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  1. Home
  2. Indoor Air Quality (IAQ)

Indoor Pollutants and Sources

Indoor pollution sources that release gases or particles into the air are the primary cause of indoor air quality problems. There are many sources of indoor air pollution – everything from building materials and household cleaner to biological pollutants such as dust mites and pet dander. Below are some of the most common indoor air pollutants with links to additional information for each. 


What You Can Do

  • Test for radon or  fix high levels of radon (PDF).
  • Reduce asthma triggers.
  • Prevent mold by controlling moisture.
  • Keep your home and car smoke-free.
  • Install carbon monoxide (CO) alarms.
  • Use and properly maintain your ventilation system.
  • Properly vent combustion appliances.

Pollutants

  • Biological Contaminants
  • Carbon Monoxide (CO) (available in several languages)
  • Indoor Particulate Matter (PM)
  • Indoor Microbiome
  • Mold and Moisture
  • Nitrogen Dioxide (NO2)
  • Pesticides
  • Radon
  • Secondhand Smoke and Aerosols
  • Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs)

Sources

  • Sources of Combustion Products
  • Sources of Indoor Particulate Matter
  • Pesticides

Other EPA Resources

  • Asbestos
  • Formaldehyde 
  • Lead
  • Wood Smoke - Burn Wise Program

Tour the Interactive IAQ House

IAQ House Tour

Learn how to improve the air in your home. Room-by-room, you'll learn about the most common pollutants and how to address them.

  • Interactive Version
  • Text Version
  • en Español

Indoor Air Quality (IAQ)

  • Learn about Indoor Air Quality
    • Introduction to IAQ
    • Improving Indoor Air Quality
    • Climate Change and IAQ
  • IAQ by Building Type
    • Homes
    • Multi-Family Housing
    • Schools
    • Offices & Other Large Buildings
  • Indoor Air Pollutants and Sources
    • Carbon Monoxide
    • Indoor Particulate Matter
    • Secondhand Smoke/Aerosol
    • Volatile Organic Compounds
  • IAQ Science and Technologies
    • IAQ Science
    • IAQ Science Webinar Series
    • Air Cleaners
    • Air Sensor Technology and IAQ
  • Networking and Funding
    • CIAQ
    • Tribal Homes and IAQ
    • Cooperative Agreements
  • Webinars, Meetings and Resources
  • IAQ Trending Topics
  • IAQ Frequently Asked Questions
  • Publications about IAQ
  • Regional and State IAQ Information
Contact Us about Indoor Air Quality
Contact Us to ask a question, provide feedback, or report a problem.
Last updated on August 20, 2024
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