Highlight and copy the text below and paste it into your own word-processing program. Substitute your local contact information for the underlined areas. Distribute the completed release to your local news media (see the Marketing Plan for tips). Also, check out the Sidebar (goes with Press Release).

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE [Insert date]
CONTACTS: [List the quoted local experts and phone numbers]

Indoor air can harbor many potentially hazardous materials, says [local expert's name and title] [Add quote, something like this:] "These materials can cause a variety of health problems -- some common, some very serious -- that people don't associate with poor household air quality." 

Some of the more recognizable indoor air pollutants -- because they can be seen or smelled -- include cigarette smoke, asbestos, formaldehyde, carpet fumes, mold, and mildew. Less easy to recognize are carbon monoxide, lead, and radon. A variety of household products can also degrade air quality if used improperly. 

Recent research has found that in homes around the country, the quality of home indoor air can be worse than outdoor air, says [another local expert], who is launching a local "Healthy Indoor Air for [your state's] Homes" campaign. 

"Many homes are being built and remodeled tighter without considering the factors that assure fresh and healthy indoor air. A primary reason for health problems, though, is that we are using furnishings, combustion appliances, and hobby and household products that can compromise the quality of the air," says [local expert].

Some products, like lead-based paint, can produce serious health problems. Lead, which has been banned in gasoline and household paint but still persists in the environment, causes delayed development, learning problems, hyperactivity, and other problems in children who ingest small, but regular amounts. Both kids and adults can suffer high blood pressure, anemia, and kidney and reproductive disorders, says [local expert].

Combustion by-products from woodstoves, fireplaces, unvented space heaters, gas ovens, and stoves can damage the respiratory tract and irritate the eyes, nose, and throat. One of the components of combustion, carbon monoxide, can kill, and in small amounts, cause flu and allergy symptoms. 

Excessive amounts of formaldehyde, used as a preservative and adhesive in building products and furnishings, can trigger asthma attacks and damage the liver, kidneys, and the central nervous system. In lower amounts, it can irritate the eyes, nose, and throat, and cause coughing, fatigue, skin rashes, headaches, and nausea. 

People who are remodeling should be especially on guard for these symptoms, since disturbance can release formaldehyde, asbestos, carpet fumes, and leaded paint dust. If asbestos is present, and you disturb it, you won't feel immediate symptoms, but there is a long-term risk of chest and abdominal cancers and lung disease, says [local expert]. 

Higher risk of lung disease is also associated with another serious indoor air pollutant: radon. However, remodeling is a chance to reduce exposure to this radioactive gas, which is present in most of the soil and rock around the world, and can seep into basements, crawl spaces, and other areas. 

Even some relatively common household products can cause undesirable health effects if they are not used properly. These products include paints, strippers, solvents, wood preservatives, aerosol sprays, cleansers, moth repellents, automotive products, hobby supplies, and pesticides. 

"People have more and more products in their home environments. Years ago we didn't use this many products. When we mix a variety of these products, there is a greater potential for problems, especially if there is inadequate ventilation," says [local expert]. 

Molds, mildew, fungi, bacteria, and other biological pollutants are also a source of common health problems such as headaches, watery eyes, runny nose, nasal congestion, coughing, fatigue, and breathing difficulties. 

If people are chronically afflicted with some of these ailments, their home's air may be part of the problem. "If you find you feel better when you leave the house, and the symptoms return when you spend time at home, you ought to find out whether indoor air pollutants are the source," says [local expert]. 

For more information on indoor air problems, contact [list local information sources here]. A national web site also has information. The address is: www.healthyindoorair.org.