Indoor Air Hazards Every Homeowner Should Know About...
Healthy Indoor Air for America's Homes is a national consumer education program concerned with improving the quality of indoor air in homes. The program offers nationwide education through state program managers and the development and distribution of educational resources, as well as a network of over 3000 county Cooperative Extension Service offices.
If you're like most Americans, you spend much of your time indoors. Have you ever stopped to think about whether the air you're breathing at home is healthy? This booklet can help you identify things in your home that may impact the quality of your indoor air and your health.
Research has found that in some homes across America, the quality of indoor air can be worse than outdoor air.In part, this is because many homes are being built and remodeled tighter.
You don't have to be a building scientist to deal with the quality of air in your home, However, you should understand a few basics to get you started. The "Healthy Indoor Air for America's Homes" project was developed to provide basic but comprehensive information to consumers to get a handle on indoor air quality.
A major hazard is MISINFORMATION. Be informed. Request more information by contacting the resources listed on the back of this booklet.
Signs of Possible Home Indoor Air Quality Problem:
Indoor air hazards you should know about: |
|
![]() |
Biological Pollutants (like molds, animal dander, cockroaches, and dust mites). Sources include excessive humidity levels, poorly-maintained humidifiers and air-conditioners, inadequate ventilation and animal dander. |
![]() |
Unhealthy Remodeling By-products.
|
![]() |
Combustion products including carbon monoxide. Sources include excessive humidity levels, poorly-maintained humidifiers and air-conditioners, inadequate ventilation and animal dander. |
![]() |
Lead Dust Sources include lead-based paint dust from removing paint by sanding, scraping and burning. |
![]() |
Secondhand smoke |
![]() |
Radon This is a radioactive gas from soil and rock beneath and around the foundation, ground water wells and some building materials. |
![]() |
Household Products: How to safely choose and use Sources include cleaning products, paints, air fresheners, hobby supplies, dry cleaned clothing, acrosol sprays, adhesives that contain formaldehyde, and fabric additives used in carpeting and furniture. |
Asthma triggers include secondhand smoke, dust, mites, pets, molds and pests such as cockroaches and rodents. | |
Room-by-room Assessment |