstrated utility of TEAM approach for estimating exposure of entire urban populations and gaining an understanding of the sources of exposure. Summary includes a listing of TEAM study published articles and reports. U.S. EPA, Office of Acid Deposition, Environmental Monitoring and Quality Assurance, Office of Research and Development, [EPA 600/S6-87/002, September 1987]

Project Summary: Indoor Air Quality in Public Buildings: Volume I

Summarizes a study of VOCs present in new and existing buildings. The researchers identified 500 VOCs in indoor air in four buildings (a school, two homes for the elderly, and an office building) and determined that concentrations of certain target VOCs are elevated in buildings due to emissions from certain building materials (measurements were taken from 16 such materials). Concentrations of compounds such as xylene and decane were elevated in the new building at completion of construction but fell off markedly within six months. Study was limited in scope and duration, made no extrapolations or estimates of VOC distribution frequency in public buildings, and recommended further study involving different types of buildings and many more types of building materials. A copy of the study report may be obtained from the National Technical Information Service in Springfield, Virginia. U.S. EPA. [EPA 600/S6-88/009a, September 1988]

Project Summary: Indoor Air Quality in Public Buildings: Volume II

Summarizes results of companion study to that reported by Volume I. Six buildings were sampled for VOCs (a hospital, two homes for the elderly, two office buildings, and an institute for governmental studies). The new buildings had high concentrations of aromatic and aliphatic hydrocarbons immediately after completion but concentrations declined by an order of magnitude within several months. Building materials emitting these chemicals at the highest rates were surface coatings such as adhesives, caulking, and paints; wall and floor coverings such as molding, linoleum tile, and carpeting; and miscellaneous other materials such as vinyl telephone cables. Researchers surmised that renovation or refurbishment of buildings would also result in temporarily higher concentrations of these chemicals. A copy of the study report may be obtained from the National Technical Information Service in Springfield, Virginia. U.S. EPA. [EPA 600/S6-88/009b, September 1988]

Project Summary: Compendium of Methods for the Determination of Air Pollutants in Indoor Air

Summarizes research project which developed a Compendium of Methods for the Determination of Air Pollutants in Indoor Air. The Compendium provides regional, state, and local environmental regulatory agencies with standardized, step-by-step sampling and laboratory analysis procedures for the determination of selected pollutants in indoor air. A core set of ten chapters, with each chapter containing one or more methods, covers VOCs, carbon monoxide and carbon dioxide, air exchange rate, benzo(a)pyrene and other polynuclear aromatic hydrocarbons, and several other contaminants. A copy of the full document may be obtained from the National Technical Information Service in Springfield, Virginia, U.S. EPA. [EPA 600/S4-90-010, May 1990]

Introduction to Indoor Air Quality: A Self-Paced Learning Module

The Indoor Air Quality Learning Module and its companion document, the Indoor Air Quality Reference Manual, provide an introduction to indoor air quality for environmental health professionals. Primary focus is on residential indoor air quality. Documents cover those aspects of indoor air quality important for establishing an indoor air quality program by a state or local government agency. Developed under a cooperative arrangement between the National Environmental Health Association, the Bureau of Health Professions of the U.S. Public Health Service, and the EPA. [EPA 400-39-1002, July 1991]

Introduction to Indoor Air Quality: A Reference Manual

The Indoor Air Quality Reference Manual is the companion document to the Indoor Air Quality Learning Module. The Reference Manual provides an opportunity for continuing education plus useful reference material on selected indoor air quality topics. Divided into eight sections corresponding to the first eight lessons of the Learning Module, the Reference Manual also contains information and exhibits which can be used in field investigations (e.g., problem diagnosis, sample measurement, data collection forms, and a listing of public health and occupational standards). Developed under a cooperative arrangement between the National Environmental Health Association, the Bureau of Health Professions of the U.S. Public Health Service, and the EPA. [EPA 4003-91-003, July 1991] Note: This set of documents may be obtained for $47 by nonmembers and $40 by members (plus $7.50 for shipping & handling). Contact the National Environmental Health Association, (www.neha.org ) 720 Colorado Boulevard, #970 South Tower, Denver, CO 80222, Tel. (303) 756-9090.

"Building Air Quality Training Kit" with instructor materials and handouts to conduct a 4-hour companion course ($150.00) to Building Air Quality: A Guide for Building Owners and Facility Managers.

"Orientation to Indoor Air Quality" instructor and student materials used to conduct a 21/2 day training course ($180.00).

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How to Order EPA Publications

You can order Indoor Air Quality publications from EPA's National Service Center for Environmental Publications (NSCEP):

U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
National Service Center for Environmental Publications (NSCEP)
P.O. Box 42419
Cincinnati, OH 45242-0419
Website: www.epa.gov/nscep
Phone:  1-800-490-9198
Fax:  (301) 604-3408
E-mail:  nscep@bps-lmit.com

NSCEP operates a Toll-free phone service for EPA Publication Assistance with live customer service representative assistance Monday through Friday from 9:00am-5:30pm eastern time.  Voice Mail is available after operating hours.  You can fax or e-mail your publication requests.  For technical assistance with NSCEP web pages, write to: nscep_nepis.tech@epa.gov

Please use the EPA Document Number, which is usually bolded or highlighted, when ordering from NSCEP.

How Do I Order Other EPA Publications?  Click Here

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