JOINT RESOLUTIONS

No. 6

(Senate Joint Resolution No. 16)

A Senate Joint Resolution concerning

Indoor Air Quality

FOR the purpose of requesting the Governor to establish a Task
Force on Indoor Air Quality to study the extent of the
existence of dangerous levels of indoor air pollutants in
homes and buildings in Maryland and to make recommendations
for improving indoor air quality.

WHEREAS, It has been estimated that most Americans spend
approximately 90 percent of their time indoors; and

WHEREAS, Beginning in the late 1970's, as interest in energy
conservation increased, new weatherization and building
tightening techniques were developed; and

WHEREAS, While these energy conservation methods did reduce
our energy needs they also contributed to the trapping and
buildup of indoor air pollutants because of the lack of
appropriate ventilation; and

WHEREAS, The issues related to passive smoking represent
additional concerns about our indoor air quality; and

WHEREAS, Another pollutant that may adversely affect indoor

air quality is formaldehyde a common ingredient in plywood and

particle board; and

WHEREAS, Formaldehyde can produce health effects ranging
from acute nausea, eye irritation, and respiratory impairment to
more serious long-term effects such as cancer; and

WHEREAS, Additional attention needs to be focused on the
causes and solutions to "Sick Building Syndrome" where the indoor
air in office buildings and schools is adversely affecting the
health of the occupants; and

WHEREAS, Indoor air pollution presents an increased risk to
the health of the elderly, women, and children who spend much of
their days indoors; and

WHEREAS, Indoor air pollution thus constitutes a real threat
to the health and well-being of virtually every American; now,
therefore, be it

RESOLVED BY THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF MARYLAND, That the
Governor is requested to establish a Task Force on Indoor Air
Quality to study the existence of dangerous levels of indoor air

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