Building a sustainable home starts with selecting low-emission construction materials. By implementing ventilation systems, utilizing plant-based materials and biophilic design, managing moisture effectively, minimizing chemical contaminants and using air quality monitors, we can create indoor environments that promote health and wellness for the occupants.
Research has indicated that a variety of different pollutants can impact human health. These include chemical compounds from a range of sources including synthetic products, furnishings and personal care items.
Materials
Many building materials, paints and furnishings give off chemical fumes that can be harmful to human health. These contaminants may be volatile organic compounds (VOCs), semi-volatile organic compounds (SVOCs) or particulate substances that act as eye and throat irritants. Many of these pollutants are released into the air when the material is being used or as it ages. In addition, energy-saving building practices are often associated with reduced ventilation rates which can increase the amount of chemical fumes being emitted into indoor spaces.
Some of the most common building materials that release VOCs include pressed wood products such as plywood, MDF and furniture, paints, solvents, glues, polishes, carpeting and cleaning agents. The chemicals released by these products can be toxic to the human body and cause health problems ranging from irritation of the eyes, nose and throat to more serious issues like liver or kidney damage and cancer.
With this in mind, there are many eco-friendly construction products being used as alternatives to conventional materials. These green alternatives have been shown to be less harmful to human health and provide a number of benefits such as being hygroscopic, helping to regulate indoor humidity levels which can prevent respiratory illness, acting as filters and adsorbents, and providing a positive impact on IAQ by reducing VOC emissions. The hygroscopic properties of some materials, such as clay plasters, also help to reduce the buildup of ozone and aldehydes in indoor environments.
Finishes
Many traditional building materials emit organic vapors that impact indoor air quality. These vapors can cause irritation and discomfort in the nose, eyes, throat, and lungs. Common vapors include solvents and fuels, paints and strippers, hobby supplies, cleaning products, insecticides, and cigarette smoke. These vapors can also contain carcinogens such as formaldehyde and acrolein.
When choosing flooring finishes, it is best to choose low VOC options. VOCs (Volatile Organic Compounds) are chemicals found in a variety of products including paints, adhesives, cleaners, carpets, particle board, and wood finishes. When these products are used in a space, they can off-gas into the air for months. Low VOC products are a healthier alternative and come in a variety of color options to ensure aesthetic appeal.
In addition to reducing VOCs, eco-friendly finishes reduce dust accumulation and provide improved acoustics. Dust is a significant source of pollutants and contaminants in a space. Various substances can bind to dust and become airborne such as mold debris, chemicals, mycotoxins, and pollen.
As designers and builders, it is important to consider how the building and its components will affect indoor air quality. This can be done by implementing proper ventilation, using plant-based systems and biophilic design, selecting low-emission materials, managing moisture effectively, and installing continuous indoor air quality monitoring. By doing so, we can ensure that the buildings we create are healthy, productive, and comfortable for all occupants.
Ventilation
Breathing quality indoor air is critical for the health, comfort, productivity and well-being of building occupants. Poor ventilation allows a buildup of pollutants and increases the risk of respiratory issues, allergies, and other long-term health conditions.
In addition, poorly ventilated buildings become damp and prone to mold growth that can damage the structure and create health hazards. A lack of ventilation can also cause carbon dioxide levels to build up, resulting in drowsiness and reduced cognitive function.
The choice of building materials can make a huge difference in the IAQ of a building. Choosing low-emitting construction materials and smart ventilation strategies can significantly improve the IAQ of a building. If a project is pursuing LEED or WELL certifications, high IAQ can be an important way to earn points.
Typical building materials, paints and furnishings emit VOCs and odors. This is especially true when they are new or recently remodeled. Older materials like plywood, pressed wood furniture and chemical-treated carpets may release formaldehyde and other VOCs into the air as they decompose or break down.
The use of natural, low-emitting insulation materials can help to address many of these contaminants. One recent study tested a variety of insulation materials and found that natural materials produced surprisingly few volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and odors. The study used a specialized emission test chamber to evaluate the emissions of various natural building insulation materials. The results demonstrated that most natural insulation materials performed well, with only a few exceptions.
Monitoring
The quality of indoor air has a direct impact on human health and comfort. The majority of people spend most of their time indoors, in places such as schools, commercial and office buildings, hospitals, higher education facilities, retail spaces and housing units. The quality of the air in these buildings is influenced by a range of factors, including contaminant concentrations, human behavior and the design of building structures and materials.
In recent decades, many pollutants have become more commonplace in the indoor environment. Concentrations of these pollutants can be significantly higher than in outdoor air. This is due to several factors, including the use of energy-efficient building construction that does not allow sufficient mechanical ventilation, products such as personal care and cleaning items, environmental tobacco smoke, combustion byproducts, and radon and other natural gasses.
It is essential to monitor the quality of the indoor air and implement changes as necessary. Monitoring the indoor air can help reduce contaminant levels, maintain comfortable temperatures and humidity, and ensure that occupants are safe from harmful substances. A healthy building will be able to attract and retain tenants, which will increase the value of a property.
In addition, the cost of monitoring can be offset by a lower operating cost thanks to the use of renewable and low-emission building materials and finishes. It is important to research the performance of different materials and select those that have third-party certifications of performance.