There are many things you can build into your home to improve your health. Indoor air quality is one of the top 5 public health problems. You may be surprised to know that the indoor air we breathe (8000 to 10000 litres per day) is 20 times more polluted than the air outside, and we spend 97% of our time indoors. So our immune system struggles to cope with hundreds of chemicals (few tested) and the cumulative effect is unknown.
We do know that none of us is immune from the effects of indoor air pollution and in Australia we have one of the highest rates of asthma and allergies in the world... i.e. 20% of the children 12% of adults.
For example, one controversial compound is formaldehyde. It's used in synthetic resins, which in turn give off VOC's (Volatile Organic Compounds). You'll find formaldehyde in particle board, plywood, paint, textiles, glues, solvents, cleaning products etc. In fact it's one of the most widely used compounds in history, yet is it safe? It "off gases" into the air we breathe. Some countries, like Canada, ban it.
Here's a checklist you may find helpful.
1. Windows
Have tight, effective double glazed windows if building or renovating. They'll insulate and give you uniform temperatures without condensation or dust gathering curtains. Position your windows for good cross ventilation. Ask about the CertainTeed double glazed windows and door system and the many styles available. All custom made with washable uPVC frames that never need painting.
2. Air infiltration
You need to be in control of ventilation, so avoid air gaps that give you draughts. Fill with insulation or tape them over. In mild weather, open your tightly fitting windows for good cross ventilation. Have a "tightly built home". You can also have automatically filtered air from heat recovery ventilators see www.healthyhouse.com.
3. Timber Floors & Rugs
Use scatter rugs that can be taken outside for cleaning in the sunlight to kill dust mites. Wipe the floor with a damp cloth.
4. Carpets
Can harbor 500,000 dust mites per m2. Synthetic carpets contain less moisture but will contain as many mites as any other carpet material. Steam clean or use a vacuum cleaner with effective filters (i.e. under .5 microns) or better still a central vacuum system, which will remove all dust to the outside of your home.
5. Dampness
The drier and more ventilated the sub floor, the healthier your home. Damp leads to mould and mould spores are very toxic to allergic people and can cause serious sickness, fatigue, fever, wheezing, runny noses etc. Get more sunlight inside.
6. Paints
Use low toxicity water based varnishes, stains and paints e.g. BiO paints use natural ingredients, low allergy, no toluene, xylene, glycol etc. Berger has "breathe easy paint”.
7. Extractor Fans
Exhaust moisture and fumes outside your home. Make sure fans have draught excluders fitted to prevent energy waste.
8. Seal Timber Floors
Use low toxicity paints and insulate under the floor with "foil board" or equivalent.
9. Heating & Humidity
If you have an energy efficient home you'll need negligible heating. Ask us for advice on heating systems. Keep relative humidity below 55% to reduce dust mites. Ensure tumble clothes dryers vent to the outside or they will dramatically increase humidity.
10. Horizontal Surfaces
As much as possible design them out of your home... they gather dust. For example bulkheads in kitchens, louvres, horizontal venetians, open shelves... all dust gatherers. Vertical Venetians are recommended rather than horizontal.
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11. Foods
We vary in our degree of sensitivity to the chemicals which occur naturally in foods, or are added by the food manufacturing industry. It's argued we should eat more fresh raw foods than processed foods which contain flavourings, colouring, preservatives... If you are highly sensitive you'll need to be more careful of what you eat. Severe allergies to particular foods are usually obvious.
12. Shower Screens
Choose smooth glass edges rather than aluminium frames which are hard to clean and harbor mould.
13. Insulation
Use batts instead of loose insulation, because loose insulation may find its way inside, and tends to settle more than batts therefore losing its insulation value.
14. Indoor plants
Plants soak up poisonous "off gassing" - but you need a lot of them to make a significant difference to air quality. Consider philodendron, spider plant, golden pathos, and English...
15. Essential Oil
The antiseptic base of some essential oils has a reputation for killing airborne bacteria.
16. Watering
When massive amounts of pollen blow into town, followed by a severe thunder storm & heavy rain, pollen grains can be broken up and these very small particles can enter your lungs. This in turn can trigger an asthma attack. It is argued drip watering instead of garden sprays is beneficial but the effect for asthma sufferers will be infinitesimal.
17. Garages
Don't build garages with a door directly connected to your home. Benzene, carbon monoxide and oil fumes will leach into your living areas.
18. Toxic Substances
These shouldn't be stored in the laundry, under the house etc, where vapor can leak into your living environment.
19. Ceiling Heights
Make them higher than 2.4 metres so you can fit ceiling fans for improved air circulation.
20. Lights
Look for fittings that are easy to clean and are minimal dust collectors. Incidentally downlights are a disaster for your insulated ceiling. They need a 300mm hole in the ceiling insulation because of the heat from the light and ballast. These "holes" causes the insulation value in your ceiling to be reduced by more than half, which is a disaster.
21. Don't spray pesticide
Under or around your home, choose natural insect repellents.
22. Pets
Sorry, pets should be out of the bedroom and ideally outside altogether if you have allergies. Cats in particular release dander into the air, which is easily inhaled and feeds dust mites.
23. Noise
Produces stress and is therefore a health risk. Eliminate as much outside noise as practical from your home.
24. Smoke
Cigarette smoking is the largest single cause of all fatal human cancers... and is a major trigger for asthma, rhinitis, conjunctivitis etc. It has been argued passive smoking indoors may damage everyone. Along with poorly vented gas stoves and car exhaust fumes, some heating systems are major sources of carbon monoxide in the home.
25. Disabilities
Half the population over the age of 65 suffers from a disability. Why not make your home disability friendly when you build? There's a great book called "Welcome Design Ideas for Accessible Homes" @ $35.00 available from Building Commission Victoria.
So that's it. I hope some of these points make you think more about your family's health. We can give you lots more information specific to your home plans. |
