Understanding the Impact of Building Materials on Indoor Air Quality
A poor Indoor Air Quality can have an adverse effect on the health of its inhabitants. The result can be the nose, eyes and throat irritations, headaches; and allergic reactions. Long-term exposure can exacerbate respiratory ailments and may cause heart disease and cancer.
The most harmful pollutants to IAQ are derived from construction paint materials, furnishings and cleaning supplies. Making use of low-emission building products can help reduce these harmful pollutants.
Organic Compounds with Volatile Organic Compounds
Many everyday products, including building materials and cleaning chemicals, emit VOCs into the atmosphere. They can be found in solvents, perfumes, paints and some cleaning chemicals. It is also an ingredient in kerosene as well as combustion by wood stoves. VOC levels can build up within the house due to smoking, use of cleaning products and painting, as well as pollution from the outside. The high concentrations of indoor VOCs may cause “sick construction syndrome’.
Outdoor VOCs are a major contributor to the production of ground-level Ozone. This is an element of the photochemical smog. VOCs are controlled by the EPA in order to prevent them from reacting with light and nitrogen oxides creating the ozone.
Many new products and materials used in construction release VOCs. It is the case with flooring, insulation and paint as well as adhesives. For a safe and healthy construction the most important thing is that architects specify low-VOC products. Selecting certified and accredited products featuring the Declare Label Cradle to-Cradle Global Green Tag and Product Lens certifications as well as the BREEAM’s Hea 02 Indoor Air Quality credit is a great way to lower VOC levels.
Formaldehyde Emissions
The use of wood-based products that are contaminated with formaldehyde may cause the levels of formaldehyde in high to escape into the atmosphere during the construction. Offgassing may continue over a period of time, and it is worsened by high temperatures and humidity levels.
It is known that formaldehyde is a cancer-causing agent and irritation to the respiratory tract. The skin, throat, nose and eyes can also become inflamed. Formaldehyde is a precursor to different VOCs, and it can combine with other compounds within the air and create secondary pollutants, such as trichloroethylene and acetone.
In homes, high levels of formaldehyde may be found in new or recently renovated wooden or melamine furniture; wood products pressed with resins containing formaldehyde (such as medium density fiberboard) and insulating materials that are made with urea formaldehyde foam insulation; projects that you can do yourself like varnishing or painting as well as textiles. Utilizing pressed wood identified as CARB, NAF or ULEF compliant may help reduce the amount of formaldehyde released.
Particulate Matter
Many new building materials gia da 0x4 like insulation or flooring, contain asbestos, that can emit toxic gasses when they are the materials are disturbed. The fumes from these materials could pollute air in buildings and can trigger allergic reactions. Exposure to dust particles could cause respiratory problems and cardiovascular issues.
Diesel-powered construction equipment is another cause of pollution to the air. The equipment creates a great deal of carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, nitrogen oxides and hydrocarbons which can affect the quality of indoor air.
It’s equally important to be certain that the ventilation within your house is working properly. This prevents any pollutants from getting in. Indoor pollutants that are too much can cause lower health and worsening of the condition, for example an increase in hospitalizations, or even death because of cardiovascular or respiratory illness. This is especially true for particular groups such as children, the elderly, and people with preexisting health conditions. It is crucial to limit exposure by making sure that there is adequate airflow, as well as separating the work area and areas of occupied use during renovations.
Mold Growth
Molds are fungi that breakdown biodegradable substances in our environment and produce spores, which consume even more as they multiply. This perpetual cycle is a major cause of environmental pollution, specifically with mycotoxins created by certain kinds of mold, which can cause severe health consequences.
The spores of mold can be seen in nearly all the atmosphere, including dirt and construction wood. The growth of mold is dependent upon oxygen, water, as well as the nutrients. The majority of building materials such as furniture and dirt supply essential nutrients.
Inhaling mold spores may cause irritation to the respiratory systems. Some sufferers also have fatigue or headaches. Employing construction materials and proper ventilation design could reduce the effect of microbial pollutants during and after a construction project, and improve overall indoor air quality.
