Tribal Indoor Air Quality
Training & Resource
L	Directory

\ For Use in Developing

Indoor

The U.S. Environmental
Protection Agency

In collaboration with
The Institute for Tribal
Environmental
Professionals and
The National Tribal
Air Association


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We strive to keep this resource relevant and up-to-date. If you have any comments or concerns, or notice any
outdated links or content, please email indoorair(a)epa.gov.

Images used on cover include photos from Navajo Nation, Bad River Tribe, Quileute Tribe, and Coquille Tribe.


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Purpose

This directory was created to consolidate helpful resources for tribes who are interested in starting or expanding
indoor air quality (IAQ) programs in their communities. Look for the mouse icon next to all the clickable links in
this resource to learn more about each topic and explore resources that aid in the development of IAQ programs.

Indoor Air Quality Overview

Most Americans spend around 90% of their time indoors, whether that's in their home, school, or work building.
Since being indoors is a huge part of our lives, it's important to consider how indoor air quality may impact our
health and the health of our communities. Fortunately, there are many opportunities for tribal governments
to develop safer indoor environments on their lands. This directory offers relevant resources to help tribal
governments promote the health and safety of their members through IAQ programs. This directory is intended
to direct the user to technical resources. It is not intended to provide technical direction itself.

Contents

Healthy Homes. Schools, and Buildings	4

Asthma	8

Mold and Moisture	10

Radon	12

Commercial Tobacco and Secondhand Smoke	15

Home Heating. Cooking and Energy	18

Disaster Preparedness & Mitigation	21

Disaster Response & Recovery	23

COVID-19 and Other Pathogens	28

Funding	30

Helpful IAQ Contacts	32

Alaska Resources Addendum	34


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Healthy Homes, Schools,
and Buildings

Follow these 8 principles:

1.	Keep it dry

2.	Keep it clean

3.	Keep it safe

4.	Keep it well-ventilated

5.	Keep it pest-free

6.	Keep it contaminant-free

7.	Keep it maintained

8.	Keep it thermally controlled

Americans spend around 90% of their time
indoors, where pollutants can be 2-5 times the ±
outdoor concentration.

Investing in healthy indoor environments yields
health benefits and economic benefits.	2

There were 13.8 million missed school days due
to asthma in 2013. Healthy homes and schools
can help to keep kids learning!	3

Recent innovations have enabled virtual
assessments to identify home health risks and
improvement actions.	4

1. Environmental Protection Agenc 2. forhealth.org 3. Centers for Disease
Control and Prevention 4. Green and Healthy Homes

People spend the majority of their time inside buildings. Other sections in this document highlight specific
indoor air quality concerns such as mold and radon, and list resources where the reader can learn more
about those particular topics. This section addresses healthy buildings more holistically. The resources listed
here help the reader learn how to comprehensively create and maintain healthy indoor environments.

There is a little information about a lot of different topics. These topics include ventilation, source control,
filtration, vapor intrusion, pesticides, volatile organic compounds, mold, tobacco smoke, radon, drinking water
contaminants and green cleaning, among others.

Healthy Homes Resources

^ Tribai Healthy Homes
Calendar Checklist

Although this was originally designed for 2017-
2018, this tribal resource presents an organized
checklist of action items that homeowners and
renters can complete on an annual basis to ensure
a safe and healthy home.

. Green & Healthy Homes
* Virtual Assessment Toolkit

A toolkit of free documents to support virtual
healthy homes assessments, including intake forms,
assessment documents, and guidance resources.
(More home assessment resources can be found in

the asthma section).

4


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Healthy Homes Resources Continued

> EPA's Healthy Homes Action
Brochure

A homeowner's or renter's guide to creating a
healthy home environment for themselves and
their family.

^ Healthy Homes Resource
Guide

An interactive guide from Tribal Healthy Homes
Network that provides examples of free healthy
home resources, many of which are customized
materials specifically for tribes.

Healthy Homes Partnership

Offers tools for both families and educators about
healthy homes. These tools include tips and
guidance for families as well as lesson plans for
educators.

^ EPA's IAQ Demo House

Outlines some of the most important ways to
protect the air in your home by touring the virtual
IAQ House. Room-by-room, you'll learn about the
key pollutants and how to address them.

^ EPA Information on Volatile
^ Organic Compounds

EPA's website on volatile organic compounds'

(VOCs) impact on indoor air quality describes
sources of VOCs, health effects, and steps to reduce
exposure.

IAQ Tip:

Some air cleaners emit high levels of ozone
by design or as a byproduct. Breathing in
ozone can cause respiratory tract irritation
and inflammation, serious breathing
difficulty including asthma, permanent lung
damage, and cardiovascular effects.

^ National Pesticide Information
^ Center Infographic

An infographic describing how to properly use
disinfecting wipes at home and in schools.

IAQ Tip:

There are three basic strategies to improve
indoor air quality.

1.	Source Control: eliminate individual
sources of pollution or to reduce their
emissions.

2.	Improved Ventilation: increase
the amount of outdoor air coming
indoors.

3.	Air cleaners: filtration can be an
effective supplement to source control
and ventilation.

^ StopPests.org

Contains training materials and webinars for
Integrated Pest Management (IPM) in homes and
public housing. IPM focuses on pest prevention and
least-toxic control methods, making IPM a cost-
effective, practical approach to pest management.

^ HUD's Tribal Healthy Homes
^ Guides and App

This webpage includes tribal healthy homes guides
for four different audiences: families, tribal leaders,
housing professionals, and health professionals.
HUD has also developed the "Your Tribal Healthy
Home" app that includes examples of what makes
a home healthier, a room-by-room checklist,
and information for medical professionals and
educators.	5


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Healthy Homes Resources Continued

Air Cleaner Information for
Consumers

A resource from California Air Resource Board
to help consumers identify safe and effective air
cleaners.

^ I:PA's Air Cleaners and Air
Filters in the Home

Includes a consumer's guide and a technical guide
to ventilation systems and air filtration in the home.

^ ELI report: Reducing Exposure to
Cooking Pollutants

A report from the Environmental Law Institute
about the benefits of ventilation while cooking.

lAQTip:

Have a trained professional inspect,
clean and tune-up central heating system
(furnaces, flues and chimneys) annually and
repair any leaks promptly. Ensure filters are
changed out regularly.

^ EPA's Abandoned Mobile Home
' Toolkit

Abandoned mobile homes create numerous safety,
economic and environmental concerns. This toolkit
provides case studies and a step-by-step guide
outlining how to deconstruct a mobile home.

Schools and Buildings Resources

EPA's IAQ Tools for Schools

The IAQ Tools for Schools Action Kit can be used to
plan and implement an IAQ management plan in
schools to promote a healthy learning environment.
The Framework for Effective IAQ Management is
a starting point for finding technical solutions to
common IAQ issues and identifying key drivers for
effective IAQ management.

^ EPA's Integrated Pest
Management Tools

IPM offers holistic approaches to controlling
pests, posing fewer health risks to people and
the environment. This web page has many IPM
resources, including Pest Control in the School
Environment and IPM Webinars.

