-What the EPA says about Indoor Air Quality. How indoor pollutants affect the whole family-

In case you are unfamiliar with the EPA, the US Environmental Protection Agency it is an agency that was established in 1970 to protect human health and the environment, by writing and enforcing regulations based on laws passed by Congress. The EPA is responsible for conducting environmental assessments, research and education. They set and enforce national standards under a variety of environmental laws. The agency also works with industries and all levels of government in a wide variety of voluntary pollution prevention and energy conservation efforts.

The EPA has an Indoor Environmental Division (IED) that’s goal is to reduce the human health risks posed by contaminants in indoor environments. As time passes, we discover more about the chemical reactions in the synthetic materials we use. You may be familiar with DDT, Asbestos, Lead Based Paints and Formaldehyde for instance. Our society has been encouraged to grow, and provide the supply for the demand, and increase availability, while staying affordable. We have embraced a culture of instant gratification, not knowing the repercussions of our actions. We have now reached a time where we, as Americans, are sick to death and have no idea why. Not correlating the four walls that surround us. The health care industry is struggling and at capacity. Could it be possible to fix the strain of our nation by re-evaluating our decisions as consumers? I don’t believe we understand the influence and control we have. Did you know that big businesses work for us? If we take an oath of personal responsibility to redirect our funds to a healthy, efficient, and sustainable life for our families, we will be provided such.

The following information can be found on the EPA’s website, along with other great material.
“Since 1987, EPA has addressed public health risks from indoor radon, indoor asthma triggers, environmental tobacco smoke, and air toxics, in schools, public and commercial buildings, homes, and communities. Other program areas include mold, green buildings and international assistance in developing nations to reduce indoor smoke from household heating and cooking.
In the last several years, a growing body of scientific evidence has indicated that the air within homes and other buildings can be more seriously polluted than the outdoor air in even the largest and most industrialized cities.
Most Americans spend about 90 percent of their time indoors, where pollutant levels may be 2-5 times higher, and occasionally 100 times higher, than outdoors. The Agency defines indoor air pollution as chemical, physical or biological contaminants in the breathable air inside a habitable structure or conveyance, such as in homes, schools, offices, and vehicles. Sources of indoor air pollution include natural sources, building materials, products, and occupant activities. Health effects from indoor air pollution range from immediate to long-term, and treatable to severely debilitating or fatal.”
Source:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/United_States_Environmental_Protection_Agency
http://www.epa.gov/iaq/pubs/hpguide.html#Intro
http://www.epa.gov/iaq/pubs/insidest.html