Review the variety of indoor pollutant hazards posted on the EPA Web site. Describe at least three potential indoor air quality (IAQ) hazards in your home. What are the possible health impacts of each hazard? Do you believe your health is at risk based on your exposure to the three IAQ hazards? Why or why not? What can you do to reduce exposure to the hazard?

These questions are addressed to you, and apply to your home situation and health. How have you answered them?

To review the variety of indoor pollutant hazards posted on the EPA Web site, follow these steps:

1. Visit the EPA website: Go to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) website, which is located at www.epa.gov.

2. Navigate to the Indoor Air Quality (IAQ) section: Look for the IAQ section on the EPA website. This can usually be found under the "Air and Radiation" or "Air Quality" section. Alternatively, you can use the search function on the website and search for "Indoor Air Quality" to find relevant information.

3. Explore the IAQ hazards: Once you're on the IAQ section of the EPA website, look for information on indoor pollutant hazards. The EPA provides extensive resources on various indoor air pollutants, their sources, health effects, and ways to reduce exposure.

Now that you understand how to find information on indoor pollutant hazards on the EPA website, let's move on to the questions about potential IAQ hazards in your home and their health impacts.

Three potential IAQ hazards in your home:

1. Mold and dampness: Mold thrives in moist environments and can grow on walls, ceilings, carpets, and other surfaces. Exposure to mold can cause respiratory irritation, allergies, asthma attacks, and other respiratory issues.

2. Volatile organic compounds (VOCs): VOCs are emitted as gases from certain household products, including paints, cleaning supplies, glues, and furnishings. Prolonged exposure to VOCs can lead to eye, nose, and throat irritation, headaches, dizziness, and even long-term health effects like liver and kidney damage, or cancer.

3. Indoor combustion pollutants: Combustion-based heating systems, gas stoves, fireplaces, and tobacco smoke release pollutants like carbon monoxide (CO), nitrogen dioxide (NO2), and fine particles. Exposure to these pollutants can cause headaches, fatigue, respiratory illnesses, and in severe cases, cardiovascular or respiratory diseases.

Assessing your health risks from IAQ hazards:

Review the potential health impacts of each hazard listed above and evaluate whether you believe your health is at risk. Consider factors such as the presence and severity of these hazards in your home, any existing health conditions, and your level of exposure.

Reducing exposure to IAQ hazards:

To reduce exposure to these IAQ hazards:

1. Mold and dampness: Fix any water leaks, improve ventilation, maintain proper humidity levels (around 30-50%), and promptly clean and dry any areas affected by water damage.

2. VOCs: Choose low or zero-VOC products, increase ventilation when using these products, and store chemicals properly.

3. Indoor combustion pollutants: Install and maintain carbon monoxide detectors, properly ventilate combustion appliances, avoid smoking indoors, and regularly maintain and clean heating systems.

Regular cleaning, good ventilation, and proper maintenance of your home are essential in reducing IAQ hazards.

Please note that this information should not be considered medical advice. If you have concerns about your health and IAQ, consult with a qualified professional or healthcare provider.