Survey Finds Many Iowans Believe Air inside Their Homes is Cleaner Than Outdoor Air, Despite Data Suggesting Otherwise

Business Wire, August 5, 2008

* Use paints free of volatile organic compounds (VOCs)

* Purchase mold-resistant building products

* Install low VOC carpets

* Use cleaning products that emit less VOCs, are allergy-free and do not contain ammonia, fragrances, dyes, chlorine and other known irritants

* Help your home "breathe" by providing adequate ventilation. Signs of poor ventilation include condensation on windows or walls, stuffy air, dirty air systems or mold growth

* Locate air intakes away from exhaust vents and driveways

* Use an exhaust fan when cooking

According to the EPA report, "The Inside Story: A Guide to Indoor Air Quality," "the most effective way to improve indoor air quality is to eliminate individual sources of pollution or to reduce their emissions," including exposure to formaldehyde. Formaldehyde, a colorless gas, "can cause watery eyes, burning sensation in the eyes and throat, nausea, and difficulty breathing in some people exposed to elevated levels." Using building products with no added formaldehyde can be an important part of a family's plan to make their home healthier and safer by reducing their overall exposure to formaldehyde.

"Besides the health benefits of breathing clean air, it's simply more comfortable to be in a home with outstanding air quality," said Johnson. "Taking steps to enhance indoor air quality helps improve the health, safety and comfort of the home, for you and your family."

"Most homeowners clearly are interested in improving their homes' indoor air quality," said Mark Ziegert, Johns Manville senior brand manager. "From choosing fiber glass insulation with no added formaldehyde to using paint with low levels of volatile organic compounds (VOCs), there are many simple, practical steps homeowners can take to make indoor air cleaner and safer for their families."

In addition, Johnson pointed out that homeowners in areas prone to humidity or flooding, such as Iowa, should strongly consider mold-resistant home building products, including Johns Manville's MR[R] Faced Formaldehyde-free[TM] fiber glass insulation batts, which feature an EPA-registered preservative to help protect the insulation facing from the potential growth of mold and mildew.

Commercial Building Workers Also Concerned About Indoor Air Quality

Air quality is also a concern for workers in commercial buildings, the survey found. Almost a third, 30.2 percent, of Iowa respondents who are employed outside the home said the air in their place of work was either "dirty" or "very dirty." In addition, more than 30 percent of respondents said "no steps have been taken" to improve the indoor air quality where they work.

Nationally, 34.5 percent of respondents who are employed outside the home said the air in their place of work was either "dirty" or "very dirty." Some 39.4 percent of respondents said "no steps have been taken" to improve the indoor air quality where they work.

According to the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC), scientific studies have shown that improved indoor air quality in workplace settings, hospitals and schools has direct benefits. Workplaces that have taken steps to improve indoor air quality have seen increased productivity, decreased absenteeism, reduced health care claims and minimized remediation.