1 Mansel A Nelson Institute for Tribal Environmental Professionals Basics of Indoor Air Quality Indoor Air Quality in Tribal Communities

2 Presentation How Lungs Work Homes and Schools Basics of IAQ Source Reduction Ventilation Air Cleaning

3 Mansel Nelson, ITEP

4 Lungs

5 Cardiovascular Connection Gases and small particles distributed widely after entering bloodstream If lungs are not functioning properly, heart must work harder

6 Protect the Lungs of Young Children Lungs of young children are very sensitive Air pollution can damage lungs for a lifetime Exposure to air pollutants can cause asthma, which can last a lifetime Lung infections can damage lungs for a lifetime

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8 Air Pollution in Schools People - everyone is a source of pollutants Personal care products and body odors Students & staff with communicable diseases Inadequate ventilation Radon Classroom pets Excess moisture leading to mold Dry-erase markers and chalk

9 Air Pollution in Schools (cont.) Cleaning materials Odors from paint, caulk, and adhesives Insects and other pests Science class Art class Outdoor pollutants, including trash odors and bus exhaust nau.edu/iaqtc

10 Air Pollution in Homes Pollution inside typical home 2–5 Xs worse than outdoors May be 1,000 Xs worse than outdoor after some activities Many illnesses can be traced back to the home Indoor air pollution one of top 5 most-serious environmental risks to public health

11 Air Pollution in Homes (cont.) Impacted by Occupant choices and activities Maintenance of home Design of home Climate

12 Basic Principles 1. Source Control 2. Ventilation 3. Air Cleaning

13 TVs & Computers Personal Care/Cosmetics Cleaning Products & Pesticides Flooring Furniture Carpeting Furniture Automobile Radon Lead Asbestos

14 Environmental Tobacco Smoke (ETS) No risk-free level of exposure to secondhand smoke Following actions DO NOT protect nonsmokers Separating smokers from nonsmokers Cleaning the air Ventilating buildings

15 Protect Children Non-smoking family members Visitors In multi-dwelling homes – other occupants

16 Maintain stoves and flues EPA Certified stoves preferred Consider switching to cleaner heating sources

17 Cleaners and Air Fresheners Average US household uses 40 lbs of chemicals each year Average household stores more than 60 hazardous products Loaded with fragrances and petroleum- distilled chemicals (Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs))

18 DO NOT “clean” the air– they add more air pollutants

19 Health Concerns with Typical Cleaners Frequent users of conventional cleaning and disinfecting products have higher levels of occupational asthma* People in buildings where conventional products are used can also be affected Children born into households using toxic cleaning products twice as likely to have wheezing Over last years, level of toxins stored in adipose tissue (fat cells) have risen *“Studies of Health Impacts Associated with Cleaning Products” publications/studies-health-impacts-associated-cleaning-products

20 Identifying Safer Products Third-party certified Green Seal EcoLogo EPA ’ s Design for the Environment

21 Read and follow label instructions IPM preferred

22 Carbon Monoxide (CO) All burning emits CO Ventilate combustion appliances correctly All burning needs O2 Alarms are backup

23 Radon Radioactive gas Radon is everywhere No known safe level of radon Recommend testing of all buildings Second leading cause of lung cancer

24 Basic Principles 1. Source Control 2. Ventilation 3. Air Cleaning

25 Source Ventilation Excess moisture in bathroom can lead to mold

26 Gas stoves release low CO and lots of moisture Cooking releases moisture Make sure range hood vents to outside

27 Ventilation ASHRAE Standard : Ventilation for Acceptable Indoor Air Quality

28 HVAC for Offices and Schools Continuous supply of fresh air is needed Proper maintenance of system Don’t block air flows Check outside air intakes

29 Basic Principles 1. Source Control 2. Ventilation 3. Air Cleaning Air cleaning is recommended only after proper source control and ventilation

30 Air Cleaners No Ozone air cleaners True HEPA filter Consider Activated Charcoal Size for the space

31 Resources nau.edu/iaqtc www4.nau.edu/itep/air/training_aq.asp

32 Institute for Tribal Environmental Professionals (ITEP) Mansel A. Nelson, Senior Program Coordinator Indoor Air Quality in Tribal Communities Northern Arizona University (NAU) nau.edu/iaqtc/ Voice FAX PO Box 5768, Flagstaff, AZ 86011