Contaminant Reduction
| Table Header | Table Header |
|---|---|
|
2 |
Improves air quality to protect the long-term health of occupants |
|
1 |
One to three months to select, purchase, and install materials |
|
1 |
CO detectors, finish materials and furniture, and cleaning products |
|
|
RES (Residents) |
Poor air quality within homes can lead to respiratory illnesses, such as asthma or severe allergies. Dust, VOCs, CO, and radon are examples of common harmful contaminants. Contaminant sources include exterior pollution; smoking; pets; combustion fuels used for indoor cooking; chemicals in cleaning products and household pesticides; off-gassing of materials such as paints, finishes, fabrics, or carpets; and issues related to the physical condition of the building and HVAC systems.
Pet allergens remain suspended in the air much longer than allergens from cockroaches or dust mites; because of their microscopic size and jagged shape, pet allergens easily stick to furniture, bedding, and fabrics
Outdoor pollutants can enter a residence on occupants’ shoes or through open windows or ventilation systems. To minimize these pollutants, provide entry mats, check that exhaust fans are working properly, clean ducts regularly, and replace or clean air conditioning filters. Locate emergency generators away from building openings.
Environmental tobacco smoke contains CO, hydrogen cyanide, and numerous other known carcinogens. Eliminating smoking in indoor spaces is the only way to fully protect nonsmokers from secondhand smoke exposure, and smoking cessation programs are encouraged.12
Cleaning and pest control chemicals can cause adverse health reactions, particularly in people with sensitivities. Look for natural cleaning products, such as Global Ecolabelling Network-certified products or other Type 1 eco-labeling programs, as defined by International Standards Organization (ISO) 14024. Use citrus-based or benign cleaners rather than solvent-based. Select liquid or powder products rather than aerosols.
Off-gassing—the ’new car smell’ from items such as glues and adhesives used in composite wood for furniture and cabinets, in carpets, paints, and sealants, and in flame retardants used on fabrics and carpets—contributes to poor IAQ. Select zero- or very low-VOC paints, sealants, adhesives, and composites for all interior applications. Ensure that there is no added urea formaldehyde in wood products. Minimize use of carpeting to avoid dust or mold growth. Where carpeting is desired, look for products that carry the CRI Green Label Plus certification. If using hard-surface flooring, choose FloorScore certified products. Ventilate all spaces to allow furniture and finish materials to off-gas fully before occupancy (see Indoor Environment: Pollution Prevention).
Finally, the condition of a building and its systems can create air contaminants from growth of mold (see Residential: Moisture Management).