Often the air inside a home is more polluted than the air outside and can lead to allergies, asthma and other respiratory problems. Bad indoor air quality results from harmful contaminants that come from a variety of sources. Carpets, light fixtures and furniture attract and collect dirt and dust that may go untouched for weeks. Moisture inside the bathrooms and basement of your home can lead to mold accumulation. Pets and smoke inside the home can also affect IAQ. Fireplaces are a source of carbon monoxide, along with combustion heating and cooling appliances. Radon, a naturally occurring radioactive gas, can enter the home through cracks and openings in the floors and walls that are in contact with the ground, and is the leading cause of lung cancer in the U.S. Using normal household cleaners may rid fixtures of harmful microbes, but often at the expense of toxic chemicals being released into the air.
A home indoor air quality quiz can help you determine the status of the air inside your home, so that you can take the steps necessary to ensure a healthy environment for you and your loved ones. Add up the points for each column checked to determine your overall indoor air quality score.
| Statement | Yes | No | N/A |
| I change the air filters in my HVAC system regularly. | 2 | 0 | |
| The kitchen, laundry room and bathrooms in my home have ventilation and exhaust fans. | 2 | 0 | |
| I use an air purifier in several rooms in my home. | 2 | 1 | |
| All humidifiers in my home are refilled with clean water daily. | 1 | 0 | 1 |
| I clean and change the microwave and hood range filters in my kitchen regularly. | 2 | 0 | |
| The filter, bag and belt in my vacuum cleaner is regularly changed. | 2 | 0 | |
| I use a vacuum with a high efficiency filter. | 2 | 0 | |
| I turn on the hood vent above my stove while cooking. | 2 | 0 | |
| When cleaning, I use bleach, ammonia and/or aerosol spray cans. | 0 | 2 | |
| I open a window or turn on an exhaust fan while using chemical household cleaners. | 2 | 0 | |
| I use insecticides and/or pesticides (including moth repellents) indoors. | 0 | 2 | |
| My home has been checked for lead-based paint. | 2 | 0 | |
| The pressed wood cabinets in my kitchen are coated with a polyurethane finish to prevent formaldehyde emissions. | 1 | 0 | 1 |
| My home was recently renovated with new carpets, furniture, and/or paint. | 1 | 2 | |
| My gas fireplace and/or stove is checked yearly for emissions. | 1 | 0 | 1 |
| The burner flames on my gas appliances appear yellow instead of blue. | 0 | 1 | 1 |
| There is carpet installed in one or more bathrooms in my home. | 0 | 2 | |
| I have hardwood floors throughout my home instead of wall-to-wall carpet. | 2 | 1 | |
| My home is insulated with urea formaldehyde or asbestos. | 0 | 2 | |
| The draperies and floor tiles in my home contain formaldehyde or asbestos. | 0 | 2 | |
| My furniture is smooth, non-upholstered and easy to clean. | 2 | 1 | |
| I clean the sinks, showers and tubs in my bathrooms regularly. | 2 | 0 | |
| I wipe down the walls of my shower after each use. | 2 | 1 | |
| I keep shower doors and curtains open. | 2 | 0 | |
| Humidity and temperature in my home are properly maintained. | 2 | 0 | |
| I smoke inside the house. | 0 | 2 | |
| There are carbon monoxide detectors installed inside my home. | 2 | 1 | |
| There are plumbing leaks and leaks around appliances that need to be fixed. | 0 | 2 | |
| The area underneath all the sinks in my home is kept consistently dry. | 2 | 0 | |
| I clean, vacuum and dust often. | 2 | 0 | |
| I wash all bedding in hot water once a week. | 2 | 0 | |
| Bedding is encased in allergen-impermeable covers. | 2 | 1 | |
| I use non-toxic household cleaning products. | 2 | 0 | |
| My home has been tested for radon and any possible sources have been eliminated. | 2 | 0 | |
| I keep several furry pets inside my home. | 0 | 2 | |
| I frequently burn candles and use room deodorizers. | 0 | 2 | |
| I have frequent allergies that worsen when inside my home. | 0 | 2 | |
| I notice strange, lingering odors inside my home. | 0 | 2 | |
| I notice “ghosting” (staining or discoloration of walls, carpets and ceilings) in several areas. | 0 | 2 | |
| Sometimes I leave my car on and idle while it is parked in the enclosed garage. | 0 | 2 |
Scoring:
58-76= Excellent
39-57 = Good
20-38 = Average
0-19 = Poor
