November 17, 2006—The US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced recently that it has awarded more than 30 cooperative agreements totaling approximately $4 million to improve indoor air quality by reducing the environmental health risks of such pollutants as asthma triggers, secondhand smoke, radon, and other contaminants.
The goal of these cooperative agreements, selected from 180 applications, is to reduce the environmental health risks from contaminants indoors through demonstrations, trainings, education, and outreach projects.
These cooperative agreements will increase effective IAQ practices in office buildings, and promote positive IAQ management practices in schools nationwide, including holistic approaches to environmental issues.
According to EPA, most Americans spend about 90 percent of their time indoors, primarily in homes, schools, and office buildings. Indoor levels of air pollution may reportedly be 2 to 5 times higher than outdoor levels.
For a list of organizations receiving funding, or more information about the Indoor Air Cooperative Agreements, visit EPA.
