WE ARE WHAT WE EAT --- AND WHAT WE BREATHE - RENOVATION TIPS FOR HEALTHIER INDOOR AIR

Good indoor air quality is important for our health and well-being. Studies by the U.S. Green Building Council, the Federal Government and private entities demonstrate correlations between improved indoor environments and increased productivity and measure that increase in terms of reduced absenteeism. Other studies show that students attending green schools have higher than average scores on standardized tests.

Indoor air quality is typically five times worse than outdoor air quality, and standard construction procedures can degrade air quality and increase health risks. But green design and construction can greatly improve the quality of the air we breathe and create healthier, more pleasant environments at little or no additional cost.

As buildings become more airtight to conserve energy, it is more important than ever to reduce the amount of pollutants and increase the amount of fresh air that we introduce into our homes, schools and businesses.

Here are a few simple steps that you can take to minimize problems with air quality.    

BUST THE DUST   

• Air conditioning vents and equipment should be covered properly during the entire construction project.
•  Window fans installed and used specifically for construction can help exhaust dust and fumes.
• Possessions should be removed from the job site, if possible.  Anything left on the premises should be covered and placed in a separate, sealed-off space.
• Whenever possible, windows should be left open while work is being done.  
• Job sites should be kept clean and isolated from other areas.  
• The filters in all air conditioners should be changed when construction has been completed and before occupancy.  It is best to use the highest rated filters that will fit the units.
• Allow time for the dust to settle and be removed and for odors to dissipate before you move in. 
• Consider replacing air conditioners with high-performance models that have improved filters.  A filter’s efficacy is indicated by its Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value, or “MERV.”  MERV ratings range from one to 16, with higher numbers being better.

MINIMIZE MOLD

• Limit the use of organic building materials in wet or damp areas.  For instance, use moisture-resistant sheetrock in bathrooms, basements and other damp areas.  Use cement backer board for wet areas like showers.
• Fresh air is especially important in moist areas and cooking areas.  Use bathroom fans and range hoods that vent to the outside, if possible.  
• Bigger is not always better.  If you install new air conditioners, make sure that you don’t oversize them because a unit that is too powerful can cause problems with humidity and mold. 

FOCUS ON FUMES

• Wood and bamboo products (whether used in construction materials or furniture) should have no added urea formaldehyde.     
• Certain solids and liquids, especially composite products, paint, stains, adhesives, sealers and cleaning products emit gases called Volatile Organic Compounds (“VOCs”), and some VOCs have adverse health effects.  Use zero or low VOC materials, whenever possible.  Improvements are constantly being made to the  performance and toxicity limits of low-VOC products.
• Avoid products containing vinyl (Poly Vinyl Chloride – “PVC”), whenever possible.  Studies have linked the use of such products with serious health problems, especially in children, and the manufacture of PVC releases material that the EPA considers hazardous.
• Carpet, carpet pads and fabric can also emit toxins.  Organic textiles are not necessarily healthier, unless they are pesticide-free and untreated.
• If you have a choice, opt for furniture manufactured with water-based or other low-VOC finishes.
• Antique and vintage wood furniture that has its original finish will not off-gas.

USEFUL WEB SITES

EPA - Environmental Protection Agency - Provides useful advice for safeguarding our indoor and outdoor environments: www.epa.gov/gateway/learn

Green Seal, Greenguard and SCS – Organizations that test and certify products for lower toxic emissions:

www.greenseal.org
www.greenguard.org

http://www.scscertified.com/program_standards.php

U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC)- A not-for-profit organization that sets and administers voluntary standards for sustainable design and construction called Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED).  USGBC not only certifies buildings, it also accredits design and construction professionals. The web site includes a search engine for LEED Accredited Professionals (LEED APs) by practice area and zip code:www.usgbc.org