For a Shorter Lesson (20 to 30 Minutes)

Good Health Starts at Home
Lesson Guide
Indoor Air Quality
Segment Time /

• Full length: 1 to 1.5hours
• For a shorter lesson (20 to 30 minutes)
• Omit showing the DVD segments on Healthy Homes: Assessing Your Indoor Environment
• Select a couple of demonstration activities (e.g., show samples of ways to control biological contaminants)
• Do an overview of the IAQ issues and focus on action steps

Purpose / To provide knowledge of the causes of poor indoor air quality and provide identification of actions to detect and correct indoor air pollutants.
Audience / General consumer audience
Learning Objectives / Participants will accomplish the following:

• Knowledge:
• Recognize that most people in the U.S. spend over 90% of their time indoors
• Indoor pollutants can be 2 to 5 times greater than outdoor pollutants and young children are at greater risk to pollutants
• Comprehension:
• Identify sources of indoor air pollutants in the home
• Application:
• List actions that can be taken to improve indoor air quality in the home: e.g., installing carbon monoxide detectors, testing for radon, preventing and cleaning up mold, improving home ventilation,controlling asthma and allergy triggers
• Identify resources for assistance with these topics

Instructor Lesson Materials /

• Indoor Air Quality Lesson Guide
• PowerPoint with speaker notes
• Help Yourself to a Healthy Home (Extension/HUD booklet available in many languages) order or download from

• Publications/handouts of choice (optional—see below for suggestions)
• Selected materials and supplies for demonstrations and activities (see below for suggestions)
• Name tags/tent cards for each student
• Retrospective evaluations for each participant
• Sign-in sheet, pens/pencils for participant
• Research References (see listed at end)

Participant Materials /

• Retrospective evaluation
• Pens/pencils/paper
• Help Yourself to a Healthy Home book
• Copy of PowerPoint slides (optional)
• Other selected publications/resource materials (optional)

Equipment /

• Computer
• LCD projector and screen
• Speakers for computer (if showing videos)
• Extension cord and power strip (plus tape to tape down cords)
• Microphone (if you are inviting a guest speaker or have a large group)
• White board or flip chart and markers
• Internet connection to show videos

Helpful websites /

• US Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) Healthy Homes and Lead Hazard control
• US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)
• IAQ:
• Asthma:
• Mold:
• Pests:
• Carbon monoxide:
• Radon:
• Secondhand smoke:
• Lead:
• Asbestos:

• American Lung Association
• How To Quit Smoking: Freedom From Smoking® Online Program

• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
• Asbestos:

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Publications/Resource Materials / Select most appropriate materials for your audience:
Title / Agency & Notes / URL
Help Yourself to a Healthy Home / Extension and HUD; focus on Indoor Air Quality (required) /
Healthy Homes: Assessing Your Indoor Environment (with DVD) / Cornell University
Note: Booklet with 24 minute video; strongly recommended / Video:
Seven Tips for Keeping a Healthy Home / HUD /
Care for Your Air: A Guide to Indoor Air Quality / EPA /
A Brief Guide to Mold, Moisture, and Your Home / EPA /
Preventing Pests at Home / EPA /
Pesticide Poison Prevention Checklist / EPA /
Protect Your Family and Yourself from Carbon Monoxide Poisoning / EPA /
A Citizen’s Guide to Radon / EPA /
EPA local radon zones and radon programs / EPA /
Geological map for your state (compare radon zones with geological formations) / U.S. Geological Survey /
Radon / HUD /
List of state radon service professionals / EPA /
Secondhand Tobacco Smoke and the Health of Your Family / EPA /
smokefree.gov / U.S. Department of Health and Human Services /

State quitlines; state quitline: 1-800-QUIT-NOW(1-800-784-8669)

Calling this toll-free number will connect directly to your state quitline. Quitlines feature trained coaches who provide information and help with quitting. Specific services and hours of operation vary from state to state. Contact your state Quitline services for flyers to hand out.