Green Clean Video Series

A video series to help schools start green cleaning
programs to promote a safer learning environment.

Quileute Senior Center, photo courtesy of the Quileute Tribe -

D


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Schools and Buildings Resources

Continued

. EPA's Tribal Green Building
^ Toolkit

Assists tribes in creating a sustainable design for
communities to reduce the impact of construction
on the environment while protecting the health,
livelihood and culture of tribal residents.

^ EPA's Safer Choice Program

Helps consumers, businesses, and purchasers find
products containing safer ingredients. Safer Choice
restricts volatile organic compound (VOC) content
to minimize indoor air pollution and associated
respiratory concerns. There's even a community
page to identify safer choice products for different
types of community buildings.

^ Harvard's forhealth.org

Offers information and guides based on the latest
research on healthy buildings.

Policy Highlight

Montana health regulations require schools
to conduct annual inspections using
EPA's IAQ Tools for Schools checklist. The

Environmental Law Institute offers many
more examples of IAQ policies.

^ EPA's Information on Asbestos

Elevated concentrations of airborne asbestos
can occur after asbestos-containing materials are
disturbed by cutting, sanding or other remodeling
activities, endangering inhabitants. This site
describes common asbestos-containing materials
and links to more information, including federal
regulatory requirements to protect school children
and school employees from asbestos exposure.

EPA's Air Sensor Toolbox

Air sensors can be used in projects to better
understand IAQ contaminants and measure
remediation efficacy. This toolbox provides
information and guides about air sensors.

Quileute Tribal school, photo courtesy of the Quileute Tribe

Indoor Air Quality Scientific
Findings Resource Bank

This resource bank provides extensive scientific
research on the impacts of indoor air quality on
performance and health outcomes, such as how
building ventilation effects academic performance,
work performance, school and work absences, and
rates of respiratory illness.

^ EPA's Information on Lead

Lead from paint, dust and soil in and around
homes can be dangerous if not managed properly,
especially to children. This site provides a
comprehensive overview of the dangers of lead,
how to reduce exposure, and laws and regulations
related to lead. It also includes a Tribal Lead
Curriculum.

7


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American Indian/Alaska Native children are almost
twice as likely to ever have had asthma as non-
Hispanic white children.	i

Asthma is affected by outdoor air quality and can
also be triggered indoors by wood smoke, tobacco
smoke, mold, cleaners, pests, and more.	3

Tribes with targeted asthma programs enjoy
measurable health and community benefits. 2

Asthma can be managed!

1.	Avoid or reduce triggers

2.	Have an Asthma Action Plan
• 	

3.	Check in with your healthcare providers
Normal airway Airway during

asthma attack	1. US Department of Health and Human Services 2. Asthma Community

Network 3. Iung.org

HtBOSOBrAsthma JBOBKtBKL.

Asthma is a serious, sometimes life-threatening chronic respiratory disease that affects the quality of life
for more than 25 million people living in the United States, including almost 4 million children. Although
there is no cure for asthma yet, asthma can be controlled through medical treatment and management of
environmental triggers. Several factors found in both indoor and outdoor environments can cause or trigger an
asthma episode or make asthma symptoms worse. The resources below explain more about asthma basics and
triggers, and highlight successful community-based asthma initiatives.

Resources

Did you know that school environments can play a huge role in promoting the health of children
with asthma? Resources for schools can be found in the Healthy Homes. Schools and Buildings
section. That section also includes Integrated Pest Management resources, IPM reduces allergens,
which can trigger asthma symptoms or contribute to the onset of asthma .

Did you know that General Assistance Program (GAP) funding can be used for asthma programs?
Clean Air Act 103 and 105 grants may also be used for asthma work. See the Fundins section for
more information.

8


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Asthma Resources Continued

. Asthma Community
^ Network

An online network designed for community-
based asthma programs and organizations that
sponsor them—including representatives of health
plans and providers, government health and
environmental agencies, nonprofits, coalitions,
schools and more.

^ CDC's Public Health Professionals

Provides asthma resources for Public Health
Professionals. See also CDC's information to help
people develop individualized Asthma Action Plans
alongside their healthcare providers.

^ The Institute for Tribal
^ Environmental Professionals

A series of webinars from Northern Arizona
University discussing asthma basics, environmental
triggers, asthma educational resources, and
research on asthma home and school visits in
tribes.

^ EPA's Asthma Home-Visit
* Program Resources

A webpage that includes a guide for implementing
home-visit programs and a home environment
checklist that can help facilitate visits to assess
possible asthma triggers in the home.

^ In-Home Asthma Care Tribal
^ Pilot Project

A webinar about how a multidisciplinary team was
formed in EPA Region 10 to fund and implement
tribal in-home care programs for asthma. Covers
the opportunities and barriers to expanding in-
home asthma care in Native communities.

^ Tribal Healthy Homes
* Network Asthma Resources

A resource page curated specifically for tribal
audiences. Includes links to deliverables and a
webinar about taking asthma triggers into
account during home inspections.

^ American Academy of Allergy.
* Asthma and Immunology

Information regarding asthma advocacy,
conditions and treatments, and training tools,
including information on COVID-19 and asthma.
There are also up-to-date allergy
forecasts for your area.

^ EPA's Asthma Website

A central hub for information about asthma.
Includes publications about asthma, deliverables
and factsheets, and lists of various organizations
dedicated to asthma and health.

^ American Lung Association
^ Asthma Webpage

A high quality source of asthma information for a
variety of audiences. The ALA has many
ongoing asthma programs and initiatives.

^ Tribal Healthy Homes
* Network Green Cleaning

A resource page curated specifically for tribal audi-
ences with green cleaning recipes.

Lung.org Asthma Triggers

Resources to identify environmental asthma
triggers and address many of them in the home
environment.	9


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Mold and Moisture

First, address moisture problems...

IAQ Tip:

Major mold events, or mold areas
larger than 10 square feet may
require professional remediation,

Promptly fix the source of any water problems or
leaks.

Keep indoor humidity low. If possible, maintain
indoor humidity below 60% (ideally between 30-
50%) relative humidity.

Then, address the mold-

Clean mold off of hard surfaces with water and
detergent, and dry completely.

If you are experiencing health symptoms that you
think are caused by mold in your home, consult a
healthcare professional.

The key to mold control is moisture control. To prevent mold from growing, it is important to find the water
source and fix the problem. Dry the area quickly, within 24-48 hours if possible. Remove bulk water, and use
fans and dehumidifiers to speed drying, and/or open doors and windows if outdoor conditions allow. Keep the
humidity levels below 60% to prevent the mold from growing. Once the area is dry, it is important to clean and
remove the mold. Clean the mold off hard surfaces using a mild detergent and water. It is not recommended
to use biocides (e.g. bleach) to remove mold. Absorbent or porous materials, such as ceiling tiles and carpet,
may have to be thrown away if they can't be cleaned and dried. When cleaning mold, it is important to use
personal protective equipment including gloves, an N-95 respirator, and goggles.

