Why should I be concerned with outdoor air quality?
- Outdoor pollutants can
- Indoor air pollution is often greater than outdoor air pollution.
- Environmental regulations, intended to protect human health, generally fail to address indoor pollutants.
- Indoor pollutants are virtually unregulated by existing environmental laws.
- Indoor air pollutants may have adverse health effects.
What and where are these pollutant sources?
- Consumer Products
- Air Fresheners and Deodorizers
- Cleaners and Disinfectants
- Laundry Supplies and Dry-cleaned Clothes
- Moth Repellants and Pesticides
- Cosmetics and other Personal Care Products
- Building Materials and Furnishings
- Paints, Varnishes, and Stains
- Adhesives and Solvents
- New Carpet and Flooring
- New Furnishings
- Combustion Appliances
- Personal Activities
- Vehicle Use and Refueling
- Smoking
- Exercise
- Environmental Conditions
- Ozone
- Particulate Matter and Allergens
What are the risks?
- Cancer
- Smoking in the home increases cancer risk for everyone.
- Dry-cleaned clothes can release chemicals linked with cancer into the air.
- Paints and finishes can contain carcinogens including silica and titanium dioxide.
- Respiratory Problems
- Mold and household dusts can trigger asthma attacks.
- Formaldehyde and other chemicals released from new flooring and furniture can cause respiratory distress.
- Other Dangers
- Carbon monoxide is a colorless, odorless gas released by combustion appliances.
- Thousands of people are poisoned in the home each year by misusing products.
Select a house below to learn more:
Important Links
- Request Additional Information
- Request Additional Information – [ Text Version ]
- The Plain English Guide to the Clean Air Act
- Air Quality Index
- About Air Toxics
- Air Trends
- 2008 National Air Quality Report
- Health House Maintenance Guide
Outdoor Air Pollutants
- Carbon Monoxide (CO)
- Lead Information
- Nitrogen Dioxide
- Ozone
- Particulate Matter (PM)
- Sulfur Dioxide
