Indoor Air Quality: A Crucial Aspect of Public Health

Indoor Air Quality (IAQ) plays a pivotal role in determining the health and comfort of building occupants. According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Americans spend approximately 90% of their time indoors where the air pollution can be measured at 2-5 times higher than outdoor air. Recognizing the significance of this issue, the Division of Air Quality established the Indoor Air Quality Program in 2018. Dedicated to ensuring healthier indoor environments for all, our program encompasses various initiatives aimed at improving awareness and addressing IAQ concerns in schools, homes, and the wider community.

Who We are: Indoor Air Quality program staff members are trained as Certified Residential Indoor Environmentalists (CRIE) by Indoor Sciences and certified by the American Council for Accredited Certification (ACAC).

What We Do:

• Residential Indoor Environmental Assessments: We evaluate indoor air quality, and provide written assessment plan that offers best practice solutions to identify and remove the source of indoor air quality.
• Education and Empowerment: Providing essential health-related resources to residents ensures informed decision-making.
• Community Engagement: We actively engage with the community through outreach efforts, presentations, tabling, webinars, and seminars.
• Public Inquiries: Addressing public concerns and inquiries regarding indoor air quality is a top priority.
• Support: Collaborating with various programs and services within the City of Cleveland and beyond to help residents resolve issues related to poor IAQ.
• Stakeholder Collaboration: Engaging with stakeholders (local, state, or national organizations; block clubs; City council; district representatives; non-government organizations; building scientists; indoor air quality professionals to advocate for better IAQ practices.

Our Services:

• Air Sensor Loan Programs: Residents desiring indoor air quality may borrow tools from the Region 5 U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. Residents are responsible for utilizing the tools provided to receive baseline information on residential/commercial indoor air quality in their home or business.
• Complaint Response: Investigating complaints and helping residents achieve resolutions.
• Asthma Home Management Program: Parents/guardians with children diagnosed with asthma in the City of Cleveland are eligible to receive a telephone consultation and scheduled home walkthrough to assess environmental and air quality in the home. Program is available at no cost to Cleveland residents. Walkthrough services are not available outside of the City of Cleveland, but residents across Cuyahoga County and beyond may contact the IAQ program for brief telephone consultations and best practice recommendations.
• Tobacco Cessation Services: Offering support for tobacco cessation to promote smoke-free living and working indoor environments. Service provided free of charge.
• Educational Initiatives for Schools: Partnering with schools to educate all occupants on basic indoor air quality improvement practices; reduce occurrences of asthma related symptoms due to poor IAQ; and promote the principles of integrated pest management.
• Public Education on Health Impacts: Informing residents about the health effects of poor IAQ to foster informed decision-making that leads to improved indoor environments.
• Residential Air Quality Improvement: Targeted interventions to enhance indoor air quality in residential settings.
• Promotion of Healthy Home Principles: Advocating for and helping residents implement healthy home principles to improve health outcomes.

Why Should We Care About Our Indoor Environment? With people spending the majority of their time indoors, the quality of indoor air significantly impacts human health and well-being. Poor IAQ can lead to various adverse health effects, particularly affecting vulnerable populations. By raising awareness and taking proactive steps, we can collectively create healthier indoor environments and improve overall health outcomes.

Resources:

• Air Sensor Loan Programs
• Advancing Healthy Housing-A Strategy for Action
• American Lung Association
• Asthma Resources
• CDC - Asthma Triggers
• CDC
• Cleveland Department of Public Health - Tobacco Cessation Service
• EPA - Links Between Air Pollution and Childhood Asthma
• Multi-Unit Home Dwellers Battling Secondhand Smoke
• National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute
• Ohio Department of Health Asthma Pocket Guide
• Ohio Department of Health
• Seven Principles of Healthy Homes-Department of Health

Contact Information: For more information or assistance, residents can contact Daniel Onwuka, MD at:

• Phone: (216) 664-7454
• E-Mail: Oonwuka@clevelandohio.gov

Improving indoor air quality is not just a matter of comfort; it's a fundamental aspect of public health. By understanding the factors affecting IAQ and implementing proactive measures, we can pave the way for healthier, safer indoor environments for everyone.