- Americans spend more than 90 percent of their time
indoors.
- The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) ranks
indoor air pollution, commonly called sick building
syndrome, costs businesses $60 billion annually.
- Occupants of building with sick building syndrome
complain of eye, nose, and throat irritation, headaches,
dry cough, dry or itchy skin, dizziness, nausea, difficulty
in concentrating, fatigue, and sensitivity to odors,
according to the EPA. Relief occurs when the occupant
leaves the building.
- The National Academy of Sciences recommends that
indoor air pollution standards be set for workplaces,
homes and schools.
- To control air pollution effectively, buildings
must be properly ventilated with adequate amounts
of outdoor air, and internal pollutant sources and
pathways must be controlled.
- Identifying and controlling sources of indoor pollutants
are the most direct control options in combating indoor
air problems. With this consideration, manufacturers
might need to redesign products to reduce pollutant
emissions.
- The state of Washington was the first state government
to institute indoor air guidelines for construction
materials, office furnishings, and equipment to be
used in newly constructed buildings. Other states
are currently developing such standards.
Florida's Indoor Clean Air Act Information
Indoor Air Quality
The Department of Health Indoor Air Toxics Program
was started in 1994. Its goal is to improve the health
of Floridians by reducing exposure to indoor air contaminants.
The primary function of this program is to provide support
and expertise to Floridians with indoor air problems
in residences, schools, health care and public facilities.
Our highest priority is given to helping solving health
problems when a physician suspects that indoor air quality
maybe a contributing factor. The program currently consists
of a statewide indoor air quality coordinator and an
assistant in Tallahassee, and 58 environmental specialists
working through 38 County Public Health Units to provide
Indoor Air Quality expertise to the public.
Currently 29 counties are without an indoor air quality
resource other than that available from the statewide
coordinator in Tallahassee.
As of July 1st, 2003, the
Florida Clean Indoor Air Act (FCIAA) is no longer
part of the Radon and Indoor Air program, but part of
the Bureau of Tobacco Health and Awareness. The Florida
Clean Indoor Air program is responsible for the implementation
and enforcement of workplace smoking regulations.
Bureau
of Community Environmental Health > Indoor Air Quality
Web Site
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