Public Health: Indoor Air Quality

Health & Safety Information on Household Products

Publication, 2010.

Publication, 2015.

(PDF)

The Job Accomodation Network (JAN) is a service of the Office of Disability Employment Policy of the U.S. Department of Labor.

About Cleaner Indoor Air and Invisible Disabilities, Environmental Illness and Multiple Chemical Sensitivity, Fragrance and Chemical Resources, Access and Accommodation Resources

If you graded the indoor air quality in your buildings, would it pass or fail?

With related links to Occupant Interview and Occupant Diary forms--part of Indoor Air Quality Assessment.

With link to download Indoor Air Quality Policy.
Includes IAQ survey and IAQ request for investigation forms.

Factors that contribute to indoor air quality, Reporting an IAQ Concern, Investigation and Corrective Action

Includes complaint process.

Includes IAQ Survey Checklist, IAQ Fact Sheet, Guidelines to Prevent Mold Growth in Buildings, Mold Sampling Strategies.

Includes: Odor Investigation Protocol, Occupant Diary Form, IAQ Questionnaire/Complaint Form

With link to Indoor Air Quality Policy.

With link to Indoor Air Quality Responsibilities, Reporting, Scent-Free Awareness, Smoking Policy.

With link to Minnesota Department of Health Indoor Air Quality in Schools. Why is Indoor Air Quality in Schools Important? What is an effective IAQ Management Plan? IAQ Actions for Teachers and Other Staff. See also: University of Minnesota Guideline on Chemical Sensitivity.

See also: University of Winnipeg Scent Free Guideline (PDF).

(PDF)

"At the 2009 IAQ Tools for Schools Symposium, the School District of Philadelphia (specifically, ...) learned from and were inspired by the many other districts they met who were successfully addressing IAQ issues in their schools. The experience affirmed for the district that IAQ was a real issue that others were consciously managing and taking seriously. Most importantly, the attendees saw the connection between the environmental health conditions in schools and the academic success of students."

(an article in the journal Building and Environment recent 10 Question Initiative.) "Air fresheners are pervasive within indoor built environments, such as workplaces, schools, housing, transportation, hotels, hospitals, care facilities, and a range of private and public buildings. Air fresheners are designed to impart an aroma to the air environment or to mask odors, with the intent of creating a pleasing indoor space. However, despite the intent, air fresheners can emit and generate a range of potentially hazardous air pollutants that can impair air quality."

(Open Access article in the peer reviewed journal Air Quality, Atmosphere & Health). "Fragranced consumer products, such as cleaning supplies, air fresheners, and personal care products, are a primary source of indoor air pollutants and personal exposure. Previous research indicates that fragranced products can trigger adverse health effects, with implications for workplaces and public places."

(in the peer reviewed journal Air Quality, Atmosphere & Health) "This article reports and compares volatile emissions among a range of consumer product types (air fresheners, laundry products, cleaners, and personal care products) and different product categories (fragranced, fragrance free, green, and regular)."

(27 minute, audio with transcript available). "Civil and environmental engineer Prof Anne Steinemann outlines the causes and consequences of poor indoor air quality, and in particular the potentially hazardous fumes generated by home cleaning and personal care products. Presented by Dr Andi Horvath."

Developed by EarthWays Center, a division of Missouri Botanical Garden, in partnership with the St. Louis Community Air Project. This toolkit is funded by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, which is the nation's leading source for IAQ protection information.

The toolkit takes a step-by-step approach to:

1) Evaluating your office for potential IAQ issues, using a walk-through guide
2) Forming a workplace Green Team to strategically and efficiently address IAQ maintenance and problem-solving
3) Gathering data to help resolve IAQ problems
4) Educating and motivating management and co-workers to improve employee health by safeguarding IAQ.