| 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
Biological contaminants include bacteria, molds, mildew, viruses, animal dander and cat saliva, dust mites, cockroaches, and pollen.
http://www.epa.gov/iaq/pubs/insidest.html
Household Cleaning Chemicals and Sprays
Carbon Monoxide (CO)
Formaldehyde
Lead
Insulation
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.
Mold
Air Ducts
"Should You Have the Air Ducts In Your Home Cleaned?"
Download EPA 402 K 97 002 from EPA publications: http://www.epa.gov/iaq/pubs/index.html#air%20ducts
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
Ozone Generators
http://www.epa.gov/iaq/pubs/ozonegen.html.
Vapor Intrusion
Fireplaces, Wood stoves, Wood heaters, Wood boilers
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General IAQ Resources & Organizations
EPA Resources
EPA IAQ website http://www.epa.gov/iaq/
EPA IAQ publications http://www.epa.gov/iaq/pubs/index.html
Mold Recourse Library http://www.epa.gov/mold/moldcourse/resourcelibrary.html
"The Inside Story: A Guide to Indoor Air Quality": http://www.epa.gov/iaq/pubs/index.html#insidestory
Indoor airPLUS : Design & Building Specifications for the EPA Indoor airPLUS program for homes
http://www.epa.gov/indoorairplus/index.html
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
National Service Center for Environmental Publications (NSCEP)
P.O. Box 42419
Cincinnati, OH 45242-0419
Website: www.epa.gov/nscep
Phone: 1-800-490-9198
Fax: (301) 604-3408
E-mail: nscep@bps-lmit.com
Note: NSCEP operates a Toll-free phone service for EPA Publication Assistance with live customer service representative assistance Monday through Friday from 9:00am-5:30pm eastern time.
EPA Indoor Air Quality Information Line: Call toll-free number 1-800-438-4318
Publications on Multiple IAQ Topics
Organizations
Books
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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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