| 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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 Information on Pollutants & Their Sources
Information on Pollutants & Their Sources
 Asbestos
Asthma & Allergies
Biological contaminants
Household Cleaning Chemicals and Sprays
Carbon Monoxide (CO)
Formaldehyde
Lead
Insulation
Mold
Hayfever-like symptoms such as stuffiness, throat irritation, coughing or wheezing, eye irritation, or, in some cases, skin irritation may be the result of a high concentration of mold spores. In worse cases Mycotoxins from molds has been linked to symptoms like headaches, nasal irritation, dizziness, fatigue, and nausea.
Mold needs water and a food source (building materials) to grow. If one removes the water and moisture and keeps it dry, the mold cannot grow.
- PICTURE LIBRARY (Images available at this site give examples of trouble spots & cleanup apparatus)
 Wall with Black mold
- Book: "Clean Up Procedures for Mold In Houses", can be found at: EEBA Bookstore
Note on Mobile homes.
A few residents have complained about mold growth in their trailers; some of these were less than five years old. The growth was due to water leaking from the metal siding or roof (those that do not have shingles). Any exposed nail or screws in metal siding should be sealed so water does not seep into the wall cavities. Some walls have no barrier to resist moisture between the outer metal siding and inner dry wall sheeting. If a leak is suspected, it may be worthwhile to check the inner wall cavity for mold and correct any problems as soon as possible.
Air Ducts
Pesticides
Radon
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.
Smoke (Tobacco Smoke and Second hand smoke)
Air Cleaners
Vapor Intrusion
Fireplaces, Wood stoves, Wood heaters, Wood boilers
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| General IAQ Resources & Organizations |
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| Consultants and Laboratories |
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| Related IAQ Topics |
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For More Information Contact Bryan Williams 601.961.5799
Or IAQ Staff |
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601-961-5799
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