Air pollution is a problem indoors and out
Each year, cities are ranked by their outdoor pollution levels. As a result, there's loads of information out there about the harmful effects of outdoor pollutants and how to minimize them. But understanding how to improve outdoor air quality is only the start. As we become more environmentally aware, it's important for homeowners to take a look inside as well.
According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the air inside a home is, on average, two to five times more polluted than the air outside. Because we spend the majority of our time indoors, homeowners are quickly realizing the urgency to keep this space as clean and healthy as possible — especially those with children.
To keep you informed of the issues surrounding indoor air quality and the necessity to improve it, please take a look at the attached links.
Indoor Air Quality - General Overview
Indoor Air Quality Association
A nonprofit, multi-disciplined organization dedicated to promoting the exchange of indoor environmental information through education and research, for the safety and well being of the general public.
United States Environmental Protection Agency
The Indoor Environments Division (IED) is responsible for implementing EPA's Indoor Environments Program, a voluntary (non-regulatory) program to address indoor air pollution.
Paint, Wallpaper, and Indoor Air Quality
BobVila.com, 2006
How Much Do You Know About Air Quality?
American Lung Association, July 2004
Indoor Air Quality Checklist
Learn ways to improve the indoor air quality in your home.
Health conditions related to indoor air quality
Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America
The leading patient organization for people with asthma and allergies, and the oldest asthma and allergy patient group in the world.
Asthma, Environmental Protection Agency
The EPA is committed to educating all Americans about asthma so that everyone knows what asthma is, how the environment can affect asthma patients and how to manage environmental asthma triggers.
American Lung Association, Health House
The air quality of our indoor environments affects our health and often contributes to structural degradation and building failures within our homes.
Forced air heating and/or central air
City of Fort Collins, Colo.
fcgov.com - Air Quality
American Lung Association Health House Program and 3M Announce National Check Your Filter Days
American Lung Association, June 2004
Volatile organic compounds (VOC) 101
Non-Toxic Paints
Eartheasy.com
Identification and Control of VOC Sources in New House Construction
Indoor Environment Department (IED) Staff of the Environmental Energy Technologies Division
Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) in Your Home
Minnesota Department of Health
Air Pollution Prevention
Earth911.org
Volatile Organic Compounds: The Health Dangers of VOCs, Where They are Hiding & How to Avoid Them
Sixwise.com
Steps to Improving Indoor Air Quality
Improving your indoor air quality
American Lung Association
Four Steps to Cleaner Indoor Air
MSNBC.com, June 2007
