EPA air quality News
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Students Can Breathe Heavy Sigh of Relief
(Washington, D.C.) No, it's not less homework, it's better indoor air quality. With more than 53 million children spending a significant portion of their days in 120,000 public and private schools, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency is working with schools to improve indoor air quality. EPA presented the Indoor Air Quality Tools for Schools national awards to schools and school districts ...
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EPA symposium aims for clean air in nation’s schools
School districts leading the way to prevent and solve indoor air quality problems in schools will be honored at the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) 10th Indoor Air Quality Tools for Schools National Symposium in Wash., D.C., Jan. 14-16. EPA created the Tools for Schools program a decade ago to address a range of indoor air quality and related problems in school buildings, including ...
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Happy Holidays and a Prosperous New Year from IAQ Index
As 2012 comes to a close, and people come together to celebrate the holiday season, it is an ideal time to reflect on all that we have to be thankful for. IAQ Index would like to take this opportunity to thank all of our past clients and those who are involved with indoor environmental services for their dedication to helping people. Indoor air quality (IAQ) issues with mold, formaldehyde, ...
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National Healthy Schools Day Spotlights Indoor Air Quality
Across the nation educational institutions are recognizing National Healthy Schools Day. The important day is coordinated by the Healthy Schools Network in cooperation with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the Council of Educational Facility Planners – International (CEFPI). It promotes the use of the EPA’s IAQ Tools for Schools program. According to the ...
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IAQ Concerns Worry Many Parents as Children Return Back to School
In many parts of the country, children have already begun the new school year while others are enjoying a few final weeks of vacation. During the summer months many classrooms sat empty while some school districts used the break to conduct renovation and remodeling activities in the empty classrooms. Some of these vacant rooms experienced water leaks and moisture intrusion from heavy summer ...
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Puerto Rico Celebrates National Indoor Air Quality Awareness Month
National Indoor Air Quality Awareness Month takes place each October. The term indoor air quality (IAQ) refers to the air in any type of built environment, and with Americans spending approximately 90% of their time indoors according to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), indoor air quality can have a significant impact on comfort, health and even productivity. EPA warns that the ...
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IAQ Complaints in the Office Often Caused by More than One Issue
Millions of Americans spend 8 or more hours of their day in office buildings across the nation. As the public has come to recognize the importance of good indoor air quality (IAQ) for their health, comfort and productivity, its importance has grown in recent years. Unfortunately, not all office workers breathe good air while on the job. Many office buildings have a number of significant ...
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Penicillium: A Benefit to Man, a Hindrance to Indoor Air Quality
One of the most recognized types of fungi is Penicillium. It is perhaps best known as the fungus, P. chrysogenum, which produces penicillin, a molecule that has saved countless lives as an antibiotic. It is also used in the production of a number of important biotechnology produced enzymes and macromolecules. Some species of Penicillium are used in the production cheeses, including blue (bleu) ...
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IAQ Test Kits Help Keep Families and Workers Safe and Productive
People need to know that their homes, schools and places of business have safe indoor air quality (IAQ). According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), “Health effects from indoor air pollutants may be experienced soon after exposure or, possibly, years later.” These indoor air quality pollutants may include a variety of different contaminants and gases. Mold, carbon ...
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School Indoor Air Quality Assessments Go Mobile / EPA Launches School IAQ Assessment Mobile App
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) today launched a new mobile app to assist schools and school districts with performing comprehensive indoor air quality (IAQ) facility assessments to protect the health of children and school staff. The School IAQ Assessment mobile app is a “one-stop shop” for accessing guidance from EPA’s Indoor Air Quality Tools for Schools Action ...
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Mold Closes School Library in Santa Barbara
LA Testing offers mold, bacteria and other indoor air quality (IAQ) testing services for school districts to protect students and faculty across California. Pasadena, CA, December 14th, 2010 Last month it was reported that an elementary school in Santa Barbara, California closed its library due to concerns over visible mold growth. Concerned parents have called for all 13 portable classrooms ...
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State Agency Takes Aim at Reducing Potentially Toxic VOCs in the Home
The Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) has developed materials to help educate the state’s residents about volatile organic compounds and what people can do to limit their exposure. The MDH has published a brochure and developed a website full of helpful tips, information and advice. VOCs are all around people in the typical home, office and school environment. Building materials, ...
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Indoor Environment & Energy Exposition Offers Opportunities for Attendees to Learn about IAQ Test Kits
On February 27th, thousands of members of the Indoor Air Quality Association (IAQA), Air Conditioning Contractors of America (ACCA) and Residential Energy Services Network (RESNET) will come together for the Indoor Environment and Energy Expo (IE3). The event takes place over several days at the Orlando Marriott World Center. With approximately 2500 people expected to be in attendance, the ...
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High Radon Levels Found in 1 in 5 Schools, More Testing Advised
According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), “A nationwide survey of radon levels in schools estimates that nearly one in five has at least one schoolroom with a short-term radon level above the action level of 4 pCi/L (picoCuries per liter) - the level at which EPA recommends that schools take action to reduce the level. EPA estimates that more than seventy thousand ...
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Volatile Organic Compounds in Homes can Increase Health Risks
Earlier this month, the phillyBurbs.com published a report about a recent chemical fire at a manufacturing facility near Philadelphia. According to the report, the fire consumed a large amount of the 1 million pounds of ethyl acrylate and butyl acrylate stored at the facility. The owners of the plant performed air testing for volatile organic compound exposure outside of the plant both during ...
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IAQ Test Kit Identifies Formaldehyde Hazards
Earlier this year, the company behind a popular hair straightening product came to a settlement agreement with the Attorney General of California. The Brazilian Blowout hair product had made headlines across the nation due to concerns over potential exposure to formaldehyde for both hairstylists and the general public. The agreement now requires the product manufacturer to warn hairstylists ...
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Homeowners Warned of Formaldehyde Exposure Following Chemical Spill
Last month, residents of North Bay in Ontario were warned of potential formaldehyde dangers in their home. This resulted following a tanker truck crash that spilled its cargo of formaldehyde into the lake that provides drinking water for many area residents. The truck driver died during the accident and investigators are working to determine if his death was caused by the accident or due to ...
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Carbon Monoxide Hazards Close Arizona Treatment Center
Earlier this month, almost 100 people were evacuated from a Scottsdale treatment and rehabilitation center after an unusual smell was noticed by the building’s occupants. The local fire department responded and evacuated the center that provides services to teens and adults who have cognitive and intellectual disabilities. Sixteen people were treated at a local hospital, but none ...
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Free Radon Test Kit Offered by the Leading IAQ Home Test Kit Provider
With fall officially arriving last month, many parts of the country are experiencing cool days and even cooler nights. This autumn weather often causes people to begin shutting windows and firing up the HVAC system to bring warmth and comfort to their homes. As people begin to keep doors and windows shut, any indoor air pollutants may begin to buildup. One of these pollutants is a cancer ...
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Hurricane Sandy Victims Told to be Aware of Fungal Pathogens
Two weeks ago, Hurricane Sandy devastated parts of the East Coast. Now, many of the water damaged properties are being repaired and cleaned, but people are being warned of the hazards due to exposure to mold growth in many of these buildings. Mold begins to grow in as short as 24 to 48 hours on many types of building materials and household furnishing once they become wet or in an ...
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