Von Löwen Designs

Preventing indoor air quality (IAQ) problems in homes requires an integrated strategy that includes:

· Controlling indoor pollutants and their sources

· Maintaining adequate ventilation and filtration

· Maintaining an acceptable indoor environment

· Relearning, implementing and family education

Controlling Indoor Pollutants and Their Sources.

The following is some guidance on how to control levels of indoor pollutants and their sources:

· Household cleaners: Select non-aerosol and non-toxic products with minimal chemical solvent and odor release. Use, apply, store and dispose according to manufacturer’s directions. Never mix products together. Buy only the amount needed and use it up completely.

· MDF or pressed-wood cabinets shelving, and flooring: Coat pressed-wood products with polyurethane or laminates to reduce formaldehyde emissions. Maintain moderate temperatures (80 degrees Fahrenheit maximum) and humidity (about 45 percent). When purchasing new cabinets, select solid wood or metal cabinets.

· Moisture from bathing, clothes washing, cooking, dishwasher: Install and use exhaust fans. Fix plumbing leaks and all sources of moisture intrusion right away.

· Clothes dryer: Regularly dispose of lint around and under dryer. Provide make-up air for combustion of gas. Exhaust dryer directly to the outside to get rid of combustion products and moisture. Alternatively, dry clothes on an outside line instead.

· Fragrant deodorizers chemicals, personal care products: Try to avoid the use of fragrant deodorizers or odor masking chemicals and control use of personal care products that can generate VOCs and odors.

· Personal care products: Select fragrance-free, non-aerosol products with minimal chemical solvent or formaldehyde release.

· Furnishings and building materials: Clean and dry or remove water damaged materials promptly within 24 hours. Only use low emitting materials that have been certified by a third party organization, such as the Carpet and Rug Institute or Greenguard Environmental Institute. When new products are brought into the home, open doors and windows, or use window fans to air out the house. New products will often have odors and chemicals released that should go away within 48 hours or no later than a week. Carpet and textiles should be vacuumed regularly with a cleaner equipped with high efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filtration. Deep cleaning should occur at least once a year with a system certified to show greater than 98 percent extraction efficiency for allergens, soil, and molds.

· Floor tiles: Every so often, inspect floor tiles for damage or deterioration. Do not cut, rip, sand or remove any asbestos containing materials.

· Dust mites: Clean and vacuum house and all ‘fuzzy’ textiles, such as carpet and upholstered furniture, regularly with a HEPA system. Wash bedding in hot water above 130 degrees Fahrenheit. Keep home humidity levels below 60 percent. Bedding can be encased with plastics or other moisture proof materials to discourage dust mites. Stay away from biocide treated materials.

· Fireplaces: Open the flue when building a fire in the fireplace, and have the flue and chimney inspected every year.

· Moisture: Eliminate the sources of excess moisture. Install and use exhaust fans. Keep an eye out for condensation on walls, standing water on the floor or sewage leaks. To keep basement dry, prevent outside water sources from entering (install roof gutters and downspouts, do not water close to foundation, grade soil away from home, and apply water proofing sealants to basement interior walls). For standing water, consider installing a sump pump. Use a dehumidifier, if necessary.

· Gas or kerosene space heater: Never use unvented kerosene or gas space heaters. In rooms where a heater is located, provide fresh air by opening a door to the rest of the house, turning on an exhaust fan, or opening a window slightly.

· Environmental tobacco smoke: Do not smoke inside the home or permit others to do so, especially near children.

· Draperies and upholstered furniture: Before hanging new drapes or bringing them into the house, air them out. Vacuum or clean often so dust and other pollutants will not accumulate on them.

· Animals: Keep pets outdoors as often as possible. Clean the entire house regularly, concentrating on those areas where pets spend most of their time. Make sure the vacuum system is efficient for removal of pet allergens.

· Humidifier: Use and clean according to manufacturer’s directions. Refill with fresh, distilled water daily. Do not use tap water as it may release small particles and minerals into the air that can be irritating.

· Moth repellents: Instead of using moth repellents, store clothes in cedar lined chests or closets. Keep humidity and temperature controlled in the home and vacuum dormant rug or carpet areas (such as under tables) periodically. Stay away from the use of other pesticides or pesticide treated materials.

· Dry cleaned clothing: Wear clothes that do not need dry cleaning. For dry cleaned articles, air them out before bringing them indoors. Choose a cleaner who minimizes use of solvents and airs clothes before enclosing in plastic.

