Are there small children in the house? Elderly people? Anyone confined to a bed?

Young children and older adults who may be exposed to indoor air pollutants for long periods of time are more susceptible to problems caused by poor air quality.

Do you or any member of your family have allergies or respiratory difficulties?

These are just some of the symptoms that can be attributed to poor IAQ.

Do you feel differently when you are outdoors from when you are indoors?

One way to determine whether or not your symptoms are directly related to indoor air quality is to try to isolate when you experience those symptoms. If your eyes and throat are irritated when you are at home, but you feel a difference when you are out, the air in your home may play a role in the physical symptom.

Does your home have new carpet?

Everyday household items you may think of as harmless can in fact emit contaminants into the air. New carpet can be a source of chemical emissions.

Do you have pets in the house?

Even the family pet contributes to poor air quality. Pet dander and saliva are considered to be biological contaminants.

Does anyone in your family smoke inside the house?

Tobacco smoke is an indoor air pollutant. Over 40 of the compounds found in smoke are known to cause cancer, and many others are strong irritants.

Does your home contain asbestos insulation or fireproofing?

Asbestos and radon are the most publicized indoor air pollutants. When materials that contain asbestos are damaged or if they disintegrate, they release microscopic fibers into the air. Both asbestos and radon are human carcinogens.

At what temperature do you keep your home? Is it sometimes humid?

High temperatures and improper humidity levels can actually increase concentrations of indoor air pollutants.