Indoor Air Quality in Homes
IAQ in Homes
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 EPA's "Care For Your Air: A Guide to Indoor Air Quality".
Remodeling Your Home? Have You Considered Indoor Air Quality?
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. Click on the house to learn more.- Read more about home improvement, see "Improve Your Home’s Energy Efficiency with ENERGY STAR"
Healthy Indoor Environment Protocols for Home Energy Upgrades
EPA has developed a new voluntary guidance document, Healthy Indoor Environment Protocols for Home Energy Upgrades, that provides a set of best practices for improving indoor air quality in conjunction with energy retrofit work in homes. Read more about the Protocols. Download the Protocols (PDF, 48 pp., 4.27 M, about PDF). Read the EPA Press Release.
The guidance was developed in collaboration with the White House Council on Environmental Quality (CEQ) Recovery Through Retrofit Initiative and the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) initiative to develop Guidelines for Home Energy Professionals.
Recovery Through Retrofit, November 9, 2010
Vice President Joe Biden announces three new initiatives that will help grow the energy-efficiency industry and help families make improvements that will help save money on their energy bills.
Watch the video of the event. (42 min. 17 sec.) | Read more about the Middle Class Taskforce.