Indoor Air
Take a Tour of the IAQ House
Get a quick glimpse of some of the most important ways to protect the air in your home by touring the Indoor Air Quality (IAQ) House. Room-by-room, you'll learn about the key pollutants and how to address them. Start your tour (SWF Movie, 317 K, Get the free media player). If you don't want to take the tour, read our text version below. | |
Read or download "Care for Your Air: A Guide to Indoor Air Quality"
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EPA 404/F-08/008, September 2008
Text Version
Living Room | Bathroom | Bedroom | Kitchen | Basement
Living Room
A living room is usually a well-used area of a home and may harbor indoor pollutants. It is important to ventilate properly, keep secondhand smoke outside of the house, and vacuum and dust regularly.
Pet Dander and Hair Pets can trigger allergy and asthma attacks due to dander and hair. Keep them out of the sleeping areas, and away from upholstered furniture, carpets, and stuffed toys. Vacuum and clean carpets, rugs, and furniture often. Learn more at www.epa.gov/asthma/pets.html Secondhand Smoke Carbon Monoxide |
Bathroom
A bathroom is often the dampest area of a home. It is important to ventilate a bathroom during use and dry damp surfaces.
Mold Bathrooms are a common source of mold. Humidity from showers can cause moisture problems, which will lead to mold growth. Mold can cause allergic reactions, asthma, and other respiratory ailments. Installing and using a ventilation fan will help to control moisture and inhibit mold growth. Learn more at www.epa.gov/mold |
Bedroom
A bedroom often contains materials that collect dust. It is important to clean bedding and other fabrics, and vacuum regularly.
Dust Dust mites can trigger allergy and asthma attacks. Dust mites are everywhere especially on pillows, blankets, carpets, upholstered furniture, and stuffed toys Dust and vacuum your home regularly, wash bedding, and use allergen-proof mattress and pillow covers. Learn more at www.epa.gov/asthma/dustmites.html |
Kitchen
A kitchen has appliances that may leak gases, and often contain chemicals for cleaning or removing pests. It is important to properly maintain and ventilate appliances, and safely store chemicals.
Pesticides Pesticides, used to rid homes of rodents, termites, insects, and other pests, can irritate the eyes, nose, and throat; damage the central nervous system and kidneys; and increase the risk of cancer. Don’t leave food out, and if you must use pesticides, ventilate during and after use and follow directions to limit exposure. Use non-chemical methods of pest control when possible. Learn more at www.epa.gov/iaq/pesticid.html Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) Carbon Monoxide |
Basement
A basement is a source of air leaks and moisture, and often contains various chemicals. It is important to ventilate, seal cracks, and properly store all chemicals.
Carbon Monoxide
Combustion heating and cooling appliances such as heating, ventilation, and air conditioning units, gasoline-powered heaters, and other appliances are sources of carbon monoxide. Properly install, use, and maintain fuel-burning appliances. Install carbon monoxide detectors in living spaces. Learn more at www.epa.gov/iaq/co.html Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) Mold Radon
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