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by K.R. Tremblay Jr. and M.P. Vogel¹ (7/06)

Quick Facts…

• Indoor air quality can be worse than that of outdoor air.
• Problems can arise from moisture, Insects, pets, appliances, radon, materials used in household products and furnishings, smoke, and other sources.
• Effects range from minor annoyances to major health risks.
• Remedies include ventilation, cleaning, moisture control, inspections, and following manufacturers’ directions when using appliances and products.

Research has shown that the quality of indoor air can be worse than that of outdoor air. Many homes are built or remodeled more tightly, without regard to the factors that assure fresh and healthy indoor air. Our homes today contain many furnishings, appliances and products that can affect indoor air quality.

Signs of indoor air quality problems include:

• Unusual and noticeable odors.
• Stale or stuffy air.
• Noticeable lack of air movement.
• Dirty or faulty central heating or air conditioning equipment.
• Damaged flue pipes or chimneys.
• Unvented combustion air sources for fossil fuel appliances.
• Excessive humidity.
• Presence of molds and mildew.
• Health reaction after remodeling, weatherizing, using new furniture, using household and hobby products, or moving into a new home.
• Feeling noticeably healthier outside.

Common Sources of Air Quality Problems

Poor indoor air can arise from many sources. At least some of the following contaminants can be found in almost any home:

• Moisture and biological pollutants such as molds, mildew, dust mites, animal dander and cockroaches from high humidity levels, inadequate ventilation, and poorly maintained humidifiers and air conditioners.
• Combustion products, including carbon monoxide, from unvented fossil fuel space heaters, unvented gas stoves and ovens, and backdrafting from furnaces and water heaters.
• Formaldehyde from durable press draperies and other textiles, particle board products such as cabinets and furniture framing, and adhesives.
• Radon, a radioactive gas from soil and rock beneath and around the home’s foundation, groundwater wells and some building materials.
• Household products and furnishings such as paints, solvents, air fresheners, hobby supplies, dry-cleaned clothing, aerosol sprays, adhesives, and fabric additives used in carpeting and furniture which can release volatile organic compounds (VOC).
• Asbestos found in most homes more than 20 years old. Sources include deteriorating, damaged or disturbed pipe insulation, fire retardant, acoustical material and floor tiles.
• Lead from lead-based paint dust created when removing paint by sanding, scraping or burning.
• Particulates from dust and pollen, fireplaces, wood stoves, kerosene heaters and unvented gas space heaters.
• Tobacco smoke, which produces particulates, combustion products and formaldehyde.

Remedies to Indoor Air Quality Problems

Living Areas

Paneling, pressed-wood furniture and cabinetry. These products may release formaldehyde gas. Remedy: Ask about formaldehyde content before buying furniture or cabinets. Some types of pressed-wood products, such as those with phenol resin, emit less formaldehyde. Also, products coated with polyurethane or laminates may reduce formaldehyde emissions. After installation, open windows. Maintain moderate temperature and humidity.

Carpet. Biological pollutants can grow on water-damaged carpet. New carpet can release organic gases. Remedy: Promptly clean and dry water-damaged carpet, or remove it altogether. If adhesives are needed, ask for low-emitting ones. During installation, open doors and windows, and use window fans or room air conditioners. Vacuum regularly. Consider area rugs instead of wall-to-wall carpet. Rugs are easier to remove and clean, and the floor underneath also can be cleaned.

Floor tiles. Some contain asbestos. Remedy: Periodically inspect for damage or deterioration. Do not cut, rip, sand or remove any asbestos-containing materials. If you plan to make changes that might disturb the asbestos, or if materials are more than slightly damaged, contact a professional for repair or removal. Call your local or state health department or the Environmental Protection Agency at (202) 554-l404 for more information.

Moisture. Moisture encourages biological pollutants, including allergens such as mold, mildew, dust mites and cockroaches. Remedy: If possible, eliminate moisture sources. Install and use exhaust fans. Use a dehumidifier if necessary. Remove molds and mildew by cleaning with a solution of chlorine bleach (1 cup bleach to 1 gallon water). Maintain good fresh air with natural and mechanical air circulation.

Fireplace. Your fireplace can be a source of carbon monoxide and combustion pollutants. Remedy: Open the flue when using the fireplace. Have the flue and chimney inspected annually for exhaust backdrafting, flue obstructions or cracks, excess creosote or other damage. Install smoke and carbon monoxide detectors.

Air conditioner. This can be a source of biological allergens. Remedy: If there is a water tray, empty and clean it often. Follow all service and maintenance procedures, including changing the filter.