· Asbestos, pipe wrap and furnace insulation: Check insulation every so often to make sure it is not damaged or deteriorating. Do not cut, rip, sand or remove any asbestos containing materials.

· Radon: Test the home for radon. That is the only way to know if it is present is sufficient amounts to be of concern.

· Gas or other fuel-burning appliances: Have the HVAC system and water heater (including gas piping and venting) inspected every year. Check the chimney for obstructions that may block the exhaust leaving the appliances. Clean regularly around the furnace and water heater. Repair fuel or gas leaks immediately. Follow service and maintenance guidance, including changing filters. If carbon monoxide poisoning or a fuel leak is suspected, get out of the home right away. Call for help from a mobile phone or neighbor’s house.

· Car or small engine exhaust: Never leave vehicles, lawn mowers, snowmobiles, or any equipment with an fuel-burning engine running in the garage – even with the garage door open. The solution is to seal off the house from the garage.

· Paints, solvents and solvent materials: Store them in a well ventilated area, preferably a freestanding shed and outside of the house and garage.

· Pesticides and herbicides: The best advice is not to use them indoors. If required, have application done by an experienced, knowledgeable and accredited professional. Check and ensure that approved materials are being used, and follow their recommendations for safety. Vacate the house during application and air out for some period. Do not use or apply around food, eating or cooking utensils, children or pets. If pesticides are used outside, make sure that shoes are removed and foot mats are used to prevent contamination of indoor flooring. Pets also can carry in residues.

· Home office equipment: Purchase products that have been certified to have low emissions and follow operating and maintenance instructions. Use only media (inks, toners, papers) approved by the manufacturer. Make sure proper ventilation is supplied around the product and that new products are aired out with open windows and opened doors. If the product has an ozone and VOC filter, make sure that it is replaced according to the instructions.

· Air cleaners: Use only those that do not emit ozone or biocides in the air. Follow operating and maintenance instructions.

Maintaining Adequate Ventilation and Filtration.

Ensuring enough outside air is being delivered to occupied areas is a key strategy for providing good indoor environmental quality. Equally important is ensuring outdoor air coming in is free of pollutants, is properly filtered, and the heating, ventilating and air conditioning system (HVAC) operates properly and is well maintained. Here are some guidelines:

· Design and operate the HVAC system in accordance with ASHRAE Standard 62, Ventilation for Acceptable Indoor Air Quality. Consider installing sensors to measure carbon dioxide levels to ensure the HVAC system is delivering enough outside air to the occupied spaces. These sensors also can be used to adjust the amount of air based on the number of people in occupied spaces.

· Use air filtration media with a Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value (MERV) of 13, as determined by ASHRAE Standard 52.2, Method of Testing General Ventilation Air-Cleaning Devices for Removal Efficiency by Particle Size. Make sure filters are in place and they properly fit and change them regularly.

· Ensure that outside air intakes are free from obstruction and clear of pollutant sources such as trash bins, cooling towers, vehicular exhaust, building exhaust vents, bird droppings and debris.

· Ensure that outdoor air is entering intake vents.

· Ensure a maintenance and inspection plan is in place to service the HVAC system to keep it free of water, clean and in good operating condition.

· Keep air ducts clean and dry.

· Do not block any intake or return vents in rooms.

· Provide local exhaust ventilation that vents to the outside for areas where there may be higher levels of pollutants and odors such as in bathrooms, kitchens, chemical storage areas, and copying and printing areas.

Maintaining an Acceptable Indoor Environment.

· Keep humidity levels between 40 percent and 60 percent for comfort and to prevent growth of mold and dust mites.

· Keep temperatures between 72 degrees and 76 degrees Fahrenheit.

· Control draftiness.

· Prevent glare and/or direct sunlight from shining in, which can be distracting and cause eyestrain.

Relearning, Implementing and Family Education.

Many people do not understand how the interrelationship of numerous factors can contribute to poor indoor air quality. Further, many do not realize that they can take a proactive role in preventing IAQ problems. Education and learning what to do to prevent air quality problems is only part of the challange, most often changing mindsets and actual implementation will be your family’s biggest hurdle – and obviously is the most important part of any IAQ strategy for your home.

They say a picture is worth 1,000 words, so before you leave be sure to visit Von Löwen Designs to view an assortment of refreshing examples in kitchen and bath design concepts, refined palette and interior finishes, and sustainable yet chic, green remodeling ideas that may encourage and inspire your next remodel or home improvement project.