Air Purifier: a device that sanitizes pollutants in the air, reducing exposure to mold, mildew, bacteria, viruses. Air purifiers often include an air filter. Some air purifiers generate ozone, an indoor air pollutant.
Carbon filter: a type of filter made out of activated charcoal
Condensation: Water that comes out of the air and becomes visible (e.g. cloud, fogged up windows)
Heating, Ventilating, and Air Conditioning (HVAC): any object (e.g. fireplace) or equipment (e.g. heat pump) associated with the systems that warm, cool, or move air through a building.
High Efficiency Particulate Air (HEPA): An air filter that can theoretically remove at least 99.7% of dust, pollen, mold, bacteria, and any airborne particles with a size of 0.3 microns.
Indoor Air Quality: what is, or isn’t, in the air in a specific place inside a building. Indoor air quality can range from poor to excellent.
Indoor Air Pollution: indoor air quality that has been impacted and pollutants are present
Indoor Air Quality Regulations: laws that set Indoor Air Quality Standards for specific pollutants. Out of the over 100 pollutants that might be detected in Indoor Air Quality Testing, less than 10 are regulated at the national level. States may choose to regulate indoor pollutants. Many do not and those that do, regulate a very small number in a very few cases (e.g. only commercial building).
Indoor Air Quality Standards: guidelines that provide a basis for healthy indoor air quality that is backed by science. When levels exceed the standards, they are considered harmful to human health and/or the environment.
Indoor Air Quality Testing: the process by which the level of pollutants in the air is measured. Testing can detect over 100 pollutants, including lead.
Outdoor Air Quality: what is, or isn’t, in the air in a specific place outside a building
Relative Humidity: The amount of water vapor in the air compared to the maximum amount of water vapor that could be in the air, expressed as a percentage. This varies with temperature.
Source Control: The process of identifying sources of pollution and stopping or reducing them. Often this is the least expensive way to improve indoor air quality.
Thirdhand Smoke: the particles in the air or that have settled on surfaces from smoking cigarettes indoors
Ventilation: Bringing outside air into a building. This includes opening doors and windows and using mechanical equipment. Considered the best method for managing indoor air pollution,
Volatile Organic Componds (VOCs): harmful gases that come from solids or liquids. Include formaldeyhyde, butane, propane, and more. EPA guidane on impact of VOCs on indoor air quality.