Gas or kerosene space heater. These devices can release carbon monoxide and combustion pollutants. Remedy: Never use unvented kerosene or gas space heaters. In the room where the heater is located, provide fresh air by opening a door to the rest of the house, turning on an exhaust fan and slightly opening a window.

Tobacco smoke. Smoke contains harmful combustion and particulate pollutants, including carbon monoxide and combustion byproducts. Remedy: Do not smoke in your home or permit others to do so, especially near children. If smoking cannot be avoided indoors, open windows or use exhaust fans, and restrict smoking to one space.

Draperies. New draperies may be treated with a formaldehyde-based finish and emit odors for a short time. Remedy: Before hanging, air draperies to ventilate odors. After hanging, ventilate the area. Maintain moderate temperature and humidity.

Lead-based paint. Paint manufactured before l978 may contain lead. Remedy: Leave lead-based paint undisturbed if it is in good condition. Before removing paint, test for lead. Do-it-yourself lead test kits are available from hardware or building supply stores. Do not sand, burn off or remove lead-based paint yourself; hire a person with special training to correct lead-based paint problems. For more information, call 1-800-LEAD-FYI.

Animals. Many animals leave allergens, such as dander, hair, feathers or skin, in the air. Remedy: Keep pets outdoors as often as possible. Clean the entire house regularly. Deep clean areas where pets are permitted. Clean pets regularly.

House dust mites. Biological allergens can trigger asthma. Remedy: Clean and vacuum regularly. Wash bedding in hot water above 130 degrees F. Use more hard-surface finishes; they are less likely to attract and hold dust mites.

Kitchen

Household cleaners. Unhealthy or irritating vapors may be released from chemicals in products. Remedy: Select nonaerosol and nontoxic products. Use, apply, store and dispose of them according to manufacturers’ directions. If products are concentrated, label the storage container with dilution instructions. Completely use up a product.

Pressed-wood cabinets. These can be a source of formaldehyde vapor. Remedy: Maintain moderate temperatures (80 degrees maximum) and humidity (about 45 percent). When purchasing new cabinets, select solid wood or metal cabinets or those made with phenol resin; they emit less formaldehyde. Ventilate well after installation.

Unvented gas stove and range. These are a source of carbon monoxide and combustion byproducts. Remedy: Keep appliance burners clean. Periodically have burners adjusted (blue flame tip, not yellow). Install and use an exhaust fan. Never use a gas range or stove to heat your home.

Bathroom

Personal care products. Organic gases are released from chemicals in some products, such as deodorant and hair sprays, shampoos, toners, nail polish and perfumes. Remedy: Select odor-free or low odor-producing products. Select nonaerosol varieties. Open a window, or use an exhaust fan. Follow manufacturers’ directions when using the product and disposing of containers.

Air freshener. These products can release organic gases. Remedy: Open a window or use the exhaust fan instead. If you use air fresheners, follow manufacturers’ directions. Select natural products.

Bedroom

Humidifier/vaporizer. Cold mist vaporizers can encourage biological allergens, including mold, mildew and cockroaches, that can trigger asthma and encourage viruses and bacteria. Remedy: Use and clean them according to manufacturers’ directions. Refill daily with fresh water.

Moth repellents. These often contain the pesticide paradichlorobenzene. Remedy: Avoid breathing vapors. Place them in tightly sealed trunks or other containers. Store separately, away from living areas.

Dry-cleaned goods. Chemicals used in the cleaning process release organic gases. Remedy: Bring odors to the attention of your dry cleaner. Try to air out dry-cleaned goods before bringing them indoors. Seek alternatives to dry cleaning, such as hand washing items.

Utility Room

Unvented clothes dryer. Gas dryers produce carbon monoxide and combustion byproducts and can be a fire hazard. Remedy: Regularly dispose of lint around and under the dryer. Provide air for gas units. Vent the dryer directly to the outside. Clean vent and ductwork regularly.

Gas or oil furnace/boiler and gas water heater. Air quality problems include backdrafting of carbon monoxide and combustion pollutants. Remedy: Have your heating system and water heater, including gas piping and venting, inspected every year.

Asbestos pipe wrap and furnace insulation. These can release asbestos fibers into the air. Remedy: Periodically look for damage or deterioration. Do not cut, rip, sand or remove any asbestos-containing materials. If you plan to make changes that might disturb the asbestos, or if materials are more than slightly damaged, contact a professional for repair or removal.

Basement

Ground moisture. Moisture encourages biological allergens like mold and mildew. Remedy: Inspect for condensation on walls, standing water on the floor, or sewage leaks. To keep basement dry, prevent outside water from entering by installing roof gutters and downspouts, not watering close to the foundation, grading soil away from the home, and applying waterproofing sealants to basement interior walls. For standing water, consider installing a sump pump. If sewage is the source, have drains professionally cleaned. If moisture has no obvious source, install an exhaust fan controlled by humidity levels. Remove mold and mildew. Regularly clean and disinfect the basement floor drain.

