As homes are built to tighter air leakage standards, they can trap and concentrate allergens and toxins which elevate them to potentially harmful levels – something that did not occur in older homes where these elements would leak through air gaps in the building envelope and escape into the atmosphere. Indoor environmental quality (also called indoor air quality) has become a top priority in green building, and as researchers look deeper into “green chemistry” and the potential for product ingredients like VOCs, urea formaldehyde, and phthalates to affect indoor air quality, product manufacturers, architects, and builders are closely tracking their progress and recommendations. This, coupled with growing concern over the increased incidence of asthma and respiratory illnesses especially among children, has stimulated greater focus on residential air filtration and ventilation systems. This critical focus area will overlay new research and emerging science on to the current knowledge and strategies for addressing indoor environmental quality, and project levels of action based on IEQ forecasts.
European building standard emphasizes more light and less noise.
Scientists study new data on the influence of modern, artificially lit environments on human biology and behavior.
The American Academy of Environmental Medicine issued a position paper singling out wireless technologies in general and smart meters specifically as health risks.
Multizone Airflow and Contaminant Transport Analysis Software available for free download.
The EPAís standard is a salable, convenient, and important add-on to your Energy Star package.
November 2010 study unveils voluntary protocols for reducing risks from indoor air contaminants due to energy-efficiency upgrades to residential buildings.
Some studies suggest it may be prudent to consider the evidence for the health benefits of green building dispassionately to avoid even more costly errors than the ones we’re trying to solve.
David Jacobs Ph.D., Director of Research, National Center for Healthy Housing (NCHH)
Dr. Jacobs is a nationally recognized researcher who leads programs at the NCHH that develop and promote scientifically valid and practical measures to protect occupants from residential environmental hazards. He has served as the Director of the Office of Healthy Homes and Lead Hazard Control at HUD, and is an adjunct associate professor at the School of Public Health at the University of Illinois, faculty associate at Johns Hopkins University, and a board-certified industrial hygienist.