Every building has an air exchange with the outdoors. Leaks, open windows, and weather can all impact how much air gets in. As outdoor air makes its way in, it carries particles with it. This pollution can have an enormous impact on health.
ROCIS (Reducing Outdoor Contaminants in Indoor Spaces) is dedicated to monitoring and improving indoor air quality in the homes and workplaces where people spend their time.
ROCIS Mission
Our mission is to reduce the impact of exterior environmental pollution in southwestern Pennsylvania to create healthy and energy efficient indoor environments.
Our Work
Find out more about what we’ve been doing related to air quality, particle pollution, monitoring, in-home solutions, and more.
Filter Forensics: Beyond Counting Particles
ROCIS is collaborating with University of Pittsburgh’s Nesta Bortey-Sam, Ph.D., and doctoral candidate Abdul Alobireed at the School of Public Health on a project to analyze the contents of dirty air filters, used in furnaces, central air conditioners, portable air...
Simple IAQ Interventions with Big Results
Because most modern air pollution (at least in southwestern Pennsylvania) is so small that it’s more or less invisible, it can be easy to ignore. That’s part of why we run the Low Cost Monitoring Project. Not only do we loan low cost air monitors to our LCMP...
ROCIS Pays Tribute to Don Fugler
After nearly a decade at ROCIS, Don Fugler is heading into a well-earned retirement. Don Fugler was a part of ROCIS before there was a ROCIS. When Don set out to assess the existing knowledge about reducing exposure to exterior pollutants, what he found was crucial in...
ROCIS Blog
Read more about our work at the ROCIS Blog:
ROCIS Highlights
ROCIS approaches indoor air quality from many different angles.
These are some of the things we’re best known for.
About Kitchen Range Hoods
Check out this ROCIS issue brief on “Ducted Range Hoods.” Learn best practices for selecting, installing, and operating a quiet and effective hood in both new and existing homes. Consumers and building professionals will find this document useful. If you want to provide better air for your family, it is well worth reading!
Low Cost Monitoring Project
Join our free Low Cost Monitoring Project (LCMP) to gather data about the air in your home, school, or workplace and test out interventions to reduce pollution exposure. Each month-long cohort provides both indoor/outdoor air quality monitors and expert guidance from the ROCIS team. You could be part of our next cohort!
Clean Air Chronicles
Participants in our Low Cost Monitoring Project witness firsthand how outdoor air quality impacts the air inside. As part of our program, they learn what can be done to improve the air in their homes. These short videos capture a few families’ experiences with low-cost monitoring and targeted interventions. Watch their stories and explore other resources related to indoor pollution exposure.