The subject of poor indoor air quality or "sick-building syndrome" has received a great deal of attention in recent years. Although most of the concern originally focused on the workplace, more people are looking for answers to health and comfort problems occurring in their homes, and rightly so.

Indoor air quality problems may be due to more than one cause, so this short summary cannot address all of the potential indoor environmental problems. It can, however, enable homeowners, landlords and tenants of single-family dwellings to recognize and respond to indoor air quality issues. Although this information also applies to apartment buildings, often only the apartment building owner or manager can remedy the problem. However, whether you live in an apartment or your own home, many problems can be prevented and resolved with common sense and a little knowledge of potential air pollutant sources.

What is Indoor Air Quality (IAQ)?
It is often easier to recognize "poor" IAQ than it is to define "good" IAQ. A few factors that contribute to poor IAQ include:
· Stale ("stuffy") air
· Lingering disagreeable odors
· Air that causes eye, nose or throat irritation
· Mold or mildew problems
· Relative humidity levels below 30% or over 60%
· Tobacco smoke
· Excessive dust or allergens, such as animal dander, dust mites and insect fragments

In an environment with good indoor air quality, there is nothing present in the air that would cause any discomfort or health problems. But the presence of many of the above examples in the indoor environment can also be exacerbated by factors such as a poor diet, poor quality drinking water, extreme temperature, humidity and poor lighting.

Other potential air contaminants are not as obvious as those listed above and can only be detected with scientific testing equipment. These include

· Naturally-occurring radon gas
· Combustion gases or smoke containing carbon monoxide, nitrogen dioxide and other contaminants from indoor appliances and vehicles
· Pesticides (insecticides, termiticides, herbicides, fungicides and rodenticides)
· Moisture, dust mites and other bioaerosols
· Asbestos from deteriorated insulation
· Lead and other heavy metal dust

Can Poor Indoor Air Quality Cause Serious Health Problems?
Although indoor air quality problems can cause discomfort, they normally do not result in serious health problems unless the levels are high and the exposure is prolonged. And not everyone reacts in the same way to IAQ problems. Many people who experience discomfort find that they feel much better soon after they leave the affected area.

What Can You Do To Control Indoor Air Pollutants?
A quick and cost-effective way to improve your air quality is by reducing your indoor use of chemicals. Some basic rules for maintaining good IAQ are:
· Reduce or eliminate any unnecessary use of chemicals
· Do not bring home chemicals designed for use in the workplace
· Open your windows and/or use fans when using products that give off vapors (gases)
· Use chemicals outside, if possible
· Provide for adequate ventilation when removing varnish or paint indoors or when you must use strong solvents
· Never sand or use a heat gun on lead- based paint indoors
· Do not disturb or remove asbestos- containing materials yourself; hire a contractor licensed for asbestos work
· Store toxic chemicals away from fire sources and occupied areas
· Use non-chemical methods of pest control whenever possible
· Properly dispose of any chemicals you no longer need

What About Mold and Mildew?
Many people are allergic to molds, mildew and other fungal spores. Some molds release toxic substances called mycotoxins, which can create health issues such as flu-like symptoms, a runny or stuffy nose, a scratchy throat and even upper respiratory infections in some hypersensitive people.

Molds and mildew may be in areas of your home that have high humidity. High humidity can be caused by improper drainage, porous foundation materials or improperly maintained humidifiers, dehumidifiers or air conditioners. A mold or mildew problem can even be created from a single flooding event.

To avoid these problems, do not allow water to form pools or wet spots inside or immediately outside your home near the foundation. Dehumidifiers with a water reservoir can cause mold or bacterial contamination of indoor air and should be cleaned thoroughly at least once a week. The water collection pans in refrigerators and air conditioners should also be emptied and cleaned frequently. While doing this, be sure to wear latex or nitrile gloves, non-porous eye protectors and a disposable N-95 respirator (available at most hardware stores).

Inspecting and testing for airborne fungi and/or allergens is generally recom-mended if you suspect that you have high moisture or suspect indoor air problems. The cost of knowing is well worth the potential risks of not knowing. Whenever you are concerned or in doubt, contact a professional Certified Indoor Environmentalist (CIE) to provide a thorough indoor air quality and surface assessment.
Nick Martello, Director of Indoor Air Quality Monitoring Services, is a Certified Indoor Environmentalist, Level I & II Mold Assessor, Certified Indoor Air Quality Specialist and Certified Home Inspector. Nick can be contacted by e-mailing Info@IAQMS.com or by calling (440) 835-8662. For further detailed information on allergens, mold issues and indoor air quality, visit www.IAQMS.com.