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New Homes Offer Healthier Indoor Environment
Written by Administrator
Monday, 04 May 2009 09:52
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The increasing interest in a healthy indoor environment among both new home builders and buyers reflects some hard facts. According to Statistics Canada, more than 25 per cent of the population has an allergy or a chemical sensitivity of some kind. About 6 per cent of adults and 20 per cent of children suffer from asthma. Whether someone in your family has special environmental sensitivities, or you simply want to ensure a healthier living environment for everyone, your builder will be able to take specific steps to ensure good indoor air quality in your home. Through the Healthy Housing initiative, Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC) has identified innovative designs, construction practices and products that can make homes healthier for occupants, better for the environment and, at the same time, practical and affordable. When the standard for the R-2000 Home Program was updated recently to advance the energy-efficiency of R-2000 homes, it also included measures to improve indoor air quality. The R-2000 Home Program is a joint effort of the Canadian Home Builders Association and Natural Resources Canada as well as many other partners across Canada. The first step towards a healthier living environment is to reduce or eliminate sources of potential problems. Many building products continue to off-gas , or release small amounts of chemicals, long after installation. Careful selection of materials, finishes and furnishings can keep such indoor air pollution to a minimum. Common products and approaches include clean-air manufactured wood products for sheathing, flooring underlay and kitchen cabinets; low-toxicity glues, caulking compounds, paints and varnishes; and reducing the area of carpeting in your home and increasing the use of natural wood and ceramic flooring. Ventilation is essential for maintaining good air quality in your home. In older homes, accidental ventilation through cracks and leaks in the house was considered enough to bring in new air and get rid of old, stale air. Unfortunately, it also meant higher heating costs, dust and drafts. Many of today s energy-efficient homes are well equipped with controlled mechanical ventilation systems which do a much better job. Whole-house ventilation systems provide a steady supply of fresh air to all living areas in your home and expel stale air to the outside. Heat recovery ventilators are designed to transfer heat from the outgoing house air to preheat the incoming air, helping you to cut down on heating costs. And finally, homeowners themselves have a tremendous impact on the air quality in their home. By making informed decisions about your lifestyle and the products you bring into your home, you can minimize the irritants in your personal living environment and enjoy a healthier home. Discuss your concerns with your builderÄÄ then enjoy a home that is built for your needs and your comfort. For more information about Healthy Housing, contact CMHC s Canadian Housing Information Centre at (613) 748-2367. For more information about R-2000, contact the Greater Ottawa Home Builders Association (723-2926) or call the R-2000 Home Program, Natural Resources Canada, toll-free at 1-800-387-2000. |
