Indoor Air Quality Program

Asbestos is the name given to a group of naturally occurring minerals that are resistant to heat and corrosion. Asbestos has been used in numerous building products, including insulation for pipes, floor tiles and building materials. During the removal of asbestos materials — due to renovation, repairs, or demolition — people can be exposed to the tiny asbestos fibers. Breathing asbestos fibers can cause a buildup of scar-like tissue in the lungs called asbestosis, and result in loss of lung function that often progresses to disability and death. Asbestos also causes lung cancer and other diseases, including mesothelioma. The Marion County Public Health Department recommends that homeowners use a locally certified asbestos contractor anytime asbestos-containing materials are disturbed or removed. To know if your home contains asbestos, we can test building materials for the presence of asbestos. If asbestos is present, we can offer guidance to reduce the risk of exposure.

OSHA’s Asbestos Page
OSHA Asbestos Regulations: 29 CFR 1910.1001
OSHA Asbestos Self Inspection Checklist
EPA’s Asbestos Page
City of Indianapolis Asbestos Page- Asbestos contractors, laws and guidance
City of Indianapolis Department of Business Services Permits

Molds are part of the natural environment and can be found everywhere — indoors and outdoors. Mold is not usually a problem unless it begins growing indoors. Potential health effects and symptoms associated with mold exposures include allergic reactions, asthma, and other respiratory complaints. The best way to control mold growth is to control moisture. Strategies for controlling moisture indoor and outdoor:

Indoor Sources

• Fix plumbing leaks, drips or “sweating” pipes.
• Limit sources of indoor humidity or dehumidify indoor air.
• Improve air movement in poorly ventilated areas.
• Increase fresh air ventilation when outdoor air is not humid.
• Warm cold surfaces where condensation occurs.

Outdoor Sources

• Maintain roof and gutter/downspout system.
• Direct runoff away from foundation by grading, drain tile, landscaping, etc.
• Use air conditioning and keep building closed during high outdoor humidity.
• Prevent leakage around windows, doors, flashing, etc.
• Waterproof foundations.

MCPHD does not sample for mold, but we can determine if there is a water leak or other source of moisture contributing to the mold growth and offer guidance on how to correct.

EPA’s Mold Page
EPA’s “A Brief Guide to Mold, Moisture, and Your Home”
EPA’s Flood Cleanup: Avoiding Indoor Air Quality Problems

Carbon monoxide (CO) is an odorless, colorless gas that can cause sudden illness and death if inhaled. Carbon monoxide is found in combustion fumes, such as those produced by cars and trucks, generators, gas ranges and gas heating systems.

Carbon monoxide from these sources can build up in enclosed spaces and poison those who breathe that air. The most common symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning are headache, dizziness, weakness, nausea, vomiting, chest pain and confusion. High levels can cause loss of consciousness and even death. MCPHD recommends that all homes have a working carbon monoxide detector on each level of the residence.

Environmental tobacco smoke (ETS) refers to exposure to tobacco smoke — not from your smoking, but from being exposed to someone else’s cigarette, cigar or pipe smoke. ETS can also be described as the material in indoor air that originates from tobacco smoke. Breathing in ETS is known as passive smoking, second-hand smoke or involuntary smoking.

ETS is known to cause cancer in humans. No level of exposure is safe. Breathing ETS can cause heart disease and lung cancer in adults. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the Environmental Protection Agency, ETS is the third leading cause of lung cancer after cigarette smoking and exposure to radon.

ETS is especially harmful to children because their bodies are developing — yet nonsmokers aged three to 19 are among the most exposed groups of nonsmokers in the U.S. ETS increases the risk for:

• Sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS)
• Respiratory illness
• Middle-ear disease
• Worsening of asthma in children
• Low birth weight (a newborn’s birth weight is closely related to its risk of early death and long-term morbidity)