Breathing high-quality indoor air is vital for good health. Poor indoor air quality can lead to a number of symptoms including irritation of the eyes, nose and throat, fatigue, and respiratory illnesses.
The use of sustainable materials during building construction and maintenance has a direct impact on the IAQ of buildings. Low-emission building materials, smart ventilation design and energy efficiency are key to improving IAQ.
VOCs
Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) are chemical substances that vaporize easily in the atmosphere. They are emitted by many building materials, and are known to contribute to poor indoor air quality. They can cause a variety of symptoms, including eye and nose irritation, dry cough, headaches, chills, dizziness, and nausea. Long-term exposure to VOCs may lead to liver and kidney damage. Fortunately, there are many ways to reduce your exposure to VOCs.
VOCs are found in a wide range of products, from wood-based products to paints and carpeting. Most VOCs are emitted from wet products, such as paints and adhesives. They are also released from pressed wood products, formaldehyde-based wood composites, furniture, and paneling. The largest concentration of VOCs is usually in the first few days or weeks after application, and then decreases rapidly.
There are two types of VOCs: those that affect photochemical oxidation and those that do not. The former include formaldehyde, acetaldehyde, and phenol, while the latter include benzene, toluene, and xylene, which are present in thousands of different products. These chemicals are found in paints, varnishes, glues, and many other products. They are also found in petroleum fuels, hydraulic fluids, and cleaning solutions. They can be found in the air at up to 10 times higher levels inside homes than outside. The good news is that low-VOC paints, varnishes, and adhesives can help to reduce VOC levels.
Formaldehyde
Formaldehyde is a colorless gas and one of the most common air pollutants in indoor spaces. It is a preservative that is released by some building materials, including wood products like plywood and particle board, and some paints and cleaning products. It can also be released from the combustion of fuel in open fireplaces and unvented gas or kerosene heaters.
Formaldehyde levels are higher in new and furnished homes, especially if the furniture and building materials are made of pressed wood. It is also released when cigarette smoke and other volatile organic compounds are smoked or burned. Exposure to formaldehyde can cause irritation to the eyes, nose and throat. It can also trigger asthma and respiratory problems in people with sensitive lungs. High exposure can even cause nasopharyngeal cancer.
To lower your exposure to formaldehyde, choose low-emitting building products when remodeling or renovating. Choose pressed wood products that use phenol rather than urea resins. Ventilate your home by opening windows and using fans to bring in fresh air. Be sure to use a dehumidifier to reduce the humidity in your home. Avoid bringing in pressed wood or other products that release chemical fumes and paints, polishes, solvents or cleaners. These products will usually emit the highest concentrations of chemicals when they are brand new, so be sure to “air them out” for a few days before bringing them inside.
Biodegradable materials
Most people spend a large portion of their lives indoors, where air pollutants can negatively impact their health. These contaminants can come from a variety of sources, including building materials, chemicals and natural elements such as radon that may seep in through the ground. Poor indoor air quality is one of the leading causes of death, affecting many people worldwide every year.
The good news is that eco-friendly construction materials are addressing this problem and helping to make the world a healthier place. These innovative materials are made from biodegradable ingredients, which help reduce greenhouse gas emissions, waste production, and energy consumption. They also offer a wide range of other benefits, such as improved IAQ and enhanced performance and sustainability.
Traditional construction materials leave a significant environmental footprint throughout their entire lifecycle. For example, concrete and steel create substantial amounts of carbon dioxide during the production process and contribute to deforestation and habitat destruction. Biodegradable building materials, on the other hand, significantly cut down on carbon emissions and help to preserve natural resources.
However, it is important to note that not all products labeled as “biodegradable” or “compostable” actually break down into their constituent organic parts in a real-world compost pile. In addition, some of these products may release gases such as methane that can contribute to global warming if they are placed in landfills.
Energy efficiency
Energy efficiency measures reduce emissions and premature mortality but often impact indoor air quality (IAQ). To mitigate this, building owners should choose low or zero VOC materials to decrease pollutants in buildings. Moreover, they should focus on energy efficient windows and insulation to minimize heat transfer. This can help reduce air conditioning and heating consumption, which will save on energy costs and improve IAQ.
Indoor air pollution is caused by a variety of sources, including chemicals from paints and varnishes, volatile organic compounds emitted from building materials, furniture and household products, and irritants like formaldehyde, which can be released from construction or remodeling work. Exposure to these contaminants can lead to health issues such as coughing, sneezing, headaches, asthma, and even lung cancer.
Most of these pollutants can be prevented by improving IAQ and installing air filters. However, many of these pollutants are also related to high energy consumption in buildings, which is why it is important to find the right balance between energy efficiency and IAQ.
Energy-efficient solutions such as insulation, energy-efficient lighting, and air sealing and insulation help to reduce ventilation rates, which in turn improves IAQ. Moreover, these measures also reduce energy consumption, which will result in lower energy bills and long-term cost savings. Additionally, these measures help to maintain a comfortable indoor environment and improve occupant well-being by reducing the risk of respiratory diseases and allergies.