Learn the Issues
-
Indoor Air Quality Tools for Tribal Communities
This Website can help you improve IAQ in your Tribal community. You can find information to educate your community about the simple actions they can take to improve their IAQ and protect their health.
-
Can a local education agency (LEA) designate a committee instead of one person to coordinate asbestos programs for an LEA?
No. Section 763.84(g)(1) requires each LEA to designate “a person” (i.e., an individual). The name, address, and telephone number of the person designated under 40 CFR part 763.84 to ensure that the duties of the local education agency are carried out must appear in the management plan (40 CFR part…
-
If the architect or project engineer responsible for the construction of the building provides a statement indicating there is no asbestos-containing material in the school, does the local education agency (LEA) have to submit an asbestos management plan?
40 CFR part 763.99(a) of the asbestos in schools rule provides that an LEA “shall not be required to perform an inspection under §763.85(a) in any sampling area . . . or homogeneous area of a school building where: . . . (7) An architect or project engineer responsible for…
-
What is a MERV rating?
Minimum Efficiency Reporting Values, or MERVs , report a filter's ability to capture larger particles between 0.3 and 10 microns (µm). This value is helpful in comparing the performance of different filters The rating is derived from a test method developed by the American Society of Heating, Refrigerating, and Air…
-
Should You Have the Air Ducts in Your Home Cleaned? - Printable Version
Duct cleaning generally refers to the cleaning of various heating and cooling system components of forced air systems
-
Technical Overview of Volatile Organic Compounds
Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) are emitted as gases from certain solids or liquids. VOCs include a variety of chemicals, some of which may have short- and long-term adverse health effects.
-
Asbestos' Impact on Indoor Air Quality
"Asbestos is a mineral fiber that has been used commonly in a variety of building construction materials for insulation and as a fire-retardant. EPA and CPSC have banned several asbestos products. Manufacturers have also voluntarily limited uses of asbesto
-
What are volatile organic compounds (VOCs)?
Volatile organic compounds are compounds that have a high vapor pressure and low water solubility. Many VOCs are human-made chemicals that are used and produced in the manufacture of paints, pharmaceuticals, and refrigerants. VOCs typically are industrial solvents, such as trichloroethylene; fuel oxygenates, such as methyl tert-butyl ether (MTBE); or…
-
Does EPA regulate volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in household products?
EPA does regulate VOCs in some household products under the Clean Air Act (CAA); however, the regulations that we have promulgated for VOCs in architectural coatings and consumer products are in place only because many VOCs photochemically react in the atmosphere to produce ozone, a component of smog. From the…
-
PRP Search Manual
Page provides access to download the complete or individual sections of the 2017 print edition of the PRP Search Manual.
-
CERCLA PFAS Enforcement Listening Sessions
Announces public listening sessions regarding CERCLA PFAS enforcement liability concerns and policy considerations
-
Lesson Plans, Teacher Guides and Online Environmental Resources for Educators: Health
Health-related educational resources for teachers on environmental topics, including lesson plans.
-
Lesson Plans, Teacher Guides and Online Environmental Resources for Educators: Waste and Recycling
Waste and recycling-related ducational resources for teachers on environmental topics, including lesson plans.
-
2015 Version 7.1 Technical Support Document
This TSD describes how the emission inventories were prepared for air quality modeling by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) for air toxics and criteria air pollutants that represents the year 2015 based on the 2014 National Emissions Inventory
-
Resources for UST Owners and Operators
Learn about operating and maintaining your underground storage tank (UST) system, including reporting, recordkeeping, installation, and closing and replacing tanks.
-
How much will It cost to participate in Indoor airPLUS?
There is no cost to partner with EPA's Indoor airPLUS Program. However, builders may have additional costs to construct Indoor airPLUS qualified homes. These costs vary due to many factors such as the builder's current construction practices, local building code requirements, and subcontractor and building material costs. The builder will…
-
If I buy a home with Indoor airPLUS, am I guaranteed a home that has good indoor air quality?
The Indoor airPLUS Construction Specifications are designed to help improve indoor air quality in new homes as compared with new homes built to minimum code. However, these measures alone cannot guarantee that you won't experience indoor air quality problems, since the activities of people in your home can significantly compromise…
-
How do I find a Home Energy Rater that offers Indoor airPLUS verification services?
Visit the ENERGY STAR Partner Locator for a list of Energy Rating Companies who are also Indoor airPLUS partners. If you are already working with a Rater for the ENERGY STAR Program, please refer them to the Indoor airPLUS Partnership Agreement if they haven't signed up already.
-
What certifications are required for Indoor airPLUS home verifiers?
Training requirements for Indoor airPLUS home verifiers are currently the same as for the ENERGY STAR Residential Programs. For more details, see: Energy Rating Companies .
-
How do I obtain an Indoor airPLUS certificate for a qualified home?
Indoor airPLUS certificates can be printed as an output of most major rating softwares. Additionally, Providers can utilize the Excel-based Indoor airPLUS Label Printing Tool to create labels, certificates, and a homeowner letter for Indoor airPLUS homes. Contact Indoor_airPLUS@epa.gov for a copy of the tool.