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Indoor Air Quality

The need for clean air in our homes should not be underestimated. Canadians spend an average of 90% of their time inside; and our homes contain many substances that may be hazardous to our health. Indoor air pollutants range from minor irritants such as dust and animal dander, to major irritants such as molds and chemical vapours that may be emitted from building materials and furnishings. It is important to be aware of how air contaminants can affect our health and to adopt corrective measures that will improve indoor air quality in our homes.

In This Section:

  • Attached Garages and Indoor Air Quality
    Attached garages, while convenient, can move vehicle-based pollutants into houses. The document shows how to avoid this source of pollution.
  • Asbestos
    What is asbestos? What problems can asbestos cause and what options does the homeowner have in dealing with them? Some vermiculite insulation has been identified by Health Canada to contain asbestos. Contact Health Canada for further information.
  • Carbon Monoxide
    A list of questions and answers dealing with keeping Carbon Monoxide out of your home and to help you choose the right CO detector.
  • CMHC Garbage Bag Airflow Test
    This simple test uses an ordinary garbage bag to help you estimate airflow from your furnace registers, bathroom exhaust fan or clothes dryer exhaust.
  • Combustion Gases in Your Home
    This simple test uses an ordinary garbage bag to help you estimate airflow from your furnace registers, bathroom exhaust fan or clothes dryer exhaust.