Learn the Issues
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How do we know radon is a carcinogen?
The World Health Organization (WHO), the National Academy of Sciences, the US Department of Health and Human Services, as well as the EPA, have classified radon as a known human carcinogen, because of the wealth of biological and epidemiological evidence and data showing the connection between exposure to radon and…
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Does the 2009 World Health Organization's recommendation of a lower radon action level affect the EPA's radon action level of 4 pCi/L?
The most noteworthy recommendation of the 2009 WHO Handbook On Indoor Radon - A Public Health Perspective is that country reference levels for radon should be set at 2.7 pCi/L (picocuries per liter) (100 becquerels per meter cubed (Bq/m 3)), if possible, or as-low-as-reasonably-achievable, or ALARA, but should not exceed…
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What is EPA's Action Level for Radon and What Does it Mean?
Radon in air is ubiquitous ( existing or being everywhere at the same time ). Radon is found in outdoor air and in the indoor air of buildings of all kinds. The EPA recommends homes be fixed if the radon level is 4 pCi/L (picocuries per liter) (150 becquerels per…
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Documentation Supporting Draft and Final Emissions Factors
This page includes information about proposed and final Emissions Factors.
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Draft Emission Factors for AP-42 Chapter 4, Section 12 - Manufacture of Rubber Products
Draft revisions to AP42 Chapter 11, Section 7
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Mold
Learn about mold and how to control it in the indoor environment.There is no practical way to eliminate all mold and mold spores in the indoor environment; the way to control indoor mold growth is to control moisture.
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Greening EPA
EPA ensures its buildings and practices reflect our mission by implementing strategies to reduce the environmental impact of its facilities and operations by building sustainable structures and improving the energy efficiency of older buildings.
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ARCHIVED - Indoor airPLUS Version 2
The Indoor airPLUS Version 2, New Construction Specifications document is an update to the 2018 version, published November 2020. This revision reflects the program’s ongoing commitment to support the building industry in constructing healthy homes.
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Indoor Air Quality Tools for Schools
This web site will educate the public about indoor environmental issues specific to educational facilities and the importance of developing and sustaining comprehensive indoor air quality management programs.
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Reference Guide for Indoor Air Quality in Schools
IAQ Tools for Schools Action Kit - IAQ Reference Guide. This guidance is designed to present practical and often low-cost actions you can take to identify and address existing or potential air quality problems.
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What can I do about secondhand smoke/aerosol exposure coming from my neighbor's apartment?
EPA suggests that you: Read your rental lease or condominium agreement carefully to determine whether there is a policy that may address secondhand smoke/aerosol in your building. You may wish to consider consulting a legal professional or center to determine your rights and/or the landlord’s ability to ban smoking/vaping in…
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Can EPA ban smoking/vaping or otherwise limit secondhand exposure?
EPA does not have an authority to regulate smoking/vaping. Read more about Secondhand Smoke/Aerosol.
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What's the difference between secondhand tobacco smoke and environmental tobacco smoke?
Secondhand tobacco smoke, environmental tobacco smoke (ETS) and passive smoking are terms that mean the same thing -- exposure to smoke given off by tobacco products and the smoke exhaled by a smoker. Read more about Secondhand Smoke.
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How long do the harmful elements of secondhand smoke/aerosol linger indoors?
The types of chemicals released into the air when people smoke and the length of time these chemicals may linger indoors depends on several product and building factors, including type of product used, how much is used, how long it is used, the room size, amount of ventilation in the…
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Is outdoor exposure to secondhand smoke/aerosol comparable to indoors?
The difference in exposure to secondhand smoke/aerosol indoors and outdoors is that indoors the concentration of the harmful chemicals, compounds, and particles released from the product or exhaled by the smoker/vaper may build up and/or stay in the enclosed space for longer periods of time, which means persons near the…
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Tools and Resources
Tools and Resources for CI
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What is EPA's position on children's exposure to secondhand smoke/aerosol?
EPA encourages that smoking and vaping be prohibited near all children and in any indoor space that children may use or occupy, including homes and cars. The U.S. Surgeon General has found that there is no safe level of exposure to secondhand tobacco smoke and exposure increases the health risks…
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Cumulative Impacts Explained
Cumulative Impacts Explained web area
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Who has the authority to ban or limit exposure to secondhand tobacco smoke?
Executive Order 13058, "Protecting Federal Employees and the Public from Exposure to Tobacco Smoke in the Federal Workplace," bans smoking in most federal facilities and spaces. In addition, several state and local governments have passed legislation or instituted regulations to ban smoking in many workplaces and public places such as…
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Low–Cost Air Pollution Monitors and Indoor Air Quality
Consumer-oriented air pollutant monitors, sometimes called air pollutant sensors, are available for consumers to help assess levels of indoor air pollutants. Learn the facts!