What Is Indoor Air Quality Enforcement?
Chapter 3 of the Montgomery County Code is the Air Quality Control Ordinance. The ordinance authorizes DEP to protect ambient (outdoor) air quality and indoor air quality in the County. It prohibits air pollution from crossing property lines or leaseholds.
Indoor air pollutants include dust, odor, smoke, gas, radon, asbestos, and biological substances like viruses, bacteria, fungi, and molds.
What Kinds of Indoor Air Quality Problems Are Covered by the Air Quality Ordinance?
Common indoor air quality complaints include:
- Odors crossing a residential property line (wall) or leasehold
- Odors from commercial activities crossing a shared wall
- Some cases of mold growth resulting from water damage.
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What Is Excluded from the Ordinance?
Certain indoor air situations are specifically excluded from the Air Quality Ordinance:
- Residential use of personal hygiene products
- Smoking in private homes
- Residential cooking odors
Register an Indoor Air Quality Complaint
Report indoor air quality violations, call 311, or email DEP at askdep@montgomerycountymd.gov.
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