Why is Healthy Indoor Air Quality Important?
The Indoor Environment Program was established in response to the growing recognition of indoor air quality as a leading environmental health issue for both adults and children. Funding sources include the US EPA Region V, general revenue and PHS Block Grant funds.
In recent years, studies performed by the United States Environmental Protection Agency have shown that indoor air pollution is one of the top five environmental problems jeopardizing public health today. These studies have shown that levels of pollutants indoors can be 2-100 times higher than the outdoors. This is of particular concern because most people spend up to 90% of their time indoors. Furthermore, studies by the Ohio Environmental Protection Agency and other research centers in Ohio have identified indoor air pollution as a priority health risk for Ohioans.
Some health problems that can be associated with indoor air pollution are eye, nose, and throat irritation, sinus congestion, coughing, sneezing, headache, fatigue and shortness of breath. More serious health conditions that can be triggered or promoted by exposure to indoor air pollutants are asthma, allergies and cancer.
For more information about Indoor Air Quality, call the Health Department at 419-228-4457 or use the following links:
• Ohio Department of Health
• Environmental Protection Agency
• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)