The extent of the harm that chemicals and dust do to indoor air quality is only
just beginning to be understood and are a big concern of
Green Design. So far, statistics for health in workplaces are
more readily available than for health in homes.
Indoor Air Pollutions
Most people are familiar with the, detrimental effects of outdoor air
pollution, but indoor air pollution may be equally (if not more) hazardous
to one's health. Indoor air quality, or IAQ, has come under close scrutiny
because it is estimated that Americans spend 90% of their time indoors. In
general, indoor air pollution results in what has been termed sick building
syndrome or SBS. SBS defines a building where inhabitants complain of health
problems, such as respiratory, sinus, and digestive problems, irritability,
and fatigue. The sources of indoor air pollution are complex but can be
divide into three general types of pollutants:
1. Biological - organic toxins such as bacteria, molds, dust mites, and
insects.
2. Earth elements harmful naturally occurring materials such as sheetrock
dust, asbestos, and radon.
3. Volatile organic chemicals (VOCs) - chemicals that are emitted into the
air from building materials, furniture, fabrics or finishes, and other
building processes. Typical VOCs include formaldehyde, styrene, and benzene.
According to the American Society of Interior Designers Indoor Air Quality
Two-Part Program, pollutants may stem from a variety of sources throughout a
building, including:
- Construction products such as sealers, insulation, paint, caulks, and
adhesives.
- Fixtures and furnishings such as carpet, carpet pads (see also
green flooring materials) and adhesives,
furniture, finishes, and chipboard
- Waxes, polishes, solvents, and insect repellents.
- Machines and electronics such as computer screens, printers, and lasers,
which may emit electromagnetic fields.
- Photographic processes, perfumes, and sprays.
- Operational equipment, inadequate air filtering, poorly deigned HVAC
systems, or standing water.
Carpet and Indoor Air Quality
The chemicals involved in carpet and carpet padding production can contribute to
poor air quality. As with textiles, the manufacturing process involves a wide
range of chemicals that remain as residues in the fibers. Backings and
adhesives, with their potential off gassing, present further health hazards. The
smell of new carpet is, in fact, the off-gassing of VOCs, which can continue for
up to 6 months after installation. Many cases of fatigue and eye or mucous
membrane irritation in office environments have been attributed to new carpet.
When buying carpets, choose products certified as safe by the CRI (Carpet and
Rug Institute Indoor Air Quality Testing) label in the United States. However,
compliance with the statutory limits of these agencies does not necessarily mean
products are totally problem free.
There are a lot of IAQ issues and products. For instance, the Carpet and Rug
Institute (CRI) has developed a testing program for carpet, cushions, and
adhesives. Products that meet low levels of emissions of VOCs are allowed to
carry their label. CRI also makes the following installation
recommendations.
- Carefully plan the carpet installation using the manufacturer's
installation guidelines and/or the CRI 104 Standard for Installation of
Commercial Textile Floor-covering Materials.
- Ensure adequate fresh air ventilation during the entire installation
process and for 48-72 hours afterwards.
- Vacuum the old carpet prior to removal to minimize airborne dust.
- Vacuum the sub-floors prior to carpet installation.
- Use low-VOC adhesive in glue-down installations.
- Use low-emitting carpet cushion.
- Vacuum the new carpet with a high-efficiency vacuum, using a
high-efficiency particulate filter bag to minimize airborne particles. Make
sure all moisture and cleaning agents are removed with each cleaning.
Creating a Healthy Home
One part of an IAQ program is the installation of live plants, which act as air filters by
absorbing indoor air pollutants. For example, the philodendron and the
spider plant absorb formaldehyde, and the common peace lily absorbs
benzene. Through the process of photosynthesis, plants trap airborne contaminants, as well as regenerate the air with oxygen. However, plants are
not a quick fix for a sick building. They do require maintenance and
proper light.
The better the ventilation, the healthier the home.
Poor indoor air is also a result of dust particles. The problem is that the
finer the particles, the less we are aware of them, but the more potential they
have to harm our lungs. In addition, unventilated moist air encourages mold
spores and bacterial growth—all of which affect our lungs and can potentially
lead to respiratory diseases. To create a healthy home, try to eliminate the
majority of pollutants at their source by avoiding materials that off-gas
unwanted chemicals. But the need to replenish fresh air in your home regularly
will always remain: The better the ventilation, the healthier the home.
In addition to the proper selection of products, you should remember
the following:
- Avoid blocking air intakes and vents with window treatments or furnishings
(see more in home energy conservation).
- Install exhaust fans in smoking areas, bathrooms, kitchens, and other areas
where chemicals or sprays may be used (green design: indoor air quality).
- Provide humidity controls.
- Encourage proper maintenance.
- When installing open office systems, allow airflow at the base of the
partition (1"-6")
- Arrange computer terminals so that users are seated 30" away from the
computer screen to avoid the electromagnetic fields.
- Avoiding furniture that causes environmental pollution during its production
or that damages indoor air quality. Select comfortable pieces of green furniture for your home.
