Indoor Air Quality

We spend as much as 90% of our time indoors, primarily in our homes, businesses, and schools.  While many outdoor air pollutant sources are obvious, indoor air pollutant sources can be more difficult to determine.  Inadequate ventilation, high temperatures, and high humidity can increase indoor pollutant levels.  

There are no health standards or regulations (federal, state, or local)  that address air pollutant levels inside your home. 

Source Control - Eliminate individual sources of pollution or reduce their emissions.  For most indoor air quality problems in the home, source control is the most effective solution.  Example: If mold is a problem in your home, first the sources of moisture must be eliminated and then mold can be cleaned up.

Improve Ventilation - Increase the amount of outdoor air coming indoors to lower the concentration of indoor air pollutants. 

Air Cleaners - Air cleaners can capture airborne particulate pollutants.

Find more detail on the EPA Improving Indoor Air Quality webpage.

An Indoor Air Quality Consultant may also be able to help identify the source of indoor air pollution and then potentially remediate the problem.  List of consultants with indoor air quality experience. 

If you reside in a rental property, contact your landlord or property manager to discuss any indoor air quality concerns.  In addition, your city or town may have a housing code requiring that properties be maintained to a minimum standard.  Mecklenburg County residents should call 311 for more information and resident of the City of Charlotte should contact 311 or visit the City's website for additional information.

Additional Rental/Landlord/Tenant Resources:

• Rental Concerns in NC

• NC Landlord Tenant booklet download