Resources

^ Tribal Healthy Homes
Network Mold Page

A resource page curated specifically for tribal
audiences. It features extensive resources for
policymakers, community leaders, and the general
public, including a webinar on "Mold in Tribal
Housing-A Dialogue about Prevention. Funding
and Cold Climate Issues."

^ Tribal Healthy Homes Network
Mold Policy Guide

A resource guide from the Tribal Healthy Homes
Network that gives a basis of policy approaches for
mold prevention, assessment, and abatement to
prevent mold in tribal buildings.

10


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Mold Resources Continued

Tribal Mold Webinars

The Institute for Tribal Environmental Professionals
presents a few webinars that discuss the basics of
mold and moisture and how to craft prevention and
remediation plans.

^ EPA's Mold Page

The hub for all of EPA's mold and moisture
resources.

^ EPA's Brief Guide to Mold.
* Moisture, and Your Home

A distributable resource for homeowners and
renters on how to clean up mold growth and
prevent future mold problems in the home.

Policy Highlight

Tulalip Tribes Housing Department Mold and
Mildew Policy Tribal policy example with
tenant obligations and guidelines to prevent
and quickly remediate any mold or mildew
problems.

^ CDC's Mold Page

Information on the health effects of mold exposure
and how to prevent, safely clean up, and control
mold. This webpage also includes information
about mold for clinicians.

HUD's Mold & Moisture
Prevention: A Guide for
Residents in Indian Country

A detailed resource guide written for tribal
homeowners and renters about how to recognize
and mitigate mold problems and prevent future
mold growth.

EPA's Mold Remediation in
^ Schools and Commercial
Buildings

A detailed resource for leaders and managers of
public buildings to help promote and maintain
mold-free environments.

EPA's Moisture Control Guidance
for Building Design. Construction
and Maintenance

A detailed resource for anyone who designs, builds,
operates or maintains buildings and heating,
ventilating and air conditioning (HVAC) equipment.
It provides practical guidance on how to control
moisture in buildings.

For resources specific to the response, recovery, and mitigation of flood emergencies, see the
Disaster Preparedness and Mitigation and Disaster Response and Recovery sections on pages 21 and
23.

11


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Every house in the country has the potential for
high levels of radon.

Radon is responsible for an estimated 21,000 lung
cancer deaths in the US every year.	2

Radon is the #1 cause of lung cancer for non-
smokers.

Radon is a naturally occuring radioactive gas that
enters buildings from the ground and threatens the
health of occupants.	1



1. Environmental Protection Agent 2. Environmental Protection Agency

Test. Fix. Save a life.

Radon comes from the natural (radioactive) breakdown of uranium in soil, rock, and water and gets into the
air you breathe. When inhaled, the radioactive particles can cause lung cancer. The only way to know if radon
is in your home is to test. EPA recommends that every home is tested for radon. You can either obtain a do-it-
yourself radon test kit or hire a certified radon professional to assess your home for radon gas concentrations.
EPA recommends that every home is tested at least every 5 years or, to verify continued effectiveness of radon
mitigation systems or efforts, at least every 2 years. If your home has high radon levels, a mitigation system
can significantly reduce radon concentrations, and generally takes a day or less to install. For more information
about how to interpret your test results, consult the EPA Citizen's Guide or a certified radon professional.

Resources

^ EPA's Radon Website

Provides general information about radon, as well
as links to EPA resources developed for individuals
and families, homeowners, tenants, builders, and
contractors. This website also includes Frequently

Asked Questions.

^ Planning Radon Mitigation in
Tribal Communities Webinar

Webinar recording from the Spokane Tribe focusing
on the importance of radon as a tribal indoor air
quality concern and some basics of establishing a
tribal radon program.

12


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Radon Resources Continued

^ EPA's Regional and State
Radon Contacts

Map of radon potential including state radon
contacts and EPA regional radon contacts. (The
zone map may help governments and organizations
target risk reduction activities and resources. Please
note that homes with high radon exist in all parts of
the country.)

^ State and Tribal Indoor Radon
^ Grant (SIRG) Program

States and tribes may apply to receive grant funds
from EPA to help support a radon risk reduction
program. By law, these funds are not available
to individuals or homeowners. More funding
opportunities can be found in the Funding section
of this directory.

National Radon Action Plan

The American Lung Association is leading a
national network of federal agencies, private sector,
nongovernmental organizations (NGOs), states and
tribes to eliminate avoidable radon-induced lung
cancer through the strategies outlined in the NRAP.
Visit RadonLeaders.org to see the progress on each
strategy outlined in the Plan.

^ EPA's Consumer's Guide to
Radon

Provides relevant information for homeowners that
are looking to mitigate radon. Although designed
for homeowners, this resource provides useful
information for the mitigation of radon in any
building.

^ ITEP's Radon Fundamentals
Course

From the Institute for Tribal Environmental
Professionals (ITEP), this 8-hour course has been
developed to provide tribes with an introduction
to the mechanics of radon, examples of how
tribes are addressing radon, and possible funding
opportunities.

^ EPA's ''Learning about Radon - A
Part of Nature''

A brief storybook and tribal outreach material that
illustrates how we can protect ourselves and our
families from naturally occurring radon gas.

CDC's Radon Resources

Includes quick links to information about radon and
drinking water, resources for healthcare providers,
and radon testing data. CDC developed a database
to track radon test results that can produce various
maps showing recent trends in radon testing across
the country.

13


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Radon Resources for Testing and Mitigation

Many states, tribes, and other organizations offer free radon test kits, particularly during the month of
January, which is National Radon Action Month. Search online for existing programs in your area and share
these opportunities with your tribal members where applicable. Otherwise, the following resources may help
support tribal radon testing and mitigation programs.

National Radon Program
Services

From Kansas State University, National Radon
Program Services sells DIY test kits with the price of
shipping and lab analysis included.

^ Tribal Air Monitoring Support
(TAMS) Center

Offers a loaning program for radon testing
equipment. The TAMS center also provides
technical training and other air monitoring
equipment to help tribal air programs.

EPA's Find a Radon Professional

These links can help identify certified radon
professionals to assist with radon testing and/or
mitigation.

Photo courtesy of Daniel Wiggins, Bad River Tribe Radon
Program

For funding resources, see the Funding section of this directory on page 30.

14


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Commercial Tobacco and
Secondhand Smoke

1 in 3 Native American adults use commercial
tobacco, often impacting indoor air quality for non-

smokers.	i

Secondhand smoke exposure poses serious health
threats to children and adults, and there is no safe
level of exposure.

Thank you

for

respecting our
non-smoking
environment.

Tribal governments can implement smoke-free
policies to protect their people from second-hand
smoke.	3

Thirdhand smoke is residue from tobacco smoke that
adheres to dust and surfaces. It has the potential to
present health hazards, especially to children. .

1. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) 2. CDC 3. Mitchell
Hamline School of Law 4. Northrup. Thomas F et al.

