If it seems you’re running into more allergy sufferers these days, you’re not mistaken. According to the National Institutes of Health, the number of people with allergies is two to five times higher than it was 30 years ago.
The reason could be as close as our homes.
While newer homes are designed to be more energy efficient and airtight, they are also linked to poor indoor air quality, said Amber Wood, manager of the energy program at the National Association of Home Builders Research Center.
Sealing a home can reduce air infiltration, but it also raises the issue of how fresh air will enter. Meanwhile, excess humidity, pollutants and allergens are trapped indoors.
“You don’t have as much fresh air coming in, plus you’re bringing in all kinds of chemicals that are part of your furniture or are tracked in on the bottom of your shoes,” Wood said.
The good news is, you can breathe easier, and healthier, in a home that’s properly ventilated.
“Solutions exist, but all relate back to improved ventilation,” Wood said.
Ventilation can be boosted through active and passive means to allow for balanced air exchange.
An energy recovery ventilator is an example of an active system that brings in outdoor air and exchanges heat from the exhaust to the supply air, Wood said. These ventilators can be used in new or remodeled homes. You pay more upfront, but it’s justified if residents experience sensitivities to indoor air.
A passive ventilation system incorporates a duct to bring outdoor air into the return side of the heating, ventilation and air-conditioning system for whole-house distribution, Wood said. In Northern climes, that duct should include a damper limiting the amount of incoming cold air to prevent the system from freezing. The exhaust portion of the system places a timer on a bath fan to regularly exhaust indoor air.
Serosun Farms, a Hampshire development of 114 homes on 410 acres, uses geothermal heating and air-conditioning systems, said John DeWald, president of developer John DeWald and Associates. The systems go down 4 or 5 feet into soil that’s a consistent 55 degrees and use that as a winter heat source and summertime heat sump, DeWald said.
“These systems are much more high performance than typical forced-air systems,” he said, noting they don’t require fuel to be burned in the house and don’t kick up as much dust.
Control moisture levels
Excessive humidity supports the growth of mold spores and dust mites, while dry air can cause static electricity, dry skin or respiratory ailments.
Humidification systems regulate indoor moisture levels, said Brian Goldberg, partner in LG Development, a Chicago-based residential and commercial contractor.
“When things are dry, you get more static electricity and more airborne particles,” he said. “Young kids are susceptible to feeling uncomfortable in that type of air, and that’s why it’s important to have properly humidified indoor air.”
Ultraviolet germicidal irradiation is effective in destroying airborne germs, said Rick Croce, a vice president at Smykal Renovations in Wheaton. An ultraviolet lamp is installed in the air plenum, just above the coil in cooling systems, and keeps microorganisms from forming in a moist environment.
Duct cleaning
Air ducts in a forced-air system can become contaminated with dust, pollen or other debris if not properly installed and maintained. While the debate continues about the benefits of periodic duct cleaning, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency says no evidence suggests that such cleaning would be harmful, provided it is done properly.
For a healthier home, the most effective way to clean air ducts is with vacuums rather than chemicals, said Sarah Coulter, director of sustainability for @Properties, a Chicago real estate brokerage.
“Sealing the seams of air ducts will not only make them more efficient but will also prevent the spread of moisture into drywall around the ducts, which can lead to mold,” she said.
Harmful chemicals
The smell of fresh paint is often the first thing you notice when walking into a new home. But you’re likely breathing emissions from volatile organic compounds, which are found in many household products, including paints, paint strippers and other solvents. Ask your builder to use eco-friendly, low-odor paints as well as other nontoxic building materials.
Chemicals used in some new carpets, carpet pads and the adhesives used to install them can harm your health, according to the American Lung Association. Carpets also can trap pollutants like dust mites, pet dander, pesticides, dirt and dust. Instead of carpets, the association recommends choosing hard-surface flooring and area rugs that can be removed and cleaned outside.
If you prefer carpeting, Coulter suggests choosing tighter-weave carpets of natural rather than synthetic fibers, which do not fuzz or break down as easily.
When you move into your new home, choose that entertainment center or dining room set carefully.
Coulter said many homeowners “have all these great low-VOC paints, adhesives and sealants, but they introduce into their homes furniture made from particleboard that uses toxic adhesives to adhere the small wood particles together. They should use natural wood furniture, sealed with natural ingredients.”
Your mother was right when she told you to wipe your feet on a mat before entering the house. It’s a simple step to keep your indoor air healthier.
“One element of (Leadership and Energy and Environmental Design) certified construction is a place to wipe your feet so you’re not tracking in outdoor chemicals like oil and gas,” Coulter said.
“It’s an easy way to reduce impact on people’s sensitivities.”
