Indoor EnvironmentOverview The Indoor Environment Program is dedicated to helping prevent or resolve a variety of health problems associated with indoor air pollution. Examples of such problems include asthma, sick building syndrome, and accidental carbon monoxide poisoning. Services What services do we offer? Telephone consultations on the assessment, prevention and mitigation of IAQ problems in residential or public buildings settings. Air quality investigations of schools. Technical support to local health departments to assist in their response to resident complaints. Seminars for school personnel about indoor air quality using the USEPA Tools for Schools Action Kit. Educational activities in the public schools and other organizations to increase awareness about indoor air quality problems. Coordination of the Ohio Indoor Air Quality Coalition (a professionally diverse group collaborating to address IAQ issues in Ohio). Projects During 1997 and 1998 the program worked in the aftermath of floods in southern Ohio to identify appropriate cleaning methods to prevent indoor air problems later. In particular, the Indoor Environments Program provided advice on how to avoid fungus associated with water damage, such as Stachybotrys atra, which is linked to pulmonary hemosiderosis. A survey of 400 homes in Ohio was completed to determine the use of carbon monoxide monitors. While residents who owned monitors did not have a problem with false alarms (a problem typical of earlier models), only about one-third of residences surveyed had monitors in use. Current efforts include a survey of 137 county and city health departments to determine ways to best provide integrated services and promote effective working relationships between local and state efforts related to indoor air quality, development of a curriculum for seventh and eigth grade students, promoting asthma awareness, and promoting the use of the Tools for Schools Action Kit in schools through seminars and other public outreach efforts. Additional Information: Mailing Address: Telephone: (614) 644-7630 E-mail: BEH@odh.ohio.gov Last Updated: 10/12/01 |
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