Secondhand smoke, classified by EPA as a Group A carcinogen, contains more than 7,000 substances.
Secondhand smoke exposure commonly occurs indoors, particularly in homes and cars. Secondhand smoke
cart move between rooms of a home and between apartment units. Secondhand exposure to cigarettes,
e-cigarettes, cannabis, and meth can cause serious health problems. Opening a window or increasing
ventilation in a home or car is not protective from secondhand smoke.

Resources

. The American Indian
^ Commercial Tobacco Program

A free program to help American Indians quit
smoking which includes coaching and other
resources upon enrollment.

Thirdhandsmoke.org

Presents research, fact sheets, FAQs, and webinars
about thirdhand smoke.

^ National Native Network's
^ ''Keep it Sacred"

Offers technical assistance and culturally relevant
resources. Notably, their Tribal Policy Toolkit
contains many assessment documents, policy
examples, media resources, and more.

15


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Commercial Tobacco and Secondhand
Smoke Resources Continued

Smoke-Free Tribal Housing
Policies

The Campaign for
Tobacco-Free Kids

This Public Health Law Center resource details how
to implement smoke-free policies effectively while
honoring traditional and sacred uses of tobacco.

An advocacy organization that works to reduce to-
bacco use around the world. Their website includes
strategies and factsheets

Keep Tobacco Use Sacred

An e-guide by AASTEC that offers specific policies
and actions that address the community health
risks of tobacco use and secondhand smoke.

CDC Smoke-Free Buildings

Offers statistics in support of creating smoke-
free environments in homes and establishments,
including a webpage dedicated to creating smoke-
free casinos.

^ CDC's American Indian Adult
* Tobacco Survey Manual

Enables tribes and tribal organizations to assess the
knowledge, beliefs, and attitudes of tribal members
with regard to commercial tobacco use.

CDC's Protect our Children and
Traditions Brochure

A tribal resource developed to spread information
and awareness to tribal communities about the
threats of secondhand smoke.

Native Tobacco Project

From the United Indian Health Services, this
website is a good source of information on
secondhand smoke, thirdhand smoke, and smoke-
free buildings.

^ EPA's Secondhand Smoke and
* Smoke-Free Home

Offers information about secondhand smoke,
including health effects, reducing exposure, and
a look at national progress on secondhand smoke
reduction.

^ Financial Benefits of
* Smoke-Free Casinos

An easily distributable video that outlines the
economic incentives to convert casinos to smoke-
free facilities.

^ HUD's Smoke-Free Public
* Housing Resources

Although not specifically developed for tribes,
these resources may be useful when converting
multi-family buildings into smoke-free housing.

^ CDC's Ventilation and
* Secondhand Smoke

This resource clarifies that ventilation, HVAC
systems, and air cleaners do not protect non-
smokers from secondhand smoke.

16


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Additional Resources for E-Cigarettes,
Cannabis and Meth

^ Policy Tools to Address
^ Vaping in Tribal Communities

A webinar that includes basic information
about e-cigarettes (vapes), policy examples, and
additional tools for tribes to address e-cigarette use
in their community.

^ Keep it Sacred E-Cigarette
^ Page

Information from the National Native Network
about e-cigarettes, including fact sheets and
information about usage among Native American
youth.

^ E-Cigarette Use Among Youth
* and Young Adults

A fact page from the Surgeon General about the
health risks and usage trends in youth and young
adults.

^ American Lung Association
* Marijuana Smoke Page

Information about cannabis (marijuana) smoke and
how to protect non-smokers from the potential
health effects of secondhand cannabis smoke.

Policy Highlight

Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes
of the Flathead Reservation Meth Cleanup
Policy. This tribal policy details specific
cleanup standards for meth-contaminated
properties owned by the tribe.

Meth and Indoor Air Quality

From the National Tribal Air Association, this
webinar presents information about how residual
meth impacts health and indoor air quality in tribal
homes, followed remediation strategies and a
presentation about national meth trends in Tribal
lands.

^ Tribal Meth Use and
* Implications for Child Abuse

The Tribal Law and Policy Institute presents
a publication titled: Perceptions of
Methamphetamine Use in Three Western Tribal
Communities: Implications for Child Abuse in Indian
Country. This publication explores the intersection
of the meth epidemic affecting many tribal
communities and child abuse.

17


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JET Home Heating, Ai^k
Cooking, and Energy

Wood smoke contains fine particles that can harm
your heart and lungs.

Carbon monoxide (CO) from certain heating,
cooking, and energy appliances is a serious health
threat.	i

1. Environmental Protection Agency

Some appliances used for home energy, heating and cooking, such as wood stoves, gas stoves, gas furnaces,
and portable generators can generate indoor air pollutants. Generally, appliances that burn fuel (e.g. wood,
gas) can produce fine particle pollution and gases such as carbon monoxide (CO) and nitrogen dioxide (NO2),
Cooking itself can also produce indoor air pollutants.

Carbon Monoxide

Carbon monoxide (CO) is an odorless, colorless, and toxic gas. The
effects of CO exposure can vary greatly from person to person
depending on age, overall health and the concentration and length
of exposure. At low concentrations, CO exposure can cause fatigue
in healthy people and chest pain in people with heart disease. At
higher concentrations, CO exposure can cause impaired vision and
coordination, headaches, dizziness, confusion and nausea. It can
also cause flu-like symptoms that clear up after leaving home. At
moderate concentrations, CO exposure can cause angina, impaired
vision, and reduced brain function. At higher concentrations, CO
exposure can be fatal.

To protect your health and reduce CO exposure, it is important to be
sure combustion equipment is maintained and properly adjusted.
Sources of CO include unvented kerosene and gas heaters, leaking
chimneys and furnaces, wood or gas stoves, generators, automobile
exhaust, etc. Additional ventilation can be used as a temporary
measure when high levels of CO are expected for short periods of time.

lAQTip:

All homes and buildings should
have CO alarms - they save lives.
Install battery-operated CO
detectors near every sleeping
area in your home and check
them regularly to be sure they
are functioning properly.

18


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Carbon Monoxide Resources

EPA's Carbon Monoxide Page

Covers a variety of information including an
overview of carbon monoxide, sources of CO,
health effects at both low and high concentrations,
steps to reduce exposure and measurement
methods.

lAQTip:

Beware of carbon monoxide poisoning
during a power outage! Do not use gas
stoves, charcoal stoves, or ovens for home
heating. Portable generators should be
used outside and 20ft away from buildings.
Find more information about safety during
power outages in the Disaster Response and
Recover section.

^ Johns Hopkins Carbon
Monoxide Poisoning Page

Straight-forward question and answers about CO
poisoning including understanding what causes
carbon monoxide poisoning, its symptoms, and
how it's treated.

CDCs Carbon Monoxide Page

Has several videos and learning tools regarding
carbon monoxide. The CDC also has tools and links
to CO factsheets, FAQ's and information about CO
and boating.

Tribal Air Monitoring Support
(TAMS) Center

Contact the TAMS Center staff who can help
you choose the best equipment option(s) for
your specific needs and answer CO monitoring
questions.

