Creating and maintaining a healthy environment inside the home

The average American spends 90% of their time indoors, and air pollution levels inside the average new home are 2 to 5 times worse than the air pollution levels outside. These statistics are especially concerning as the weather gets colder: because we tend to stay indoors more often, pollutants can have an even greater impact on health. Plus, for those who suffer from allergies or asthma, unhealthy indoor air can trigger attacks.

Immediate effects of exposure to indoor pollutants include irritation of the eyes, nose and throat, headaches, dizziness, and fatigue. Other health effects including respiratory diseases, heart disease and cancer may show up after years of repeated exposure. That’s why indoor air quality should be at the top of your mind when you are building a new home.

Common Indoor Air Pollutants

Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs)

• Where it is found: Glues, paints, solvents, some furniture, carpets, cleaning products, air fresheners, molds, mildew.
• Health risks: Eye, nose, throat irritation; headaches; loss of coordination; nausea; damage to liver, kidney, central nervous system.

Biological Contaminants

• Where it is found: Fungi, mold, dust mites, bacteria.
• Health Risks: Triggers allergic reactions; asthma; influenza; shortness of breath; dizziness; lethargy; digestive problems.

Formaldehyde

• Where it is found: Frequently used in plywood, fiberboard, pressed wood, resins, glues, and several other construction components.
• Health risks: Irritation of the throat, nose, eyes, and skin; exacerbates asthma; respiratory symptoms including chronic runny nose, chronic bronchitis, and obstructive lung disease; nasopharyngeal cancer.

Carbon Monoxide

• Where it is found: Produced by combustion sources like gas appliances, fireplaces and automobiles. Especially common in homes with attached garages. The CO leaks into the home due to pressure differentials.
• Health risks: Nausea; headaches; dizziness; long term exposure leads to death.

Building a healthy home

The good news is that there are many healthy alternatives. A high-performance home should have zero added formaldehyde to any of its building materials. When Clarum builds a home, our team carefully selects all of the glues, caulks, paints, and carpets that go into your new home. Specifically, we review the Green Guard rating to ensure you are getting the healthiest choice for each construction element.

To achieve superior indoor air quality, as well as avoiding issues such as mold, carbon monoxide, and radon, we also pay very close attention to your home’s moisture control systems, pest management, heating, ventilating, air conditioning (HVAC) and combustion venting systems. Attention to these details means a home that has less dust, lower pollutants, and is more comfortable and healthier for you and your family.

To learn more about our commitment to modern, sustainable design and toxin-free living, please call us at 650.322.7069.