This information came from and expert at the IAQ Forum: While I concur with you regarding your statement about fear causing reaction, I must point out that IAQ/IEQ ( Indoor Air Quality / Indoor Environment Quality) issues were looked at long before the 1980’s in reference to illness. The Egyptians, the Romans, King Charles I of England, etc. all addressed IAQ/IEQ issues and/or made observations.

ASHVE, the predecessor to ASHRAE, was founded in 1894. After World War II, people wanted cheaper housing, thus, cheaper building materials were used. 1970’s energy crisis – seal everything up tightly! Problem? Top that off with all of the off-gassing furnishings, pesticide use, cleaning supplies, no fresh air circulation etc., and suddenly your home is not the safe haven you once thought it was… While the media is famous for sensationalizing things, that also creates an opportunity to help educate people in a factual, logical manner.

Help your clients by teaching them why IAQ/IEQ is important. Supply them with resources such as no VOC paint lists, green building supplies, non-toxic cleaners, etc. Help educate the realtors, the contractors, the average consumer; then watch the domino effect this creates in awareness and sharing. When one is truly passionate about what they do, that passion has a great way of rubbing off on others. Enough said!