In the last several years, a growing body of scientific evidence has indicated that the air within homes and other buildings can be more seriously polluted than the outdoor air in even the largest and most industrialized cities. Other research indicates that people spend approximately 90 percent of their time indoors. Thus, for many people, the risks to health may be greater due to exposure to air pollution indoors than outdoors.

In addition, people who may be exposed to indoor air pollutants for the longest periods of time are often those most susceptible to the effects of indoor air pollution. Such groups include the young, the elderly, and the chronically ill, especially those suffering from respiratory or cardiovascular disease.

This course information was prepared by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) to discuss actions that can reduce the level of indoor air pollution within the home.

The course will discuss potential areas of indoor air quality concerns, the air quality in the home and ways to improve the air quality in the home. Additionally, specific pollutant sources will be discussed, including radon, environmental tobacco smoke, biological contaminants, home heating devices, household products, formaldehyde, pesticides, asbestos and lead.