The Following Are Facts:

That have been determined by recognized authorities in the fields of health and air quality:

• Most people spend 60% to 90% of their time indoors.
• 50% of all illnesses are either caused by, or are aggravated by polluted indoor air.
• The levels of some hazardous pollutants in indoor air has been found to be up to 70 times greater than outdoor air.
• More than 50 million Americans suffer from allergies.
• One out of six people who suffer from allergies do so because of the direct relationship to fungi and bacteria in the air duct system.
• 10 to 12 million Americans suffer from asthma.
• Children and the elderly are especially affected by polluted indoor air.
• Indoor Air Quality

  Poor indoor air quality is one of the most important health issues we face today. Molds and fungi are found in virtually every environment and can be detected, both indoors and outdoors, year round. The number of species of existing molds and fungi is estimated from tens of thousands to three hundred thousand or more. Molds and fungi produce and release millions of spores small enough to be air-, water-, or insect-borne. They can also produce toxic agents known as mycotoxins. Spores and mycotoxins can have negative effects on human health including allergic reactions, asthma and other respiratory problems.

  Most people are aware that outdoor air pollution can damage their health but may not know that indoor air pollution can also have significant effects. EPA studies of human exposure to air pollutants indicate that indoor air levels of many pollutants may be 2-5 times, and occasion more than 100 times, higher than outdoor levels. These levels of indoor air pollutants are of particular concern because it is estimated that most people spend as much as 90% of their time indoors.

Indoor air quality can affect people's health and can have economic and legal implications. For example:

• Pollutants can cause or contribute to short- and long-term health problems, including asthma, respiratory tract infections, allergic reactions, headaches, congestion, eye and skin irritations, coughing, sneezing, fatigue, dizziness and nausea.
• Indoor air pollutants can cause discomfort, and reduce attendance and productivity. Recent data suggest that poor IAQ can reduce a person's ability to perform specific mental tasks requiring concentration, calculation, or memory.
• Indoor air pollutants hasten building deterioration. For example, uncontrolled moisture can result in mold growth that leads to the structural decay of building components.
• Poor indoor air quality strains relationships among employees, family members, parents, teachers, students and school administrations.
• Indoor air quality problems can result in liability issues or lawsuits.