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  • Who regulates waste from nuclear power plants?

    The Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) has regulatory authority over storage and disposal of all commercially-generated nuclear wastes in the United States, as well as disposal of spent fuel and high-level wastes generated by the Department of Energy. The NRC implements its general radiation

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  • Will it be safe for me to eat food or drink water from my area after a radiological emergency?

    Food in sealed containers, bottled water, sealed juice, unopened soda containers and any unspoiled food in your refrigerator or freezer will be safe to eat. Use a damp towel or cloth to wipe off cans, bottles, packaged foods, counters, plates, pots and utensils before using them. After use, seal

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  • What is the WIPP and how is the EPA involved?

    The Waste Isolation Pilot Plant, or the WIPP, is a Department of Energy (DOE) site where defense-related transuranic waste can be permanently disposed of in a single location. Located outside of Carlsbad, New Mexico, the WIPP accepts waste shipments from across the country and disposes of the waste

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  • Does carpet cause indoor air quality (IAQ) problems in schools?

    Carpet use in schools provides a decrease in noise, falls, and injuries. IAQ problems can be encountered with carpet and many other materials if the school has any type of water intrusion or moisture problem, such as a leaky roof. If carpeting remains damp, it can become a primary source for

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  • Does EPA monitor the ocean for radiation from Fukushima?

    The EPA does not monitor or sample ocean waters. However, state and international organizations have provided ocean monitoring in the wake of the Fukushima incident. In late 2015, ocean monitoring by Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution (WHOI), a marine research organization, detected very small

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  • What factors in schools contribute to poor indoor air quality (IAQ)?

    Several factors in schools can contribute to poor IAQ. Some of the most common problem include: Radon; Classroom pets; Excess moisture and mold; Dry-erase markers and similar pens; Dust and chalk; Cleaning materials; Personal care products; Odors and volatile organic compounds (VOCs) from paint

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  • How does indoor air quality in schools affect asthma?

    Asthma triggers can be found at school. An indoor air quality (IAQ) management program can reduce the pollutants, irritants, and triggers and help provide a healthier school for students and staff. There are many steps that a school district can take to reduce asthma triggers, such as: Have an IAQ

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  • How big a problem is poor indoor air quality (IAQ) in schools?

    Indoor levels of air pollutants can be two to five times higher (and occasionally 100 times higher) than outdoor levels. Nearly 56 million people (approximately 20 percent of the U.S. population) spend their days inside elementary and secondary schools. In 1999, the National Center for Education

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  • What does it cost to fix schools?

    The Indoor Air Quality (IAQ) Tools for Schools Program advocates for proactive measures, and the majority of the recommendations in the IAQ Tools for Schools Action Kit are either low cost or no cost. These low- and no-cost actions will help to minimize the extent and frequency of costly repairs

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  • Can mold cause health problems?

    Molds are usually not a problem indoors, unless mold spores land on a wet or damp spot and begin growing. Molds have the potential to cause health problems. Molds produce allergens (substances that can cause allergic reactions), irritants, and in some cases, potentially toxic substances (mycotoxins)

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  • What should I know about formaldehyde and indoor air quality?

    For further information on formaldehyde and consumer products, call the EPA Toxic Substance Control Act (TSCA) Assistance Line (202) 554-1404. Sources of formaldehyde in the home include building materials, smoking, household products, and the use of un-vented, fuel-burning appliances, like gas

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  • What are ten things I need to know about mold?

    Ten Things You Should Know About Mold: Potential health effects and symptoms associated with mold exposures include allergic reactions, asthma, and other respiratory complaints. There is no practical way to eliminate all mold and mold spores in the indoor environment; the way to control indoor mold

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  • What is radon gas? Is it dangerous?

    Radon is a naturally-occurring radioactive gas that can cause lung cancer. Radon gas is inert, colorless and odorless. Radon is naturally in the atmosphere in trace amounts. Outdoors, radon disperses rapidly and, generally, is not a health issue. Most radon exposure occurs inside homes, schools and

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  • What did the National Academy of Sciences have to say about radon?

    The National Academy of Sciences (NAS) published its latest analysis of health research on radon, the Biological Effects of Ionizing Radiation (BEIR VI) Report in 1999 (see www.epa.gov/radon/health-risk-radon#beir). This is the most comprehensive review effort to date. The Committee was charged with

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  • What is the debate on radon?

    There is no debate about radon being a lung carcinogen in humans. All major national and international organizations that have examined the health risks of radon agree that it is a lung carcinogen. The scientific community continues to conduct research to refine our understanding of the precise

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