Background
People may be exposed to a variety of air pollutants inside their home – from particulate matter and radon to mold, lead-based paint, and volatile organic compounds. Pollutants can be generated within the home, and pollutants in the air outdoors can enter a home through windows and other openings in the building envelope.
A wide range of adverse health effects are associated with air pollutants that are commonly found in homes. Children are particularly vulnerable to these health effects because they breathe more air relative to adults and their body systems are still developing. People with asthma are also at higher risk from exposure to indoor air pollutants, and the health burden of that disease falls disproportionately on people of color.
One way to reduce indoor exposure to air pollutants is to control the source of the pollutant – for example, by correcting moisture problems, removing lead hazards, and restricting combustion activities such as burning wood and using unvented combustion devices. Another important approach to reducing indoor exposures and improving IAQ is to dilute and remove indoor air pollutants through adequate outside air ventilation and air filtration.
ELI has developed a variety of materials discussing how policies can advance well-established practices for improving IAQ in homes.
The ELI research reports listed here describe state policies in effect at the time of publication, while ELI policy briefs have been updated periodically to reflect new developments. ELI’s Database of State IAQ Laws, which is available through PDF files and an online search tool, also includes a variety of state policies that address IAQ in homes.
ELI Materials on IAQ in Homes
Opportunities for Policy Action
States can help reduce indoor air risks in homes through policies such as building codes, product regulations, and oversight of professional assessment and remediation services. States can also expand or establish agency programs that provide education, technical assistance, and financial assistance for preventing and fixing residential IAQ problems.
It is especially important for state policies to address directly IAQ risks in rental housing, which makes up around one-third of all housing units in the country. Tenants who are exposed to indoor air pollutants typically do not have the authority or responsibility for fixing the problem. And many who rent their homes lack the financial means to correct IAQ problems or to find alternative affordable housing.
The legal framework governing rental housing presents opportunities and challenges for policymakers. Many states and local jurisdictions have housing codes or landlord-tenant laws that establish the responsibilities of landlords and tenants, but relatively few of those policies include specific requirements for addressing common indoor environmental issues.
States and other jurisdictions can strengthen existing legal frameworks and adopt new measures to reduce health risks for tenants and make rental housing more resilient to anticipated climate impacts. Core elements of a policy include (1) requirements for landlords to address specific IAQ issues, (2) agency oversight mechanisms such as state/local housing inspections and enforcement authorities, and (3) financial assistance to help fix IAQ problems in affordable rental housing properties. Housing managed or subsidized by the federal government generally must comply with applicable state and local rules, along with federal rules.
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