Air Quality Resources

The primary agency for outdoor air quality is the Virginia Department of Environmental Quality

This health department does not conduct air quality assessments, but below there is a list of common indoor air quality issues and helpful resources.

Mold

Molds are fungi that can be found almost anywhere. They produce tiny spores that are in the air and can cause harm to humans. Use the resources below to help you if you believe you have a mold problem.

Rental Properties/Apartments:

If you live in an apartment and are not receiving the proper assistance from your Landlord/Property Manager, the Virginia Office of Consumer Affairs can assist with these complaints. Call this toll free number for more information 1-800-552-9963.

Residential Homes:

If you own a residential home, contact a mold assessment, remediation, or removal professional through your local yellow pages under the subject “Mold.”

Additional Resources

Radon

Exposure to indoor radon, a colorless, odorless, radioactive gas, is thought to be the second leading cause of lung cancer and the leading cause of lung cancer among people who have never smoked.

Testing your home or other normally occupied areas is the only way to know for sure if an indoor radon problem exists. Radon test kits can be purchased at local hardware stores. When purchasing these test kits, make sure to know the cost of the actual testing process. This cost is usually posted on the test kit packaging and is set forth by the testing company.

The Virginia Department of Health and your local health department have pulled together the following resources to help you learn about and test for radon in your home.

VDH Radon Program Toll Free Number: 1-800-468-0138

Formaldehyde Poisoning

Formaldehyde is a colorless, flammable gas that has a very strong, pungent odor. This chemical is found in a number of different products. When exposed to low levels of this chemical, a person can experience irritation of the skin, eyes, nose, or throat. Exposure to higher levels of formaldehyde may cause cancer. Please visit the following link for more information.

Formaldehyde in the Homes Fact Sheet

Carbon Monoxide Poisoning

Carbon Monoxide is an invisible, odorless, highly poisonous gas. This gas is produced by common household appliances. When these appliances are used in areas that aren’t well ventilated, this gas will build up which can cause harm. Visit the website linked below for more details.

Carbon Monoxide Poisoning

 

 

 

Back to Environmental Health

Back to home