Surgeon General Healthy Home 2009

In 2009 the Surgeon General issued a "call to action to promote healthy homes".  It states that .. "Many factors influence health and safety in homes, including structural and safety aspects of the home (i.e., how the home is designed, constructed, and maintained; its physical characteristics; and the presence or absence of safety devices); quality of indoor air; water quality; chemicals; resident behavior; and the house’s immediate surroundings. The link between these housing features and illness and injury is clear and compelling.  Poor indoor air quality contributes to cancers, cardiovascular disease, asthma, and other illnesses."

The report goes on to say that "Poor indoor air quality can contribute to symptoms ranging from eye, nose, and throat irritation to chronic conditions. Pollution sources such as wood smoke, natural gas combustion, or cigarette smoking that release gases or particles into the air can contribute to indoor air quality problems in homes. For example, secondhand smoke can cause respiratory and heart disease, whereas radon causes cancer. Inadequate ventilation also contributes to poor indoor air quality. High temperature and humidity levels can also increase concentrations of some pollutants."(National Institute of Building Sciences 2005).

The report state that the "two effective ways to reduce indoor air pollution are to eliminate or reduce emissions from indoor sources and to improve ventilation."  It goes on to clarify ways to increase and improve ventilation by mechanical means and/or by opening the doors and windows.  During the winter when the house is shut, opening windows is not a realistic option so mechanical ventilation is required. 

Installing a mechanical ventilation unit in the lower level of the home that runs 24/7 and creates healthy air exchanges in the home will reduce the issues that are associated with poor indoor air quality.  The Wave Ventilation unit is a cost effective solution, takes the air from the lowest area of the home where the "bad" air accumulates and expels it to the outside. 

Comments

[Nitrile Gloves]

I think this is quite nice an idea to promote the concept of healthy home. It is true that many factors cumulatively contribute towards a healthy home.