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Home Danger Zone Finder / EPA: Roll over the house to find lead-based paint hazards in pre-1978 homes /
Protect Your Family From Lead in Your Home / EPA /
State Asbestos Contacts / EPA /
Asbestos Frequently Asked Questions / EPA /
An Update on Formaldehyde / Consumer Product Safety Commission /
What You Should Know about Formaldehyde / CDC /
Indoor Air Quality / EPA /
Is Your Home A Healthy Home? Coloring and Activity Book / Colorado State University /

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Selected videos / Select most appropriate materials for your audience. Order DVDs in advance or provide internet connection for link.
Title / Agency & Notes / URL
Healthy Homes: Assessing Your Indoor Environment / Cornell University; strongly recommended; 24 minutes /
Health Begins at Home / CDC National Center for Environmental Health; 3:18 minutes /
Take a Tour of the IAQ House (interactive graphic based website) / EPA /
Carbon Monoxide / Consumer Product Safety Commission /
Lead-Safe Certified Remodeling / Hometime TV /
Extended Activity / Radon Action Month (January)

• Event Planning Guide

Children’s Health Month (October)

Suggested show and tell demonstration tools
(Select most appropriate materials for your audience) / Biological contaminants /

• Dust mites: Allergy-resistant (sometimes bedbug proof) mattress/pillow covers, HEPA vacuum/filter, microfiber cloths
• Mold: 2 drinking glasses/water/ice, moisture meter, N-95 particulate respirator mask, dish soap, spray bottle, rubber gloves, goggles (without side vent holes), hygrometer and moisture meter
• Pests: Integrated Pest Management tools: sticky traps, baits, caulks, plastic containers with lids (ex: to store food), boric acid

Combustion by-products: /

• Carbon monoxide detector
• Ventilation: 2 HVAC filters: one fiberglass and one pleated (at least MERV 8), salt, square of toilet paper—to test exhaust fans

Radon /

• Samples of radon test kits (may have sample of short term and long term)

Lead /

• Samples of lead test kits
• N-100 face mask, 6mil drop cloths, contractor trash bags, spray bottles with water (to demonstrate lead safe work practices)

Volatile organic compounds /

• Samples of these (can bring from home if available: pesticides, air fresheners, varnishes, paints, etc.)
• To make less toxic cleaning products: empty spray bottles, measuring spoons, measuring cups, vinegar, lemon juice, olive oil, etc.

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Preparing for this Lesson
Indoor Air Quality
Preparing for this lesson / This lesson assumes that an Extension educator will be the speaker. If an alternate facilitator or co-facilitator is used, be certain they have reviewed the material and are clear that Extension is tasked with presenting non-biased material.
Before the training:

1. Several weeks in advance:

• Determine appropriate training location and time
• Contact guest speaker(s) at least a month in advance (optional)—if using, use Guest Speaker Confirmation form. For this subject area, consider asking a radon professional or fire department representative (discuss CO poisoning), for example
• Send out notices for the training
• Order handouts/reference materials/videos

1. At least one week before training:
2. Read the lesson guide and PowerPoint materials; review speaker notes and add notes if necessary

• Review handouts/reference materials and supplemental material
• Make copies of handouts
• Review the optional activities and assemble show and tell activity/demonstration tools. Visit a store and purchase demonstration supplies or bring samples from home. See Suggested Materials & Supplies for Demonstrations and Activities.
• Download any videos onto your computer

1. Day before training:
2. Assemble snacks/beverages: Drinks, fruit, plates, napkins, etc.
3. Load course materials on computer/thumb drive

1. Day of training
2. Arrive at least 45 minutes in advance
3. Set up computer/LCD projector/check speakers. Tape down cords.
4. Set out references/publications, course materials. Either place on participants’ tables or place near registration table for students to pick up. Set out registration sign-in list
5. Set up demonstration tools on table or have in container for easy access
6. Set up whiteboard/large flipchart

Presenting the Lesson
Indoor Air Quality
Important Instructor
Notes /

• Remember to use activities, demonstration of materials, and videos for a variety of teaching tools and to not be too dependent on the PowerPoint slides.
• Encourage participation and questions by the participants throughout the presentation. Be interactive with your learners.
• Provide personal stories when possible. People sometimes remember better when personal stories are shared either by you or by the participants.
• Good visuals will provide guided practice for the learning objectives of the lesson. Activities and demonstration materials can reinforce learning.
• The adult learner brings a background of learning and experience that contributes to learning. Many will have experienced some of these home hazards in their own homes.
• The purpose of this information is to empower people with knowledge so they will adopt healthy behaviors and to offer practical, low-cost action steps to solve problems.
• Emphasize the vulnerability of children for environmental health concerns. These are important concepts to remember:
• Children are not just little adults. Their organs (especially the brain) and immune systems are still developing, especially until about age 6. Their metabolic rates are faster. Pound-per-pound children drink, eat, and breathe more than adults.
• Children’s behaviors keep them closer to the floor—where pollutants may collect.