^ EPA's Generator Safety
information

Information and a helpful graphic to help people
use generators safely and avoid carbon monoxide
poisoning and other possible hazards.

Residential Woodsmoke

Wood smoke may smell good, but it's not good for you. The
biggest health threat from wood smoke is from fine particles.
These microscopic particles can get into your eyes and
respiratory system, where they may cause burning eyes, runny
nose, and illnesses, such as bronchitis. Fine particles can make
asthma symptoms worse, trigger heart attacks, stroke and
other conditions, especially in people who are already at risk
for these conditions. To reduce risk, it is important to burn the
right wood, the right way, and in the right appliance.

19


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Residential Woodsmoke Resources

^ EPA's Best Wood-Burning
^ Practices

Includes information on the benefits of burning dry,
seasoned wood, how to store wood, and links to
best burn practices videos.

^ EPA's Installation and
^ Maintenance Page

Facts about the importance of properly sizing and
venting wood-burning appliances, and inspection
by a certified professional chimney/stove inspector.

^ EPA's Wood Burning Resources
^ for Air Programs

Resources for state, local and tribal air agency
partners to facilitate the wiser use of burning
wood, including guides, sample regulations, and
tribal case studies.

Tribal Healthy Homes
Network Woodsmoke Page

Includes presentations, webinars, public service
announcements, and other resources about wood
smoke and creating healthy communities.

^ Navaio Nation Wood Stove
Changeout Program

A PowerPoint presentation that outlines the Navajo
Nation's Wood Stove Changeout Program that
details the challenges, implementation strategies,
and benefits of their program. They also created
an outreach video to teach proper use and
maintenance of wood stoves.

EPA's Burn Wise Program
Education Tools

Includes links to free educational tools (e.g., Tribal
Wet Wood is a Waste brochure) to help tribal
members burn wood more efficiently and safely.

NTAA Wood Smoke Webpage

Includes a 3-part webinar series on wood stove
health impacts and changeout programs in
tribal communities. There is also a wood smoke
workgroup that anyone can join.

Nez Perce Wood Stove
Changeout Program Report

A report of the Nez Perce Reservation's wood
stove changeout program that highlights how
the program was conducted, the challenges
of implementation, and lessons learned. They
also published a paper in Science of the Total
Environment.

For more healthy homes resources, see the Healthy Homes. Schools, and Buildings section of this
directory on page 4.

20


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Disaster Preparedness &
Mitigation

Since the year 2000, 286 disasters have been
declared by tribal nations.	1

As of 2015, only 117 out of 566 federally recognized
tribes had a FEMA-approved disaster mitigation plan
in effect.	?

Good preparations today can decrease fear, reduce
losses and speed recovery in a time of disaster or
emergency.	3

Is your Tribe Ready?

Prepare For Emergencies in Tribal Nations.

Bedrock Fire on Nez Perce Reservation. Photo	i. Federal Emergency Management Agency 2. Lucv Carter 3. Readv.gov

courtesy of the Nez Perce Tribe

Preparation and response to weather-related and man-made emergencies is particularly important when it
comes to indoor environments, since humans spend most of their time indoors, and rely on indoor spaces for
shelter.

Resources

^ Emergency Preparedness
^ Handbook for Tribes

A resource to help tribes develop and implement
an emergency preparedness plan for responding to
natural and man-made disasters if and when they
occur.

Tribal Climate Change Guide

From the University of Oregon, this guide hosts
tribal funding opportunities, resources, and
examples of climate adaptation plans.

FEMA Tribal Affairs

FEMA's tribal website that includes more
information and links to FEMA tribal consultation

information, and Policies, disaster declarations and
guidance and mitigation information.

^ EPA's Emergencies and IAQ

Learn about how to prepare indoor environments
for emergencies and disasters to protect healthy
IAQ. This page includes information on power
outages and portable generators, flood cleanup,
and how to create a clean room indoors during
wildfires.

21


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Disaster Preparedness & Mitigation
Resources Continued

^ National Tribal Emergency
Management Council

The NTEMC website has a variety of resources,
including real examples of emergency plans and
assistance requests.

EPA's Tribal Resilience Webinar

Introduces the Tribal Climate Adaptation
Guidebook and highlights the experiences of two
practitioners advancing climate adaptation and
resilience within their tribes.

^ Barriers to Tribal Mitigation
^ Planning

An article about the impact of natural disasters and
vulnerabilities unique to tribes.

^ Are You Ready? Guide

A guide for a general audience with information
about how to prepare and plan for different
disasters. There is also general information about
recovery.

AIR QUALITY INDEX

NIMIIPUUTIMTKI

0-50

ta'c heesn'es

xexus

51-100

naako' ta'c

maqsmaqs

101-150

ayyi'c koomayni's'ayn

mimqas

151-200

weet'u ta'c

'ilp'ilp

201-300

q'o' weet'u ta'c

ciicyele

301-500

ayyi'snix 'oykaloo'ayn

luceelucel

QIITINKIN'IX'IMAAHINAQ'I

GET YOURSELF READY FOR THE SMOKE

LEARN MORE AT airnow.gov

Air Quality Index translated to nimipuutimt. Image
courtesy of the Nez Perce Tribe,

EPA's Air Quality Flag Program

This program raises public awareness about
outdoor air quality. AQFP partners 'raise a flag' (a
color matching EPA's Air Quality Index) to inform
their communities about current air quality. The
program includes readily available outreach,
activities, and lesson plans.

. FEMA's Mitigation for
* Homeowners Fact Sheet

Mitigation reduces a property's risk to future
events and allows residents to return home more
quickly, with less damage, after an event. This fact
sheet contains useful mitigation information for
homeowners.

^ ITEP Tribes and Climate
Change Program

From the Institute for Tribal Environmental
Professionals, the Climate Change Program has
videos, webinars, and information about ongoing
projects. They also have a dedicated Adaptation

Planning Toolkit for tribal use.

Did you know EPA's AirNow website and the AirNow Mobile Add provide an easy way to check for
current and forecast air quality information in your area? Check it out to plan your daily activities
and protect your health.

22


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Disaster Response &
Recovery

20% of Native Americans live in areas prone to
wildfires.

Floods are the #1 natural disaster in the U.S.

58% of power outages are caused by severe
weather.

As climate change continues, weather disasters
will become more frequent, more severe, and
more costly.

1. Davies IP. Haueo RD. Robertson JC. Levin PS (2018 2. FEMA 3. DOE
4. Climate.gov

Wildfire Resources

During a wildfire, smoke can make the outdoor air unhealthy to breathe. Local officials may advise the local
area to stay indoors during a smoke event. Smoke from outdoors can enter homes and other buildings and
make it unhealthy to breathe indoor air, too. Smoke is made up of a complex mixture of gases and fine
particles produced when wood and other organic materials burn. The biggest health threat from smoke is
from fine particles. These microscopic particles can get into eyes and respiratory systems - whether outdoors
or indoors - where they can cause health problems such as burning eyes, runny nose, and illnesses such as
bronchitis. Fine particles also can aggravate chronic heart and lung diseases - and even are linked to premature
deaths in people with these conditions.

