Invisible and always present, indoor air quality (IAQ) can effect the health and quality of life of every home dweller. Considerable advancements have been made in understanding what creates high indoor air quality conditions and what creates poor indoor air quality conditions. Beyond odor, the quality of the air you breath is virtually undetectable.

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has declared indoor air quality to be one of the top five current environmental issues, subsequent to studies which indicate that indoor air can reach levels of pollution which are five times more serious than outdoor air, regardless of city or state. It's important to realize there are many ways to improve the quality of the air in your home. The following is a comprehensive list of cautionary sources, warning signs and prevention instructions to follow.  

Chemical pollutants take the form of solids, liquid particles or gases. Cleansers and furnishing products are often hazards to the home. They contain dangerous resins and adhesives. Beyond chemical sprays, chemicals can find their way into the air through such products as particle board, synthetic fabrics & carpeting, paints, varnishes, air fresheners and dry cleaned clothing.

• irritate the skin, eyes and throat
• cause headaches
• cause respiratory problems
• cause a loss of coordination and memory
• cause dizziness
• cause nausea
• cause allergies
• cause damage to the liver, kidney and central nervous system
• cause cancer

The best ways to prevent chemicals from reaching the air is to eliminate them completely by eliminating the source. To do this, it's suggested that you:

• clean your home regularly
• implement a dehumidifier to get rid of excess humidity
• do not allow smoking in your home
• maintain appliances (furnaces, vacuum cleaners, etc.) making sure they are in proper working order and cleaned
  
• keep any volatile cleaners, paints or varnishes out of the home
  
• dispose of all unneeded chemical products safely
• avoid all products which contain methylene chloride and benzene
• never mix chemicals or chemical products unless instructed to do so by a label
• only use wool or cotton rugs with a latex-free backing
• keep areas where children play as clean and dust-free as possible
• if your walls contain lead based paint, (in good condition) leave the paint undisturbed
  
• if your walls contain lead based paint that is chipped or pealing, do not sand or burn off the paint yourself - hire a professional
• if applying fresh pain, use low-VOC or zero-VOC paint (varnishes, waxes, stains and finishes included)

It is very important to maintain proper, sufficient ventilation in the home. To do this, it's suggested that you: 

• open windows and doors to keep indoor air circulating with outdoor air to dilute concentrations of indoor air pollutants
• if you must use volatile cleaners, polishes, finishes, solvents etc., use them outdoors or in a properly ventilated workspace
• run exhaust fans in bathrooms to regulate unhealthy moisture and odor conditions
• consider running radon-mitigation systems
• consider running heat-recovery ventilators

For a list of EPA recognized air cleaners, visit this EPA link. 

Mold is a major concern as an indoor air pollutant. Mold propagates by releasing spores into the air which are easily inhaled and if inhaled, can be very dangerous to your health. Mold can grow almost anywhere in the home if the conditions are right. Mold will appear on damp surfaces in conditions where the humidity level rises to 70% (particularly in places where there is water leakage or flooding. Mold can be dangerous as it may trigger symptoms such as asthma, allergies, sinus infections or even memory loss.  The following a just a few things you can do to reduce the mold in your home:

• consider implementing a hygrometer to measure indoor humidity levels
• cover dirt floor crawlspaces with plastic sheeting
• ventilate crawlspaces and rooms with high humidity levels
  
• have heating ducts inspected for mold
• keep air-conditioners and refrigerator drip pans clean and dry
• keep splash-hazardous areas dry (sinks, showers, kitchen and bathroom floors, etc.)

Exposure to poisonous radon gas is a real danger potential for homes; radon is sometimes emitted from ground water and construction materials. Based on studies conducted by the EPA, approximately 15,000 to 20,000 lung cancer deaths each years are related to radon exposure - a statistic second only to deaths per year related to second-hand smoking. It's a good idea to have your home tested. Be sure that all cracks in pipes and drains are sealed completely with caulk and that all sumps are fitted tightly with covers.

Another concern related to indoor health is exposure to asbestos. Asbestos fibers are known to increase the risk of lung cancer and other lung related diseases. Asbestos insulation can be found embedded inside walls in insulation, flooring, shingles, roofs and pipe coverings. It's a good idea to check materials which contain asbestos regularly for any damages or tears from water or wearing. If the asbestos is undamaged, it's best to leave it alone.

In homes built prior to 1978, it's possible still to find traces of lead-based paint which can be unsafe to home dwellers. Lead-based paint, if found peeing, chipping or chalking, can pose a toxic threat. It's recommended that the paint be stripped away by professionals.

Formaldehyde is a common pollutant in the home. Choosing wood panel products not made with urea formaldehyde glues, lumber or materials can significantly reduce your risk of exposure.

For resources & more information:

• epa.gov
• ashrae.org
  
• lungusa.org
  
• cleanair.org
  
• store.cleanair4life.com
  
• popularmechanics.com
  
• thedailygreen.com
  
• msuextensionhousing.org 
• pure-indoor-air.com