Learn the Issues
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Will running an evaporative cooler (sometimes known as a "swamp cooler") or whole-house fan help protect me and my family from COVID-19?
Both evaporative coolers (or "swamp coolers") and whole-house fans can help protect people indoors from airborne transmission of COVID-19 because they increase ventilation with outside air to cool indoor spaces. Evaporative coolers are used in dry climates. They use water to provide cooling and increase relative humidity indoors. When operating…
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Is ventilation important for indoor air quality when cleaning and/or sanitizing for COVID-19 indoors?
When cleaning and disinfecting for COVID-19, ventilation is important. Using EPA-registered cleaning and disinfecting products according to their label instructions is the best way to ensure that any indoor air pollution risks are reduced while still maintaining the effectiveness of the disinfecting product. In particular, follow any label precautions that…
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How can I increase ventilation at home to help protect my family from COVID-19?
Ensuring proper ventilation with outside air is a standard best practice for improving indoor air quality. However, by itself, increasing ventilation is not enough to protect people from COVID-19. When used along with other best practices recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, increasing ventilation can be part…
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Where can professionals who manage school, office, and commercial buildings get information on ventilation and filtration to respond to COVID-19?
Professionals who operate school, office, and commercial buildings should consult the American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE) guidance for information on ventilation and filtration to help reduce risks from the virus that causes COVID-19. In general, increasing ventilation and filtration is usually appropriate; however, due to the…
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Can air cleaning devices that use bipolar ionization, including portable air cleaners and in-duct air cleaners used in HVAC systems, protect me from COVID-19?
Bipolar ionization (also called needlepoint bipolar ionization) is a technology that can be used in HVAC systems or portable air cleaners to generate positively and negatively charged particles. Provided manufacturers have data to demonstrate efficacy, manufacturers of these types of devices may market this technology to help remove viruses, including…
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What is a DIY air cleaner, and can it help protect homes from COVID-19?
Do-it-yourself (DIY) air cleaners are indoor air cleaners that can be assembled from box fans and square HVAC (or furnace) filters. A variety of designs exist, using a single fan and one to five air filters. In its simplest form, a single filter is attached to the front or back…
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Frequent Questions about Indoor Air and Coronavirus (COVID-19)
Frequent questions on indoor air related to Coronavirus (COVID-19).
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Improving Your Indoor Environment
This infographic shows helpful tips on ways to improve your indoor air quality (IAQ).
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An Office Building Occupant's Guide to Indoor Air Quality
This guide is intended to help people who work in office buildings learn about the factors that contribute to indoor air quality and comfort problems and the roles of building managers and occupants in maintaining a good indoor environment.
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Climate Change, Indoor Environment and Health
Climate change is becoming a driving force for improving energy efficiency because saving energy can help reduce the greenhouse gas emissions that contribute to climate change. However, it is important to balance energy saving measures with ventilation...
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Preventing the Spread of Respiratory Viruses in Public Indoor Spaces
EPA recommends multifaceted, layered approach to reduce the risk of indoor airborne transmission of COVID-19.
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Overview of the Building Assessment Survey and Evaluation Study
The Building Assessment Survey and Evaluation (BASE) study was conducted over a five-year period from 1994-1998, to characterize determinants of indoor air quality (IAQ) and occupant perceptions in representative public and commercial office buildings.
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Methodology for the Building Assessment Survey and Evaluation Study
Between 1994 and 1998, data and samples were collected in each of 100 office buildings using a Standardized Protocol over a one-week period during either the summer or winter season.
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Air Sensor Technology and Indoor Air Quality
Air pollutant sensors have different ways of detecting gases and particles in the air. Learn the facts on air pollutant sensors!
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Region 6 (South Central) Indoor Air Quality
Find information about local resources relating to Indoor Air Quality and EPA Region 6.
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Flood Cleanup to Protect Indoor Air and Your Health
During a flood cleanup, the indoor air quality in your home or office may appear to be the least of your problems. However, failure to remove contaminated materials and to reduce moisture and humidity can present serious long-term health risks.
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Dusty The Asthma Goldfish and His Asthma Triggers Funbook
This educational activity book helps children learn more about asthma triggers. EPA 402-F-04-008
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Asthma Awareness
May is Asthma Awareness Month. EPA promotes international, national and local Asthma Awareness Month activities to increase public understanding of asthma and environmental asthma triggers.
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Public Service Announcements and Multimedia Resources for Asthma
EPA is committed to raising public awareness of asthma and environmental factors that can affect asthma.
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Learn about Asthma
Resources for basic information about asthma.