> Wildfire Smoke: A Guide for
^ Public Health Officials

Guidance document and accompanying factsheets
from AirNow designed to help local public health
officials prepare for smoke events, protect the
public when smoke is present, and communicate
with the public about wildfire smoke and health.
See the post-publication updates for information
about wildfire smoke and COVID-19.

. ASHRAE Framework for
* Buildings and Smoke Events

Provides recommended HVACand building
measures to minimize occupant exposures to
smoke during smoke events, with an emphasis
on commercial, school, multi-unit residential,
and similar buildings. Includes considerations for
reducing transmission of SARS-CoV-2.

23


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Wildfire Resources Continued

EPA's Wildfires and IAQ Page

Advice for the general public about preparing
for smoke events and promoting healthy indoor
environments during and after wildfires.

^ EPA's Clean Room Guidance

Information on how to create a "clean room" at
home to protect indoor air quality during a wildfire,
including a how-to video.

^ CDC's Wildfire Smoke and
* COVID-19

CDC's webpage with compiled tips and resources
about wildfire smoke and COVID-19, including
actions you can take to prepare for wildfires, and
how to tell the difference between symptoms of
smoke exposure and COVID-19.

EPA's Air Sensor Toolbox

This toolbox provides information about air
sensors, including sensor evaluation, performance
and use, and answers to FAQs about air sensors.
Check out the Smoke Sense study and mobile
app. and the archive of webinars on low-cost air
sensors. For information about the indoor use of
sensors, see the EPA's Wildfire ASPIRE study, which
partnered with the Hoopa Valley Tribe.

^ EPA's Smoke-Readv Toolbox
^ for Wildfires

Resources to help educate people about the risks
of smoke exposure and actions they can take to
protect their health.

Tribal Housing Authority offers DIY air filter supplies.
Photo courtesy of the Nez Perce Tribe.

DIY Box Fan Filter

The Colville Tribes Air Quality Program presents a
low-cost method to create an air filtration system
when commercial air cleaners are not available or
accessible. See also their instructional video. While
DIY box fan filters are useful in a pinch, remember
that HEPA filtration and dedicated air cleaners are a
more reliable choice.

. Community Air Monitor
* Network Guidebook

A guidebook from Tracking California for creating
a community air monitor network to understand
air quality and make sound decisions. Having a
program like this would be particularly useful to
monitor air quality during smoke events and make
informed recommendations.

^ Air Quality Sensor
* Performance Evaluation

A collection of evaluations about the actual
performance of commercially available "low-cost"
air quality sensors.

24


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Flood Resources

Flood water can make the air in flooded homes unhealthy. This is because when things remain wet for more
than two days, they usually get moldy. Inhaling mold can cause adverse health effects, including allergic
reactions. Mold also can damage materials in the home. In addition, flood water may contain microorganisms,
such as bacteria, or chemicals which may affect human health.

^ EPA's Resources for Flood
Cleanup and IAQ

This page hosts a variety of general and technical
guides and webinars for flood cleanup.

CDC's Flood Resources

Resources for community members about
preparing for flooding and staying safe during and
after flood disasters.

^ EPA's Flooded Homes Cleanup
* Guidance

This website features short videos that provide
steps and guidance on how to safely clean up your
home and recover from a flood. You can also search
for answers to many of your important questions
about flooded homes using the webpage's search
bar and frequently asked questions.

FEMA's Repairing Your
Flooded Home

Readv.gov Flood Page

Advice for community members about how to
prepare for flooding and what to do during and
after flooding disasters take place.

A Field Guide for Flooded

Home Cleanup

The National Center For Healthy Housing presents a
do-it-yourself guide on how to safely clean up your
home after a flood.

Developed by FEMA and the American Red Cross,
this guide gives step-by-step advice you can use to
clean up, rebuild, and get help after a flood.

^ EPA's Flood Cleanup Picture
* Book Resource

^ FEMA's Initial Restoration for
* Flooded Buildings

Written in response to Hurricane Katrina, FEMA
presents a concise guide of actions to take
following flood emergencies.

A story-book style flood cleanup information
resource. This resource is filled with illustrations
and makes great outreach material.

Did you know that cleaning up and drying out your home within 24-48 hours after a flood can
prevent mold growth? Mold needs moisture to grow. See the Mold and Moisture section for more
general resources related to mold and moisture.

25


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Power Outage Resources

Power outages that last longer than a few hours can have negative impacts on indoor environments.

Carbon monoxide (CO) resulting from the improper use of portable generators is one of the most significant
threats following a power outage. At elevated levels, CO can quickly cause significant harm and even death.
Additionally, the lack of climate control and reduced ventilation and filtration of indoor air can also contribute
to loss of thermal control, increased levels of indoor pollutants, and adverse indoor conditions and health
impacts.

^ EPA's Power Outages arid indoor
^ Air Quality

Emergency information for power outages that
includes information on carbon monoxide, and
ways to maintain safe conditions indoors during
power outages.

CDC's Power Outage Page

Safety tips to help prepare for and cope with
sudden loss of power. This page also includes
power outage information for worker safety and
healthcare facilities.

Readv.gov Power Outages

Tips for how families can prepare for power
outages and stay safe when they occur.

Where to Safely Use a Fuel-Powered Portable Generator	&EPA

26


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During a power outage, the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning may increase as people turn to
alternative sources of heat and energy. Never use a generator, camping stove, charcoal grill, or
lantern inside your home or garage, even if doors and windows are open, and never leave an
automobile running inside of a garage. More information about carbon monoxide risk reduction can
be found in the Home Heating. Cooking, and Energy section.

General Disaster Resources

HUD's Rebuild Healthy Homes

This guide was developed to help homeowners,
volunteers and other workers to restore damaged
homes in a way that puts people first. It includes
how-to methods, tips and improvement ideas for
safe restoration that result in not just a livable
dwelling, but a healthy home that offers even more
than before.

^ FEMA's Disaster Rebuilding
^ Tips for Less than $50

A list of twelve inexpensive tips for disaster
mitigation that make homes more resilient to
future disasters.

EPA's Natural Disasters Pages

These webpages include information about
different kinds of natural disasters including
information about how to prepare and respond.

^ CDC's Natural Disasters and
^ Severe Weather Page

Hosts information on a variety of disaster types
as well as specialized information for various
audiences, including coping resources for different
age groups.

^ The Red Guide to Tribal

^ Community Disaster Recovery

Contains links to more tribal disaster resources,
including outreach videos and relevant tribal
organizations.