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Training Agenda
Indoor Air Quality
Segment / Time / Activity / Materials
Sign-in and Introductions / 10
mins /

• Make sure everyone has signed the sign-in sheet.
• Introductions (including yourself) or get-acquainted activity of your choice

/ Sign-in sheet
Introduction and Objectives / 5 / Review:
Learning Objectives

• Knowledge
• Comprehension
• Application

Discuss:
Children and other populations are vulnerable to environmental pollutants.
Introduce Help Yourself to a Healthy Home book. / PowerPoint slides 1-2
Publication:

• Help Yourself to a Healthy Home

Why do we care? / 5 / Discuss:

• 90% of time spent indoors
• Definition of a healthy home
• Housing conditions can be linked to health problems

/ PowerPoint slide 3
Indoor Air Quality and Health Hazards / 10 / Ask/Discuss:

• Has anyone ever thought about if the air inside your home is healthy?

/ PowerPoint slide 4

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Demonstration activity:
Draw 4 vertical lines on a whiteboard or flip chart to create sections. Then title the sections: Indoor air hazards, health impacts, action steps, resources
Discuss:
In the indoor air hazards and health impacts columns:

• List indoor air pollutants and health problems caused by these pollutants

At the end of this lesson, refer back to the list and list action steps for each pollutant. / Supplies/demonstration tools:

• White board or flip chart and markers

Indoor Air Pollutants / 2-5 / Discuss:
Introduce indoor air pollutants
Discuss:
What are the risks? Some pollutants (radon, CO) cannot be seen or smelled. / PowerPoint slides 5-6
Learning Objective:Knowledge / 1 / Review:
Learning objective/knowledge:
Indoor air quality is important to health / PowerPoint slide 7
Healthy Home Publications / Review:
Help Yourself to a Healthy Home

• Each chapter of the book contains information, action steps and resource links

/ PowerPoint slides 8 - 10
Publications:

• Help Yourself to a Healthy Home
• Tips for Keeping a Healthy Home
• Care for Your Air: A Guide to Indoor Air Quality

Learning Objectives:Comprehension / 1 / Review:
Comprehension: Identify indoor air pollutants in the home / PowerPoint slide 11
Common air contaminants / 20 / Discuss:
Common indoor air pollutants
Show:
Supplies that can be used to lessen IAQ hazards.
Show:
Scenes from Healthy Homes: Assessing Your Indoor Environment (optional) / PowerPoint slide 12
DVD/Publication:

• Healthy Homes: Assessing Your Indoor EnvironmentScenes 1-3 home assessment county conducted by an Extension agent

Dust mites
Explain:
Dust mites can be an allergy/asthma trigger.
Demonstrate:
Tools to reduce dust mites.
Demonstrate:
How effective are different HVAC filters in trapping indoor air quality pollutants>
Get two HVAC filters: 1 pleated, 1 fiberglass. Sprinkling salt on them. Salt should pour through the fiberglass filter easily—showing that this type doesn’t filter much. / PowerPoint slides 13-16
DVD/Publication:

• Healthy Homes: Assessing Your Indoor Environment;Dust mites: Scenes 11, 18

Dust mites supplies & demonstration tools:

• HEPA vacuum filter
• Allergy and/or bed bug proof pillow/mattress cover
• Microfiber cloths
• 2 HVAC filters: 1 pleated, 1 fiberglass + salt.

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Mold—explain that the key to mold control is moisture control: Keep It Dry
Demonstrate:
Moisture meters
Activity:
Pour water in a glass and ice water in another glass.
“Both indoor air and outdoor air contains water vapor.
Wherever air goes, water vapor goes. When humid
air contacts a surface that is cold enough, the water
vapor in the air will condense onto that cold surface.” Source:
Demonstrate:
Toilet paper held to vent. It should be sucked up to vent if vent fan is working properly.
Explain:
Soap and water can be used to clean hard, non-porous surfaces / PowerPoint slides 17-19
DVD/Publication:

• Healthy Homes: Assessing Your Indoor Environment; Mold: Scenes 4, 10, 17

Mold supplies & demonstration tools:

• Moisture meter
• Glass of water plus ice
• Toilet paper square—hold up to vent
• For cleaning up mold: N-95 face mask, goggles without side vent holes, gloves

Publication

• A Brief Guide to Mold, Moisture, and Your Home (also in Spanish)

Pet dander / PowerPoint slides 20-21
DVD/Publications:

• Healthy Homes: Assessing Your Indoor Environment; Pet dander:Scenes 6, 19

Pet dander supplies & demonstration tools:

• Microfiber cloths

Pests and pesticides / PowerPoint slides 22-25
DVD/Publications:

• Healthy Homes: Assessing Your Indoor Environment; Pests and pesticides:Scenes 12, 17

Pest and pesticides
supplies & demonstration tools:

