Learn the Issues
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How does asthma affect Tribal communities?
Asthma is a serious, sometimes life-threatening respiratory disease that affects the quality of life for millions of Americans. Managing triggers is especially important for Tribal communities who are disproportionately affected by asthma. A recent report by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention found that asthma affects almost 12 percent…
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Where can I go to learn more about improving air quality in my Tribal schools?
Every child deserves a school that is a safe and healthy place to learn. Yet nearly one-fourth of schools have one or more buildings in need of extensive repair or replacement, and nearly half have been reported to have problems related to indoor air quality. EPA offers the Indoor Air…
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How can I connect with other Tribal IAQ leaders?
EPA's Tribal IAQ website is a great resource to network with other leaders throughout the country. Visit the Directory of Tribal Indoor Air Quality Champions to read about the issues other Tribes are facing and to obtain their contact information. Also, consider listing yourself in the directory. Send an e-mail…
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How can I successfully work with the media to promote Tribal IAQ issues?
Working with the media may seem intimidating, but it can be largely beneficial in publicizing your indoor air quality messages and getting the word out about any activities or events that raise awareness about IAQ in your community. There are several resources available to help you achieve success with the…
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Air Cleaners, HVAC Filters, and Coronavirus (COVID-19)
EPA recommends precautions to reduce the potential airborne transmission of the virus, such as ventilation and air filtration as a part of a larger strategy that includes minimizing close contact, surface cleaning, handwashing, and other precautions.
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Indoor Air in Homes and Coronavirus (COVID-19)
EPA recommends precautions to reduce the potential indoorairborne transmission of the virus as a part of a larger strategy that includes minimizing close contact, mask wearing, surface cleaning, handwashing, and other precautions.
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Science and Technical Resources related to Indoor Air and Coronavirus (COVID-19)
Other science resources related to indoor air quality and coronavirus (COVID-19) from National Academies, CDC, and others.
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Is there HVAC guidance that building and maintenance professionals can follow to help protect from COVID-19?
The American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE) has developed proactive guidance to help address coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) concerns with respect to the operation and maintenance of heating, ventilating and air-conditioning systems. Read ASHRAE guidance. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention have also developed guidelines for…
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Who can I contact to have the indoor air quality tested at my place of employment?
The United States Department of Labor, Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) is the contact for workplace safety. See OSHA's Contact Us Webpage for more information on reporting emergencies, unsafe working conditions, safety and health violations, to file a complaint, to ask safety and health questions, to find the OSHA…
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Has EPA issued specific recommendations on how frequently carpet should be cleaned?
No. EPA recommends that consumers and others follow manufacturer recommendations and industry standards for keeping carpet clean to protect indoor air quality wherever carpet is installed. A number of carpet cleaning companies have been under the incorrect impression that EPA issued official carpet cleaning recommendations in a 1989 letter from…
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How does outdoor air enter a building?
Most home heating and cooling systems, including forced air heating systems, do not mechanically bring fresh air into the house. Outdoor air enters and leaves a house by: natural ventilation, such as through open windows and doors infiltration, a process by which outdoor air flows into the house through openings…
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How do I protect indoor air quality if I am remodeling my home?
While remodeling or improving the energy efficiency of your home, steps should be taken to minimize pollution from sources inside the home, either from new materials, or from disturbing materials already in the home. In addition, residents should be alert to signs of inadequate ventilation, such as stuffy air, moisture…
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What can I do to protect indoor air quality if I live in an apartment?
Apartments can have the same indoor air problems as single-family homes because many of the pollution sources, such as the interior building materials, furnishings, and household products, are similar. Indoor air problems similar to those in offices may be caused by such sources as contaminated ventilation systems, improperly placed outdoor…
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Respiratory Health Effects of Passive Smoking: Lung Cancer and Other Disorders
This page contains a PDF version of the Respiratory Health Effects of Passive Smoking report and also a pdf version of an overview of progress made in reducing exposure to secondsmoke in the past 25 years.
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Ammonia Safety in New England Ice Rinks
Fact Sheet to assist ice rink owners and operators with ammonia refrigeration systems in communicating effectively with their employees, contractors, vendors, and customers about ammonia refrigeration safety.
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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!
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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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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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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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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…