Indoor Air Quality (IAQ)

Materials used in building construction and conditions resulting from property damage, or even poor maintenance and upkeep, can result in indoor air pollution that could jeopardize a person's health. Many of the sources of Indoor Air Quality (IAQ) problems (i.e. formaldehyde, mold, radon, etc.) can be easily prevented and corrected by simple measures. Therefore, to help homeowners and business owners recognize and correct problems they may be experiencing, the following sources have been pulled together for easy access to useful information and answers to solve indoor air pollution. The information consists of guidance on most IAQ issues, links to home testing kits, and associations of professional consultants should these services be desired or needed. Authorization and resources do not allow the MDEQ to visit homes and businesses to test for indoor pollution, but the agency is striving to be of assistance through the information it is making available here. mold mold mold mold mold mold mold mold mold.

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Hide details for Information on Pollutants & Their SourcesInformation on Pollutants & Their Sources
Information on Pollutants & Their Sources
Show details for AsbestosAsbestos
Show details for Asthma & AllergiesAsthma & Allergies
Show details for Biological contaminantsBiological contaminants
Show details for Household Cleaning Chemicals and SpraysHousehold Cleaning Chemicals and Sprays
Show details for Carbon Monoxide (CO)Carbon Monoxide (CO)
Show details for FormaldehydeFormaldehyde
Show details for LeadLead
Hide details for InsulationInsulation

Symptoms from Fiberglass will typically go away after being removed or encapsulated. Fiberglass is not regulated and is widely used, but should not be breathed. There are some alternatives to fiberglass insulation (such as polyester and sheet foam). One technical paper concluded that wet spray-applied cellulose insulation (typically 30-40% water), when used in the walls of indoor environments, can become very moldy and result in unacceptable risk to occupants. It is recommended that fiberglass insulation be kept neatly contained (not hanging out) and use proper personal protective equipment to avoid exposure during installation or maintenance activities. Replace ceiling panels and repair disconnected ventilation ducts if needed.
Show details for MoldMold
Show details for Air DuctsAir Ducts
Show details for PesticidesPesticides
Hide details for RadonRadon

U.S. Surgeon General Health Advisory

"Indoor radon gas is the second-leading cause of lung cancer in the United States and breathing it over prolonged periods can present a significant health risk to families all over the country.  It's important to know that this threat is completely preventable.  Radon can be detected with a simple test and fixed through well-established venting techniques."  January 2005

A Citizen's Guide to Radon: The Guide to Protecting Yourself and Your Family from Radon
http://www.epa.gov/radon/pubs/citguide.html

"Home Buyer's and Seller's Guide to Radon"
http://www.epa.gov/radon/pubs/hmbyguid.html

One may also call the Radon hotline number at the National Safety Council
(800) SOS-RADON or (800) 55-RADON

Compared to other states, most of Mississippi has a low predictive indoor radon screening. Radon levels in Alcorn, Union, Pontotoc, Lee, Chickasaw, Clay, Lowndes, and Noxubee have a medium predictive level. Visit the following site to view radon maps of any state: http://www.epa.gov/radon/zonemap/mississippi.htm

Discounted radon test kits are available from the National Safety Council - 1-800-SOS-RADON ;
Read the section in "A Citizen's Guide to Radon" listed above for a discussion on how to get reliable radon test results.

Schools: The Indoor Radon Program in Mississippi provides free screening for schools in participating areas. Call 1-800-626-7739 or (601) 987-6893.
Show details for Smoke (Tobacco Smoke and Second hand smoke)Smoke (Tobacco Smoke and Second hand smoke)
Show details for Air CleanersAir Cleaners
Show details for Vapor IntrusionVapor Intrusion
Show details for Fireplaces, Wood stoves, Wood heaters, Wood boilersFireplaces, Wood stoves, Wood heaters, Wood boilers

Show details for General IAQ Resources & OrganizationsGeneral IAQ Resources & Organizations

Show details for Consultants and LaboratoriesConsultants and Laboratories

Show details for Related IAQ TopicsRelated IAQ Topics

For More Information Contact Bryan Williams 601.961.5799
Or IAQ Staff
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