Indoor Air Quality

Studies by the US EPA rank indoor air pollution among the top five environmental health problems today. Indoor pollutant levels can be 2-100 times higher than outdoors, and most people spend up to 90% of their time inside.

Indoor pollution sources that release gases or particles are the primary cause of indoor air quality problems. Inadequate ventilation increases pollutant levels by failing to dilute emissions and carry pollutants out; high temperature and humidity can raise concentrations further. Sources include combustion (gas, kerosene, coal, wood, tobacco), mold and moisture, household cleaning products, and radon. Some sources release pollutants continuously (air fresheners, building materials); others release them intermittently (smoking, unvented or malfunctioning stoves and heaters, cleaning products, and pesticides). For a smoke-free home, see ODH's tobacco use prevention page (opens in a new window, leaves this site).

Mold is a living organism that occurs naturally and grows in damp or wet environments. Indoors, it can become a serious health threat, high concentrations may cause allergic reactions, asthma attacks, infections, or other respiratory problems, and continuous exposure can increase sensitivity.

Mold will not grow without water. If mold is growing, there is a moisture problem that must be addressed. Correct any water problem within 24-48 hours to help prevent mold from growing and spreading. The Ohio Department of Health Indoor Environments Section provides advice at 800-200-2526.

Radon is a naturally occurring radioactive gas, invisible, odorless, and tasteless, produced by the decay of radium. It is a known carcinogen and the second leading cause of lung cancer in the United States. Potential sources in the home include the earth and rock beneath it, well water, and building materials.

Radon detection kits are inexpensive and easy to use. To order a free radon test kit shipped to your home, visit ohio.radon.com (opens in a new window, leaves this site). For more information, contact the Ohio Department of Health at 1-800-523-4439.

Lead is a naturally occurring metal long considered a harmful pollutant. The US EPA lists lead-based paint, contaminated soil, dust, and drinking water as the most common sources. Lead affects the central nervous system, kidneys, and red blood cells; high levels can cause convulsions, coma, or death. Children are especially vulnerable.

The two primary household sources are lead-based paint and lead-contaminated dust. If renovating an older home with lead-based paint, consult a professional on proper removal before beginning work.

VOCs are emitted as gases from solid and liquid products and can have short- and long-term health effects. Indoor VOC concentrations can be up to ten times higher than outdoors. Common sources include paints, paint strippers, pesticides, cleaning supplies, aerosol sprays, air fresheners, printers, glues, permanent markers, and dry-cleaned clothing. Potential effects include eye, nose, and throat irritation; headaches; nausea; and liver, kidney, and central nervous system damage. More on the US EPA indoor air site (opens in a new window, leaves this site).

Asbestos is a mineral fiber widely used in 20th-century building materials as a fire retardant, most heavily between 1940 and 1975. It can be found in old insulation, fireproofing, acoustical material, and floor tiles. When disturbed or deteriorating, microscopic fibers are released and can accumulate in the lungs, leading to lung cancer, mesothelioma, and asbestosis.

If asbestos in your home is in good condition and won't be disturbed, it is best left alone. If it must be removed, the work must be done by a qualified, certified asbestos-removal contractor.