Environmental Public Health Division

Indoor Air Pollution

• Biological Pollutants
• Combustion Byproducts
• Frequently Asked Questions About Mold
• Organic Vapors (such as formaldehyde)
• Other Point Source Pollutants (such as lead, mercury vapor, asbestos, and radon)

In recent years, greatly increased attention has been focused on the quality of indoor air. Studies from the United States and Europe show that persons in industrialized nations spend more than 90% of their time indoors. Obviously, then, exposure to indoor air pollutants can constitute an important fraction of a persons total exposure to air pollution.

Indoor air pollution is caused by an accumulation of contaminants that come primarily from inside the building, although some originate outdoors. These pollutants may be generated by a specific, limited source or several sources over a wide area. Common sources of indoor air pollution include biological organisms, combustion byproducts, organic vapors, and other point source pollutants such as (such as lead, mercury vapor, asbestos, and radon)

Health effects from indoor air pollutants may be experienced soon after exposure or, possibly, years later. There is considerable uncertainty about what concentrations or periods of exposure are necessary to produce specific health problems.

There are several methods of remediation for improving poor indoor air quality. Control of pollutants at the source is the most effective strategy and ventilation is the second most effective approach. The use of air cleaning devices for removal of particles from the air may serve as a supplement to source control and ventilation.

FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION ON INDOOR AIR QUALITY SELECT THIS LINK.

Complaints

To file a complaint, fill out the information on the complaint form and press submit.  Environmental Complaint Form .

For Additional information contact:
Ed McDaniel R.S.
Phone:  (713) 439-6260
Fax: (713) 439-6316
E-mail: emcdaniel@hcphes.org