27


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COVID-19 and Other
Pathogens

Compared to non-Hispanic whites, Native
Americans and Alaska Natives are 1.8x more
likely to contract COVID-19 and 4x more likely to
be hospitalized,	1

To help keep their communities safe from
disease spread, many tribes offer:

•	COVID-19 testing

•	Contact tracing

•	Virtual medical visits

•	Educational resources

•	COVID-19 care kits

•	Financial assistance

•	Vaccine distribution

•	Distance learning tools

1. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

Layered risk reduction is a strategy in which individuals and leaders take many simultaneous actions to reduce
the risk of COVID-19 transmission. Actions that individuals can take include getting vaccinated, wearing masks,
social distancing, washing their hands often, covering coughs and sneezes, ventilating and filtering indoor air,
and cleaning and/or disinfecting frequently touched surfaces. These actions can also help reduce risk from
other diseases such as the flu, which American Indians and Alaska Natives are at higher risk of developing
serious complications from. People should monitor their health for symptoms of COVID-19 and stay home if
showing signs of illness. Learn more at the CDC's COVID-19 site How to Protect Yourself and Others.

Resources

^ CDC COVID-19 Gulde"nes for
^ Tribal Communities

Features a variety of guides for tribal members
to stay safe during this pandemic, including
information for multi-generational housing,
considerations for ceremonies and gatherings,
mental health resources, and more. They also have
guidance on how CDC can support or partner with
tribes to combat COVID-19.

^ EPA's Indoor Air & Coronavirus
Website

Many topics are covered, such as:

•	indoor Air in Homes and Coronavirus

•	Ventilation and Coronavirus

•	Air Cleaners. HVAC Filters and Coronavirus

•	Additional Measures to Address COV'ID	19

in Public Indoor Spaces

28


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COVID-19 Resources Continued

^ EPA/CDC Guidance for
^ Cleaning and Disinfecting

A 2-page decision making tool for when and how
cleaning and/or disinfecting are needed in different
spaces.

Navaio COVID-19 Webpage

An example of a tribal health department website
that offers an abundance of useful and accessible
information to the public, including a resource
page designed to help tribal members during this
pandemic.

^ Indian Health Services COVID-19
^ Website

A website dedicated to providing relevant
information to tribes about COVID-19. Includes
data about cases and mortality in Indian country,
FAQs for federal response to tribes, vaccine
information, and more.

Navaio Nation Reopening Plan

Navajo Nation's Reopening Plan for non-
governmental entities like businesses as well as
a Safe Schools Framework to follow during the
COVID-19 pandemic.

^ EPA's List N: Disinfectants for
^ Coronavirus (COVID-19)

A tool to help users identify disinfectants that EPA
expects to kill coronaviruses with proper use. This
page also links to Six Steps for Safe and Effective
Disinfectant Use.

Coronavirus.gov

A central hub for coronavirus information, such as
where to get tested, local data, and how to stay
safe.

. NTAA COVID-19 &IAQ
* Webinars

Scroll to the bottom of this webpage to a find a
3-part webinar series by the National Tribal Air
Association and collaborators. These webinars
contain a variety of presentations about COVID-19
for tribes.

. ASHRAE's Coronavirus Resources
^ Page

The American Society of Heating, Refrigerating
and Air-Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE) offers
guidance for a variety of types of buildings and
their specific equipment, from schools, to dining
facilities, to laboratory and manufacturing settings,
as well as a variety of residential facilities that
can be directly applied by building managers and
maintenance staff.

29


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Funding

State and Tribal Indoor
Radon Grants (SIRG) Program

Multiple funding sources will likely be needed to
meet indoor air needs.

10. Whom should I contact for indoor
radon grant assistance in my region?

Region I.Boston:CT,MA.ME,NH.Rl.VT
Region 2. New York: NJ, NY. PR USV1
Region 3. Philadelphia: DC. DE, MD. PA, VA, WV
Region 4. Atlanta: AL, FL. GA, KY. MS, NC SC,TN
Region 5. Chicago: IL, IN, Ml, MN, OH, Wl
Region 6. Dallas: AR, LA NM, OK, TX
Region 7. Kansas Citv: IA, KS, MO, NE
Region 8. Denver:CO, MT, ND, SD. UT, WY
Region 9, San Francisco: AZ, cA nv
Region 10. Seattle: AKr ID, Oft, WA,Tribal Nations

Highlight from the SIRG Factsheet.

Example of a S
Project

Bad River Tribe

The Bad River Tribal
funded primarily by
included within the
streamlines grant m
have multiple EPA g
workplan.

The Bad River Tribal
SIRG funding to imp
program that provic
to the tribe.To main
tribe employs an air
education and certil
and mitigation. It al;

Collaboration between departments is often
necessary or advantageous when applying for or
managing grant funds.

EPA's Tribal-Air-Specific Grants can be used for
indoor air work, with about $12 million available
nationally through CAA 103/105.

Reach out to your EPA Regional Tribal Air
Coordinator to get started.

Resources

Tribal Indoor Air Funding
Directory

TRIBAL | INDOOR AIR
FUNDING DIRECTORY

an initiative of the Tribal Healthy Homes Network

An interactive funding database hosted by the Tribal Healthy Homes Network that allows
tribes to search for grants from a variety of different agencies. This resource is updated
frequently to include new grant opportunities as they become available.

^ EPA's Grant Management
Training

An online training course designed to introduce
EPA grant applicants and recipients to key aspects
of the entire grant life cycle, from preparation of an
application to grant closeout.

^ EPA Grants for Air Quality:
* GAP. CAA Sec.103 and 105

Information about EPA grants for air quality
improvement and/or maintenance of work are
found here. Grant Eligible activities and activities
not eligible, match requirements under the CAA.

30


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Funding Resources Continued

^ EPA Indian Environmental
General Assistance Program

Offers funding for federally recognized tribes
and inter-tribal consortia seeking to address
environmental issues, including air quality. EPA
Region 10 developed work plan templates for Air
Quality-Related GAP Work, which applicants may
find useful when developing their own work plans
for GAP.

^ State and Tribal Indoor
^ Radon Grant (SIRG) Program

States and tribes may apply to receive grant funds
from EPA to help support a radon risk reduction
program. For more information, consult the "State
and Tribal Indoor Radon Grants (SIRG) Program
Factsheet for Tribes."

EPA Grant Programs and
Other Funding Opportunities

EPA's grant programs include multipurpose grants,
fellowships for students, and grants for topics
such as environmental education, brownfields,
environmental justice, pollution prevention, and
more.

^ Low-Income Home Energy
~ Assistance Program (LIHEAP)

The LIHEAP statute allows Indian tribes and tribal
organizations that wish to assist low-income
households in meeting the costs of home energy to
apply for a LIHEAP block grant.

Air Funding Grants:

CAA 103 grants support short term projects
aimed at investigating the causes, effects,
extent, prevention, and control of air
pollution.

CAA 105 grants support programs for
prevention and control of air pollution or
implementation of national primary and
secondary ambient air quality standards.
The Menu of Options resource below gives
examples of possible tribal air projects.

^ EPA's Menu of Options: Ideas
^ for Tribal Air Projects

A menu of options for developing tribal air grant
work plans and managing grants for environmental
results. EPA Tribal Clean Air Act (CAA) grants can
be used for a range of air quality work, including
indoor air efforts such as providing IAQ training for
various audiences, conducting indoor environment
assessments, and incorporating indoor air
improvements into construction and renovation
planning.