Radon. This invisible, radioactive gas poses a lung cancer risk. Remedy: Test your home for radon. Do-it-yourself kits are easy and inexpensive. Have an experienced radon contractor fix your home if your radon level is 4 picocuries per liter (pCi/L) or higher. For more information, contact the Colorado state radon office at (303) 331-4812 or call 1-800-SOS-RADON.

Hobby products. Chemicals in products such as solvents, paint, glue and epoxy release organic gases. Remedy: Follow manufacturers’ directions for use, ventilation, application, clean-up, and container storage and disposal. Use outdoors when possible. Indoors, open a window, or use an exhaust fan. Reseal containers well. Clean tools outside or in a well-ventilated area.

Garage

Car and small engine exhaust. These are sources of carbon monoxide and combustion byproducts. Remedy: Never leave vehicles, lawn mowers, snowmobiles, etc., running in the garage.

Paint, solvent and cleaning supplies. These products may release harmful vapors. Remedy: Provide ventilation when using them. Follow manufacturers’ directions. Buy only as much as you need. If the products contain methylene chloride, such as paint strippers, use them outdoors. Reseal containers well. Keep products in their original, labeled containers. Clean brushes and other materials outside.

Pesticides and fertilizers. Yard and Garden chemicals may be toxic. Remedy: Use nonchemical methods when possible. Follow manufacturers’ directions for mixing, applying, storing and using protective clothing. Mix or dilute them outdoors. Provide ventilation when using them indoors. Store them outside of the home in their original, labeled containers. After using the product, remove your shoes and clean your hands and clothing to avoid bringing the chemicals into your home. Call the EPA at 1-800-858-PEST for more information.

Indoor Air Quality Records to Maintain

• Asbestos containing materials
• Household hazardous materials•
  Mold and mildew observations
• Radon test and report
• Lead-based paint test
• Smoke and carbon monoxide systems
• Pest control management
• Hazardous substances
• Inspection reports

Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Detectors

• Install a smoke detector in each bedroom or in the adjacent hallway.
• If you have gas or other fossil fuel appliances in the house, install carbon monoxide detectors in these locations.
• Combination smoke and carbon monoxide detectors are available.
• Check the batteries frequently.

Resources

• Dadd, D. L. (1997). Home safe home. New York: Tarcher/Putnam.
• Frumkin, H., Frank, L., & Jackson, R. (2004). Urban Sprawl and Public Health. Washington, DC: Island Press.
• Healthy Homes Partnership. (2002). Help yourself to a healthy house. Madison, WI: University of Wisconsin Extension.
• Healthy Indoor Air for America’s Homes. (2005). Indoor air hazards every homeowner should know about. Bozeman, Mont: Montana State University Extension Service.
• Lankarge,V. (2003). What every home owner needs to know about mold. New York: McGraw-Hill.
• Soap and Detergent Association. (2003). Clean and healthy strategies for today’s homes: allergies and asthma. Washington, D.C.: Soap and Detergent Association.
• Steorts, N. H. (2003). Safe Living in a Dangerous World. Sterling, VA: Capital Books.
• U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. (1997). The inside story: A guide to indoor air quality. Washington, D.C.: EPA.
• U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. (1998). Homeowner’s guide to ventilation. Washington, D.C.: EPA.
• U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. (1998). Building a new home: Have you considered radon? Washington, D.C.: EPA.
• U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. (1999). Children and secondhand smoke. Washington, D.C.: EPA.

Websites for Additional Information:

• Healthy Indoor Air for America’s Homes (www.healthyindoorair.org)
• U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (www.epa.gov/iaq)
• Healthy Indoor Air for America’s Homes (www.healthyindoorair.org)
• U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (www.epa.gov/iaq)
• American Lung Association (www.lung.org)
• Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America (www.aafa.org)
• Consumer Product Safety Commission (www.cpsc.gov)
• National Lead Information Center (www.epa.gov/lead)
• National Safety Council (www.nsc.org)
• Radon Central (www.radon.org)
• Soap and Detergent Association (www.cleaning101.org)

¹ K.R. Tremblay Jr., Colorado State University Extension housing specialist and professor; design and merchandising; and M.P. Vogel, Montana State University Extension Service housing specialist.
8/99.Revised 7/06.

Colorado State University, U.S. Department of Agriculture and Colorado counties cooperating. Extension programs are available to all without discrimination. No endorsement of products mentioned is intended nor is criticism implied of products not mentioned.

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