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Better Indoor Air Quality -- "Tight" is Right

If you saw the October 1, 2006 episode of Extreme Makeover Home Edition, then you know that indoor air quality issues are not to be taken lightly and can even be deadly.  As the episode reveals, David Gilliam, father of six, died from what doctors believe was an allergic reaction to toxic mold. 

"Sick buildings" are one of the top five threats to human health, as ranked by the U.S. EPA.  The EPA has found that indoor air is typically between two and five times more contaminated than outdoor air and can be up to 100 times more contaminated!  Conditions can even be worsened by Atlanta's hot and humid climate.

Toxic mold isn't the only potential threat to health with allergens, bacteria, aldehydes, VOCs, pesticides, and other pollutants waging a daily assault on many a home dweller's respiratory system.

Many have been misled into the notion that "tightening" a house (through energy-efficient windows, weatherization, foundation sealing, etc.) can cause poor indoor air quality.  Actually the opposite is true:  "Tight" buildings can provide a superior indoor environment when built properly and ventilated correctly.  A well-designed ventilation system operating in a well-sealed house can help control moisture and pollutants, save energy, and increase comfort.

If you are concerned about indoor air quality in your home, testing is a good place to start, with testing options ranging from self-test kits to full evaluations by IAQ professionals. 

The good news is that most indoor air quality problems can be addressed and improved.

Dig deeper into IAQ issues and mitigation strategies with the U.S. EPA's excellent online resource "The Inside Story:  A Guide to Indoor Air Quality".

If you are ready to make the move to a home with better IAQ, let EcoHome Guy help you find the "tight" home that's right for you.

Posted on Wednesday, October 4, 2006 at 09:14PM by Registered CommenterBurke Sisco | CommentsPost a Comment

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