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  2. Indoor Air Quality (IAQ)

Indoor Air Quality (IAQ) Frequently Asked Questions

Frequently Asked Questions
  • Asthma FAQs
  • Indoor AirPlus FAQs
  • IAQ in Schools FAQs
  • Mold FAQs
  • Radon FAQs 

  • Frequent Questions about Indoor Air and Coronavirus (COVID-19)

Search Frequent Questions for immediate answers to the most common questions or send a question to our customer care team.

Air Cleaners

  • What is a HEPA filter?
  • What is a MERV rating?
  • What guidelines are available to compare air cleaners?
  • Will air cleaners reduce health risks?
  • What are ionizers and other ozone generating air cleaners?
  • Should you use an air cleaner?
  • Does EPA certify/register or provide lists of acceptable air cleaners or manufacturers/sellers?

Air Duct Cleaning

  • Should I have the air ducts in my home cleaned?

BASE

  • What is the Building Assessment Survey and Evaluation Study (BASE)?
  • Who might use the data and findings from the BASE study?
  • What will the BASE data tell me about my particular building?
  • How has the BASE study data been used?
  • How can I get the BASE data?

Indoor Air Pollutants

Biological Pollutants

  • What are biological pollutants, how do they affect indoor air quality?

Carbon Monoxide

  • What is carbon monoxide?
  • Where should I place a carbon monoxide detector?
  • What about carbon monoxide detectors?
  • What is the average level of carbon monoxide in homes?
  • What do I do if I suspect that combustion appliances are affecting my health?
  • What are combustion products?

Formaldehyde

  • What should I know about formaldehyde and indoor air quality?

Secondhand Smoke/Aerosol

  • Who has the authority to ban or limit exposure to secondhand tobacco smoke?
  • What is EPA's position on children's exposure to secondhand smoke aerosol?
  • Is outdoor exposure to secondhand smoke/aerosol comparable to indoors?
  • How long do the harmful elements of secondhand smoke/aerosol linger indoors?
  • What's the difference between secondhand tobacco smoke and environmental tobacco smoke?
  • Can EPA ban smoking/vaping or otherwise limit exposure?
  • What can I do about secondhand smoke/aerosol coming from my neighbor's apartment?

VOCs

  • What are volatile organic compounds (VOCs)?
  • Does EPA regulate volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in household products?

Indoor Air Quality

  • Who can I contact to have the indoor air quality tested at my place of employment?
  • How much ventilation do I need in my home to improve indoor air quality?
  • How does outdoor air enter a building?
  • Has EPA issued specific recommendations on how frequently carpet should be cleaned?
  • What can I do to improve indoor air quality in my home?
  • How can I protect indoor air quality if I live in an apartment?
  • How can I protect indoor air quality if I am remodeling my home?

Tribal

  • Where can I find tribal IAQ resources and materials?
  • How does asthma affect tribal communities?
  • Where can I go to learn more about improving air quality in my tribal schools?
  • How can I connect with other tribal IAQ leaders?
  • How can I successfully work with the media to promote tribal IAQ issues?

Indoor Air Quality (IAQ)

  • Learn about Indoor Air Quality
    • Introduction to IAQ
    • Improving Indoor Air Quality
    • Climate Change and IAQ
  • IAQ by Building Type
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    • Multi-Family Housing
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  • Indoor Air Pollutants and Sources
    • Carbon Monoxide
    • Indoor Particulate Matter
    • Secondhand Smoke/Aerosol
    • Volatile Organic Compounds
  • IAQ Science and Technologies
    • IAQ Science
    • IAQ Science Webinar Series
    • Air Cleaners
    • Air Sensor Technology and IAQ
  • Networking and Funding
    • CIAQ
    • Tribal Homes and IAQ
    • Cooperative Agreements
  • Webinars, Meetings and Resources
  • IAQ Trending Topics
  • Frequently Asked Questions
  • Publications
  • Regional and State IAQ Information
Contact Us about Indoor Air Quality
Contact Us about Indoor Air Quality to ask a question, provide feedback, or report a problem.
Last updated on August 21, 2024
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