Indoor air quality refers to the quality of the air in a home or building.  The air quality of our indoor environment affects our health and often contributes to the structural degradation and building failures within our homes and building.  The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) lists poor indoor air quality as the fourth largest environmental threat to our country.  Every year poor indoor air quality cost businesses more than seven billion dollars in lost production, sick leave, and medical costs.  Homeowners are now finally becoming more educated on the long-term effects of their environment on their health.  The American Lung Association estimates that 85% of people don’t realize the indoor air may be a health hazard and that they spend 90% of their time indoors so they increase the risk for many diseases and other health associated issues.

Indoor air pollution consists of toxic gasses and particles that can harm your health.  These pollutants can build up rapidly indoors to levels much higher than those found outdoors.  The construction of tighter homes without proper ventilation and fresh air supply can allow the indoor air quality to deteriorate to harmful levels.

Moisture and dirt can cause the presence of biological contamination such as mold.  High humidity levels contribute to the proliferation of molds.  Common problems or failures that occur include: musty odors, mold growth, window condensation, structural rot, back drafting appliances, damp basements, build-up of ice on roof edges, and of course high utility costs.  Pollutants enter through air leaks in the structure. 

Energy Wise Structures has done over 400 blower door tests in many different structures.  On the average, stick-frame fiberglass constructed buildings will normally average between three and a half to seven air changes an hour when tested at forty Pascals due to all of the air leaks.  The pollutants that are brought into the home through the fiberglass are very difficult to control and have severe impact on the health of the residents.  On the other hand, foam insulated homes average between one and two air changes per hour and are therefore much easier to control indoor air quality and much more cost effective to operate.

When building a new home express your concerns about air quality to your architect and builder.  Insulation is one of the major building materials that will affect your health, life, and pocket book.  Spray foam insulation will give you a tight, energy efficient, dust, and draft free quiet home.  Call Zech at Foam-Guys.com today for an estimate at 888-423-6264 or e-mail us at info@foam-guys.com.