As the temperatures drop and the air dries out, you might be ready to pull out the humidifier and get it cranking. But did you know that this could have unintended consequences for your indoor air quality? In fact, when we see a sustained very high level of particles in a home during the winter, the first thing we ask is, "Are you using a humidifier?" Often, the answer is yes.

Check out our latest blog post on humidifiers and particles to get the information you need to make the best decision.

Questions to consider:

• Are you using a steam humidifier, a drum humidifier, or an ultrasonic or “cool mist” humidifier? Different devices impact air quality in different ways.
• Are you filling your humidifier with distilled water or tap water? Distilled water is generally the safest choice because it contains no additional particles or chemicals that might be aerosolized by a humidifier.
• Do you know the relative humidity in all parts of your house? A cold exterior wall could build up condensation, which invites mold growth.

Learn about these issues and more in Humidifiers and Particles: What You Need to Know

Now taking registrations for the introductory webinar for the November-December

ROCIS Low Cost Monitoring Project Cohort!

"LCMP Testimonial: I was grateful to be a part of the ROCIS Virtual Cohort. The time and effort to participate were well worth it. My family and I feel we now have a greater understanding of our indoor and outdoor air quality and how to make changes to improve it. Thank you to everyone at ROCIS for this great opportunity!"

–Ann, Cohort 45

Join a ROCIS Low Cost Monitoring Project Virtual Cohort to learn more about the impact of outdoor pollution in your home

Want to take control of your indoor air quality? Take our introductory webinar to learn the basics of the LCMP program. Webinar attendees will be invited to confirm their interest in joining the cohort and commit to meeting the LCMP expectations. The webinar—as well as participation in the LCMP—is free. 

Each cohort can accommodate a small number of participants outside of Western PA.

The “Introduction to the Low Cost Monitoring Project” webinar for Cohort 57 will be held Monday, October 30, at 7:00 PM Eastern & Tuesday, October 31 10:30 AM Eastern.

Cohort 57 Program/Monitoring Dates: Thursday, November 9 – Tuesday, December 12 

What to Expect From an LCMP Cohort

Once you've joined a cohort, we deliver a monitoring kit to your door (or send it to you in the mail if you're outside of western PA). These kits include monitors for particles, carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, and radon for testing indoor and outdoor air. During the monitoring period, ROCIS participants can also test ROCIS-loaned equipment such as an induction stovetop, a portable air cleaner, and/or DIY fan-filters. 

Virtual Format: 

• No travel requirements! 
• Flexible meeting times! 
• Kids are welcome to join with their parents! 

Topics Include: 

• Air quality monitors 
• Behavioral and technical interventions 
• Tracking ambient air quality 
• Health impacts of poor air quality 

Questions? Contact Emily Dale, ROCIS LCMP Coordinator, 724-833-8223, ke_dale@homtail.com. 

We look forward to hearing from you. 

Please forward this email to friends and colleagues who may want to learn about monitoring and improving their home’s air quality.

"LCMP Testimonial: Being part of the LCMP helped us to be aware of the sources of harmful particles in our home, how our daily activities directly contribute, and gave us tools to address problems with our indoor air quality."

–Jo and Tim, Cohort 53

On October 25, the Group Against Smog and Pollution (GASP) will be hosting a free in-person Lunch & Learn workshop focused on common household pollutants.

Friends of ROCIS Rhett Major, a.k.a. The Energy Doctor, and Nesta Bortey-Sam, PhD, Assistant Professor of Environmental and Occupational Health at the Pitt School of Public Health, will join Heath Papinchak, MPH, PhD, CPI, of Welcome Home Inspections on a panel covering topics such as indoor air quality and exposure to asbestos, lead, and radon.

Want to help your friends and neighbors in southwestern Pennsylvania improve their air quality? Share this email!

Our programs empower homeowners and residents with data-driven assessment of indoor spaces and proven air quality solutions.

We hope you’ll consider joining our next LCMP cohort or telling someone else about the program.

Linda, for the ROCIS Team

Linda Wigington

Team Leader | Reducing Outdoor Contaminants in Indoor Spaces (ROCIS) 

Lwigington1@outlook.com

724-986-0793 (mobile)