Grants.gov

A simple and fast way to find open grants. Here,
you can search for a grant, get technical assistance
and writing tips, and apply for grants all in one
place.

31


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Helpful IAQ Contacts

Tribal IAQ Programs can be strengthened and supported by the organizations listed in this sections. Click
around and reach out to learn more!

EPA's Regional Tribal Air
Coordinators

[Hff

?









Guam

e

Trust Territories



American Samoa



Northern Mariana

Islands





-i?

Find your regional tribal air coordinator here. They
can guide you through EPA funding processes and
offer programmatic guidance.

^ EPA Tribal Air and Climate
Resources

The website provides tribal regulatory resources,
policy and planning, climate and energy resources,
and Tribal air quality analysis.

Tribal Healthy Homes Network

The Tribal Healthy Homes Network promotes
healthy tribal homes, families and communities,
by bridging tribes with one another, and by serving
as a clearinghouse for technical support, program
guidance, resources, and funding.

^ EPA's Regional and State IAQ
^ Contacts

Find regional and state indoor air quality contacts
on this regularly updated webpage. These contacts
may be able to connect you to existing local
programs and resources.

^ Institute for Tribal
^ Environmental Professionals

Based out of Northern Arizona University. ITEP
provides information regarding environmental and
natural resource management through culturally
relevant education, research, partnerships and
policy-based services.

^ EPA's Indoor Environments
^ Division

Provides resources and develops national programs
and recommendations on indoor air quality.

^ Housing and Urban
^ Development (HUD)

The Office of Native American Programs provides
COVID-19 recovery program, Indian Housing and
Community Development Block Grants, Urban
Development-Veterans Affairs Supportive Housing,
Section 184 Home Loan Guarantee, etc. These
programs benefit American Indian and Alaska
Native tribal governments, Native Hawaiians, and
other Native American organizations.

32


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Helpful IAQ Contacts Continued

Indian Health Service (IHS)

IHS provides federal health services to American
Indians and Alaska Natives. The provision of health
services to members of federally-recognized tribes
is based on the special government-to-government
relationship between the federal government and
Indian tribes.

^ Centers for Disease Control
~ and Prevention (CDC)

CDC has a dedicated website on working with
federally recognized tribes and Indian organizations
that focus on public health. The website also
contains information on COVID-19 for the general
public (i.e. vaccines, guidance, and updates).

Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA)

The BIA provides a wide range of services for
American Indians and Alaska Natives. Services
include website for COVID-19 information and
updates, housing improvement, disaster relief,
replacement and repair of schools, repair and
maintenance of roads and bridges, etc.

33


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Alaska Resources^^k
Addendum

Contacts and Programs in Alaska

50% of houses in Alaska are relatively
airtight and lack mechanical ventilation. 1

Alaskan infants, in select regions, are
hospitalized with lower respiratory tract
infections at 10-15 times the rates for
US infants. Medical transport is often
required for treatment.	3

Construction in rural Alaska is challenging
and costly due to extreme weather and
remoteness - most villages are only
accessible by boat or plane.	2

56% of houses in Alaska have a
moderately higher risk of moisture and
indoor air quality issues, with some
regions of Alaska reaching as high as
69% higher risk.

Alaska Tribes are adapting to IAQ climate
change impacts - navigating erosion,
increased flooding, and wildfire smoke.
Some villages are physically moving
housing to safer locations.	5

1. 2018 Alaska Housing Assessment 3. Foote EM. Singleton RJ.
Holman RC (2015) 5. EPA

Building designs are diverse in Alaska;
homes in permafrost regions are typically
built off the ground on pilings.	6

2. USDA 4. 2018 Alaska Housing Assessment 6. Alaska Public
Lands Information Centers

^ NTAA Alaska Workgroup

Get engaged with other Alaska Tribes working on
air issues! Join the National Tribal Air Association's
Alaska Workgroup by sending an email to Andy
Bessler. This group is officially hosted by the
National Tribal Air Association (NTAA) and its
elected Alaska representatives.

Alaska Housing Finance
Corporation Weatherization
Assistance Program

Learn about resources for weatherization and
indoor air quality in homes. Find resources on a
range of IAQ topics.

Alaska Native Tribal Health
^ Consortium: Air Quality &

Healthy Homes Programs

Get direct technical assistance on air quality issues,
borrow equipment, get help with workplans and
QAPPs and learn about funding to carry out air
quality projects in rural communities.

Alaska Dept of Health and Social
Services. Environmental Public
Health Program

Contact staff who have expertise in Alaska-specific
toxicology and environmental health sciences.

34


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Contacts and Programs in Alaska

Continued

^ Regional Tribal Health
* Organizations

Regional tribal health organizations typically have
trained environmental health professionals who
can provide assistance on lAQand healthy homes
issues, among other environmental health needs.
Reach out to the closest tribal health organization
and ask for the environmental health program/staff.

Alaska Department of

Environ mental Conservation Air

Program

Connect with air quality staff on outdoor air topics
that can impact indoor air - e.g. road dust, solid
waste burning, residential woodsmoke

. Cold Climate Housing Research
^ Center (CCHRC)

Connect with experts in all things building science,
sustainability, indoor air, ventilation, filtration,
and home heating. CCHRC is often a partner on
research or other community building projects and
has resources specific to cold climates, including
a Healthy Homes Poster that features Alaskan
artwork and home design.

View of the Native village of Ninilchik on Cook Inlet, Alaska.

. University of Alaska Fairbanks
* Cooperative Extension Program

Connect with professional educators and experts in
radon, healthy homes, and indoor air quality.

ff Zender Environmental Health
and Research Group

Find fact sheets on a range of topics, training
for quality assurance work, and resources on
conducting outreach and education, e.g. social
media.

Indoor Air Tools Specific to Alaska

I:-PA's Alaska Tribal Air Toolkit

The Toolkit includes fact sheets and videos with
information on rural diesel emissions, indoor air
quality, road dust, solid waste burning, and wood
smoke.

EPA's IGAP Workplan Templates

Air Quality GAP Sample Workplan Templates include
ideas for workplan activities that address air quality
issues.

35


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Indoor Air Tools Specific to Alaska

Continued

^ Alaska Native Tribal Health

Consortium (ANTHC) Resources

ANTHC has a community health program with
newsletter articles, fact sheets, flyers, and youth
resources designed for Alaska communities. Their

Healthy Homes and Air Quality Program includes
community air assessment tools, checklists for

home and school assessments, tip sheets, and
presentations.

Child biking in the Native village of Old Harbor, Alaska.

Image Courtesy of Erin McTigue

^ ITEP's Building Performance:
Improving IAQ in Cold Climates
Training

A free cold climate focused Building Science
Training from the Institute for Tribal Environmental
Professionals.

Let's Clear the Air Video Series
^ from Aleknagik Traditional
Council and Partners

Aleknagik Traditional Council worked with ANTHC
and partners to create these educational videos on
topics including:

•	How to Take Care of your Heat Recovery
Ventilation (HRV)

•	Protect Yourself from Wildfire Smoke

•	Simple Steps to a Healthier Home

36


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