WASHINGTON — The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced it will provide a combined $1.2 million in funding to 32 state and local governments, tribes, and nonprofit organizations for indoor air quality projects. The funding will support recipients’ efforts to improve indoor air quality and protect the health of Americans. Education projects, training, and outreach efforts supported by the funding will help reduce the environmental health risks of indoor air contaminants such as radon and asthma triggers. From organizing and training speakers on how to educate parents of children with asthma, to providing technical assistance that will help school districts develop indoor air quality management plans, EPA representatives believe these projects will help protect children and families. An emphasis was placed on selecting projects that assist low-income and minority families that are disproportionately impacted by poor indoor air quality. “EPA is proud to be working with our awardees across the nation to improve the air we breathe at school, work and home,” said Gina McCarthy, assistant administrator for EPA’s Office of Air and Radiation. “American communities face serious health and environmental challenges from air pollution. This effort gives us an opportunity to improve indoor air quality by increasing awareness of environmental health risks.” Indoor air pollutants in homes, buildings, and schools can negatively impact the health of occupants. Some pollutants cause health problems such as sore eyes, burning in the nose and throat, headaches or fatigue. Others can cause allergies, respiratory illnesses (such as asthma) or even cancer (from radon gas).

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Publication date: 11/19/2012