Page 48 - Occupational Health & Safety, September 2017

INDOOR AIR QUALITY
Breathe Easy: Taking a ‘Whole House Solution’ Approach to Indoor Air Quality
Accumulation of biological pollutants can result in hazardous health effects for occupants, as well as structural damage to the building. BY JIM SHELTON
They say ignorance is bliss. But today, with mounting evidence showing the harm- ful health effects of poor indoor air quality (IAQ), consumers and businesses alike are making considerable changes to reduce their carbon footprint. According to EPA, each year, more than 7 million people across the globe die because of expo- sure to indoor and outdoor air pollution. Of those 7 million premature deaths, 3.8 million are caused by exposure to indoor air pollution.
In the 1970s, rising home energy costs led to tighter building construction. To obtain these airtight designs, builders used newly designed windows and doors, sealing caulks and other insulating materials to create better energy efficiency. The resulting ben- efit was fewer drafts and therefore, smaller heating
and air-conditioning costs. However, a new problem emerged: the extra pollutants retained in airtight buildings showed to be hazardous to occupants due to the buildup of pollutants and uncirculated stale air.1
Today, the need for mechanical ventilation, al- lowing even the most tightly built home to “breathe” in fresh air and exhale any pollutants in a controlled and monitored way, while still maximizing energy efficiency, is at the forefront of modern building sci- ence discussions. As building codes require tighter, more energy-efficient homes, third-party certifica- tion programs like EPA’s ENERGY STAR® enable and encourage builders to have a profound impact on the comfort and safety of residents (by improving IAQ), as well as the cost of construction and the cost of op- erating the home.
Mechanical Ventilation
Think of mechanical ventilation as the lungs of the home. Without air systematically supporting the body with oxygen and exhausting the carbon monoxide, the human body would not function in a healthy manner. The same is true for ventilation in the home. As an in- dustry, we have an obligation to consider home health and IAQ as a primary driver in any home ventilation plan. While exterior pollutants such as smog and carbon monoxide may receive more attention, IAQ within a home can have serious effects on our physical and mental health, as well. Unsettling as it may sound, your home could actually be making you sick, leaving builders and manufacturers vulnerable to damaging and costly reputational harm and possible litigation. Here are common unresolved issues that lead to IAQ problems and “sick homes.”
■ Toxic molds. Biological pollutants, including mold, mildew, pollen, dust mites, pet dander, viruses, and bacteria, are found in all homes. In fact, 28 per- cent of American homes rated as unhealthy report problems with mold, mildew, and/or rot. Accumula- tion of these biological pollutants can result in hazard- ous health effects for occupants, as well as structural damage to the building.
■ Formaldehyde. Many airtight homes are built or remodeled using synthetic building materials that may release harmful chemicals into the air. These harmful gasses are known as Volatile Organic Com- pounds (VOCs), carbon-based compounds that eas- ily evaporate. Formaldehyde and other types of gases
44 Occupational Health & Safety | SEPTEMBER 2017
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