According to the New Jersey Department of Health, indoor air pollution became an issue in the 1970s as the result of an energy crisis. Builders of residential and commercial buildings began to put up structures that had tight seals against fresh air entering the building, including windows that did not open and heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) systems that circulated interior air repeatedly, increasing the pollution load inside the home or building.
People in tightly constructed homes and buildings started showing symptoms of respiratory distress, rashes, fatigue and illness. As the medical community evaluated their symptoms, researchers came forward to suggest that the cause of the malaise might be the air and the chemicals contained in the products from which the homes and buildings were constructed.
The field of air quality management (AQM) for building and home interiors has grown and professionally certified air quality inspectors consult with individual families and builders to help remove sources of indoor air pollution. A number of schools have on-site and online classes that people can pursue to earn a certification or license as a indoor air quality specialist.
The Indoor Air Quality Association is a non-profit association that provides educational programs, along with the National Environmental Health Association (NEHA). The topics cover mold, microbial and chemical indoor air pollutants and teaches students how to clean the homes and buildings to make them safer for occupants. Although each student learns at a different pace, most educational programs that teach indoor air quality take approximately 32 hours to complete.
The classes provide the knowledge that students need to qualify for the Certified Indoor Air Quality Manager (CIAQM) designation and as an Indoor Air Quality (IAQ) specialist. In addition to indoor air certification, the National Organization of Remediators and Mold Inspectors (NORMI) certifies specialists who work with mold, among the most serious indoor air pollutants. These associations have national non-profit status. Some states require licensing of mold specialists.