• Sticky traps and baits
• Caulk
• Plastic containers with lids (to cover food)
• Boric acid

Publication:

• Preventing Pests at Home

Carbon Monoxide / 5 / Explain:
CO is a by-product of all fuel-burning appliances.
Explain:
Proper ventilation is important inside homes to prevent build-up of toxic gases—especially those we can’t detect otherwise. / PowerPoint slides 26-27
DVD/Publications:

• Healthy Homes: Assessing Your Indoor Environment; Carbon monoxide:Scenes 7, 14

Carbon monoxide supplies & demonstration tools:

• Carbon monoxide detector
• Toilet paper vent test

Publication:

• Protect Your Family and Yourself from Carbon Monoxide Poisoning

Radon / 5-10 / Discuss:
Propertiesand health effects of radon
Emphasize
Testing is the only way to determine if there are elevated radon levels in the home
Note:
EPA recommends mitigating home if levels 4 pCi/liter or more.
Demonstrate:

• U.S. radon zones map
• How to use a radon test kit

/ PowerPoint slides 28-31
DVD/Publications:

• Healthy Homes: Assessing Your Indoor Environment;Radon: Scenes 7, 13, 21

Radon supplies & demonstration tools:

• EPA radon maps
• Sample radon test kits

Publication:

• A Citizen’s Guide to Radon

Secondhand smoke / 5 / Discuss:
Dangers of breathing in secondhand smoke—especially for young children
Emphasize:
Smoking should not be allowed indoors or in cars / PowerPoint slides 32-34
DVD/Publications:

• Healthy Homes: Assessing Your Indoor Environment;Pet dander & smoking:Scenes 6, 19

Demonstration tools:

• State Quitline information: 1-800-QUIT-NOW

Publication:

• Tobacco Smoke and the Health of Your Family (bilingual English/Spanish)

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Lead / 5 / Discuss:

• Lead dust is the major cause of lead poisoning.

Note:

• A blood lead level that is higher than 5 ugm/dL is considered too high—some studies have shown neurobehavioral effects at 5 ugm/dL. However, no level of lead can be considered safe. A doctor or local health center can perform a simple blood test to determine a blood-lead level.

/ PowerPoint slides 35-39
DVD/Publications:

• Healthy Homes: Assessing Your Indoor Environment; Lead: Scenes 9, 15

• Demonstration tool: Interactive graphic

Lead supplies & demonstration tools:

• Lead test kit, N-100 face mask, 6 mil dropcloths, trash bags, spray bottles

Publication:

• Protect Your Family From Lead in Your Home

Asbestos / 2 / Ask:
Why is asbestos a hazard?
Explain that friable asbestos is a hazard, mostly banned in 1970s

• Do not disturb asbestos

Note: To test for asbestos you should use a qualified laboratory. There is no safe level of asbestos in the air in homes. / PowerPoint slides 40-41
DVD/Publication:

• Healthy Homes: Assessing Your Indoor Environment;Asbestos: Scenes 7,15

Publication:

• Asbestos Frequently Asked Questions

Formaldehyde / 2 / Discuss:

• Formaldehyde is colorless but mayhave an odor (unlike carbon monoxide, radon)
• Found often in pressed wood
• Air out new furniture, carpet, etc.

/ PowerPoint slides 42-44
Publications:

• An Update on Formaldehyde
• What You Should Know about Formaldehyde

Volatile Organic Compounds / 5 / Discuss:

• Various products used around the house may contain Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs)
• VOCs are hazardous because they are volatile (gases)

Demonstrate samples of VOCs
Activity: Make your own Green Cleaning Products

• See slide speaker notes to make simple air freshener

/ PowerPoint slides 45-46
VOC supplies & demonstration tools:

• Paints
• Cleaning products
• Solvents
• Varnishes
• Air fresheners
• Moth balls
• Pesticides
• Less toxic products:Empty spray bottle, water, essential oils

2 / Application:
Review action steps to resolve indoor air quality issues
Demonstrate:
Show the EPA Take a Tour of the IAQ House to demonstrate IAQ issues and actions / PowerPoint slide: 47
VOC supplies & demonstration tools:

• Interactive graphic:

Let’s reflect:
Application / 5-10 / Complete chart (you should have columns 1 and 2 completed from earlier in the lesson)
List action steps and resources / PowerPoint slide: 48
Demonstration tool:

• Whiteboard/flip chart started on slide 4

Evaluation / 5 / Administer retrospective evaluation / Retrospective evaluation

Note: Other lessons are available for Lead, Combustion Gases and Home Energy IAQ issues