Indoor Air Quality 

The South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control, Bureau of Air Quality recognizes that indoor air pollution is a public health concern for some citizens. Currently there are no state or federal regulations addressing indoor air quality in South Carolina (except the control of asbestos). Therefore, the Bureau does not have any authority in this area nor does the Bureau perform any testing or inspections. Please consult the yellow pages of the telephone book under “Environmental Consultants” for professional advice and further assistance with indoor air matters such as mold.

Indoor air pollution can be a problem where you least expect it, in the places you may have thought the safest - your home, school or workplace. Studies have shown that the air in our homes and buildings can be even more polluted than the outdoor air.

Many Americans spend up to 90% of their time indoors. Therefore, breathing clean indoor air is important to our health. People who are inside a lot may be at greater risk of developing health problems or have health problems made worse by indoor air pollutants. These people include infants, young children, the elderly, and those who are chronically ill.

What are some common indoor air pollutants that cause problems?

Indoor air pollutants are also called biological pollutants. They promote poor indoor air quality. Some of these pollutants can damage surfaces inside and outside your house. They can travel through the air and may not be seen. Some common biological indoor pollutants are:

• Animal dander
• Dust mite and cockroach parts
• Indoor Molds
• Infectious agents (bacteria or viruses)
• Pollen

Other sources of indoor air pollution are:

• Household cleaning and maintenance products
• Perfumes
• Tobacco Smoke
• Wood Smoke

Some of these are in every home and it's impossible to get rid of them all, but they can be controlled.

Where are indoor air pollutants found?

• Dirty Heating, Ventilation/Air Conditioning (HVAC) system
• Dirty humidifiers and/or dehumidifiers
• Bathroom and/or kitchen without vents or windows
• Refrigerator drip pans
• Laundry room with unvented dryer
• Unventilated attic
• Bedding
• Dogs or cats
• Anyplace that has water damage

How can indoor air pollutants affect my health?

All of us are exposed to indoor air pollutants. However, the effects on our health depend on the type and amount of pollution and the person. Some people do not have any health problems from the pollutants, while others do. Allergic reactions are the most common health problem from poor indoor air quality. Some common signs and symptoms of poor indoor air quality are:

• Watery eyes
• Runny nose and sneezing
• Nasal congestion
• Itching
• Coughing
• Wheezing and difficulty breathing
• Headaches
• Fatigue

Should I have the air ducts in my home cleaned?

Duct cleaning has never been shown to actually prevent health problems. Neither do studies conclusively show that dust levels in homes increase because of dirty air ducts. You should consider having the air ducts in your home cleaned if:

• There is visible mold growth present in hard surface (e.g., sheet metal) ducts or on other components of your heating and cooling system.
• Ducts are infested with rodents or insects
• Ducts are clogged with excessive amounts of dust and debris and/or particles are actually released into the home from your supply registers.

Prior to any cleaning, retrofitting, or replacing of your ducts, the cause or causes must be corrected or else the problem will likely recur.

It is also recommended that if you have a fuel burning furnace, stove or fireplace, they be inspected for proper functioning and serviced before each heating season to protect against carbon monoxide poisoning.

For more information on duct cleaning, see the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) publication "Should You Have the Air Ducts in Your Home Cleaned?"

Should I have my indoor air tested?

A common question is whether one should test for mold indoors. If you can see mold, or if there is an earthy or musty odor, you can assume you have a mold problem. Reliable sampling for mold can be expensive and will have to be done by a private contractor. Also, there are few available standards for judging what is an acceptable quantity of mold. The simplest approach is - if you can see or smell mold, you have a problem. Unless the source of moisture is removed and the contaminated area and/or materials are cleaned and disinfected, mold growth is likely to recur.

For more information on mold in your home, see SCDHEC's "Mold in Homes" brochure.

Are Ozone Generators that are sold as air cleaners effective in controlling indoor air pollution?

Ozone generators that are sold as air cleaners intentionally produce ozone gas. Often the vendors of ozone generators make statements and distribute material that lead the public to believe that these devices are always safe and effective in controlling indoor air pollution. For almost a century, health professionals have refuted these claims. When inhaled, ozone can damage the lungs. Relatively low amounts can cause chest pain, coughing, shortness of breath, and, throat irritation.

Manufacturers and vendors of ozone devices often use misleading terms to describe ozone. Terms such as "energized oxygen" or "pure air" suggest that ozone is a healthy kind of oxygen. Ozone is a toxic gas with vastly different chemical and toxicological properties from oxygen.

Available scientific evidence shows that at concentrations that do not exceed public health standards, ozone has little potential to remove indoor air contaminants, odor-causing chemicals, viruses, bacteria, mold or other biological pollutants.

For more information on ozone generators, see the EPA publication "Ozone Generators That Are Sold As Air Cleaners"

Indoor Air Quality Links