How Important Is Clean Indoor Air?

Everyone knows that clean air is important and that we must take steps to fight air pollution. When most people think of air pollution, they usually think of outdoor air. But indoor air can be 2-100 times more polluted than outdoor air, and the average person spends 90% of their time indoors.

Here are some common pollutants of Indoor Air:

Environmental Tobacco Smoke

• Radon Gas
• Molds and Mildews
• Invasive Pollution from Outdoor Air
• Off-gassing from New Building Materials
• Carbon Monoxide
• Cleaning Chemicals and Pesticides Used in the Household
• Pet Dander

Which of the above is the number one pollutant of indoor air?

Secondhand smoke is the number one contaminant of indoor air.

TOBACCO USE is the number one preventable cause of death in the United States. Over 400,000 people die each year from diseases caused by tobacco use.

How many people is that?

It is the same number of people as if three jet airliners crashed with no survivors, every single day.

Secondhand smoke kills another 53,000 people a year who do not smoke, but who are exposed to secondhand smoke by others who do. Secondhand smoke is the third leading preventable cause of death in the United States.

For questions regarding environmental tobacco smoke and tobacco cessation programs contact Lori Kannally at 740.203.2029.

For questions regarding residential indoor air quality including home indoor mold problems contact Corey Schwab, R.S. at 740.203.2074.

All other indoor air quality questions may be directed to Jackie Ward, R.S. at 740.203.2054 Program Manager of Food Protection and Public Safety.