Indoor Air Quality
Research indicates that the average person spends between 70-90% of their time indoors. Thus, for many people, the risks to health may be greater due to exposure to air pollution indoors than outdoors. With the emergence of more tightly constructed or remodeled homes, the quality of air indoors has become an important issue.
Indoor air pollution is usually caused by the accumulation of contaminants from various sources inside the building. Occupants may complain of symptoms, such as headache, dizziness, fatigue, eye irritation, itching, difficulty breathing, coughing and sneezing, to name a few. Unfortunately, many illnesses can also cause many of these symptoms, making it difficult to diagnose an indoor air quality problem.
The Cook County Department of Public Health's Indoor Air Quality program responds to complaints and provides consultation to homeowners, building operators and local municipalities on various indoor air pollutants. On-site assessments are conducted for residential properties and school buildings in suburban Cook County.
For more information about indoor air quality issues, or to make a complaint, call 708-974-7117.
External Links:
IDPH
US EPA
Healthy Indoor Air For America's Homes