Indoor air quality information must "be driven by good science."

While there is growing public concern over the quality of indoor air, very little is known about the actual health effects, if any, resulting from everyday exposure to the thousands of substances found in the indoor environment, according to Dr. Jolanda Janczewski, Ph.D., MPH, Consolidated Safety Services, Inc. "Americans may spend as much as 90 percent of their day indoors," Janczewski said, "and may feel they are avoiding the risks of smog and outdoor pollution. In fact, concentrations of some pollutants can be significantly higher indoors than outdoors."

Janczewski's remarks were included in a presentation to business leaders at an indoor air quality symposium in St. Louis October 21, sponsored by the National Environmental Development Association's Total Indoor Environmental Quality Coalition (TIEQ).

Tighter, energy-efficient building designs introduced during the energy crisis of the 1970s circulate less fresh, outside air. This factor, combined with others including dust, pollen, cigarette smoke and fumes from carpeting, wall coverings and office machines can result in a variety of physical symptoms such as headaches, watery eyes, scratchy throats and nausea.

Because other factors such as employee stress, temperature, humidity, lighting, individual allergies and office ergonomics may affect health, Janczewski said, "before any government action is taken, we must know the facts. Public policy should be driven by good science."

"Public concern over 'sick building syndrome' has led some lawmakers to propose comprehensive legislation that would regulate on a substance-by-substance basis," said Stephen Caldeira, executive director of TIEQ, "and could result in costly changes for businesses, possibly leading to real or de facto bans on certain products. There's no scientific evidence these measures would have a positive effect on indoor environmental quality.

"At present," Caldeira continued, "more than 20 federal agencies, from the EPA and OSHA to the Consumer Product Safety Commission are involved in IAQ policy making efforts. Lawsuits concerning 'sick building' cases are multiplying. It's important for business to be aware of the issue, and the steps they can take now to prevent problems later."

In the wake of this summer's record flooding in the midwest, it is especially important to take measures to prevent indoor air quality problems in commercial buildings and homes, Janczewski said. High humidity and moisture in furnishings, rugs and wallpaper can lead to an increase in microorganisms and growth of dust mites. All walls and floors should be thoroughly washed and disinfected. Ventilation systems that have been flooded should be washed, sanitized, allowed to dry completely and inspected by a qualified technician before they are put back into use.

Janczewski advised business owners to examine the overall air quality in their workplace and try to identify all the IAQ problems which may exist. "The most common cause of poor IAQ is not the air contaminants themselves," Janczewski said, "but the inability of ventilation systems to reduce pollutants to acceptable levels. Poor air circulation and improperly maintained ventilation systems cause the buildup of indoor pollutants."