Non-Toxic Home-Building: A 3-Pronged Approach to Healthy Indoor Air
Let's face it, we spend a whopping 90% of our time indoors. That means the quality of the air we breathe inside our homes has a tremendous impact on our health and well-being. At JD Rock Construction, we're passionate about building custom homes that prioritize not just aesthetics, but also a healthy living environment for the whole family.
One crucial factor in achieving this is indoor air quality (IAQ). Indoor air can become polluted by various contaminants, impacting everything from respiratory health to sleep quality and even cognitive function. But fear not! Here's a breakdown of a three-pronged approach to improve your indoor air quality and breathe easy in your non-toxic, healthy home:
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Healthy Indoor Air Prong #1: Source Control - Nip It in the Bud
Think of this as the foundation for a healthy home. The key is to minimize the sources of indoor air pollution in the first place. Here's where choosing non-toxic building materials becomes crucial.
Chemicals of Concern:
Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs): These are organic chemicals that easily evaporate at room temperature. They're found in paints, adhesives, sealants, carpeting, furniture, and cleaning products. Common VOCs include formaldehyde, benzene, toluene, and xylene.
Formaldehyde: This gas is a known carcinogen and can irritate the eyes, nose, and throat. It's found in pressed wood products like plywood, MDF (medium-density fiberboard), and some laminates. Flooring, walls, cabinets, furniture, etc. can all contain formaldehyde.
Flame Retardants: Added to furniture and building materials to slow the spread of fire, some flame retardants have been linked to endocrine disruption and developmental problems.
Common Sources of Toxic Contaminants:
Building materials: As mentioned earlier, conventional building materials like plywood, MDF, carpets, paints, adhesives, and sealants often off-gas VOCs.
Cleaning products: Many conventional cleaning products are loaded with harsh chemicals that contribute to indoor air pollution.
Personal care products: Fragrances and other chemicals in deodorants, air fresheners, scented candles, and more can release VOCs into the air.
Mold and mildew: Growth of mold and mildew can release allergens and irritants into the air.
Check out this blog post on mold prevention!
Non-Toxic Swaps for a Healthier Home:
The good news? You have options! The body of research and demand are growing, and more and more healthy alternatives are hitting the market. Here are some non-toxic swaps to consider during your custom build or remodel:
Building materials: Opt for solid wood when possible, certified low-VOC or VOC-free materials, bamboo flooring, cork flooring, natural stone countertops, and cork or rock wool insulation.
Some helpful product certifications to look for: GreenGuard Gold Certification, Cradle to Cradle Certified™, and the FloorScore Certification.
Check out this blog post on non-toxic insulation and this blog post on plywood!
Paints and finishes: Choose paints and finishes with low-VOC or zero-VOC formulations. There are also mineral-based and plant-based paint options available. Sherwin Williams and Benjamin Moore have zero VOC paint options. ECOS, AFM Safecoat, and Clare are healthier options for the more chemically sensitive.
Adhesives and sealants: Look for low-VOC or water-based adhesives and sealants. Once again, AFM Safecoat and ECOS have some good options to consider.
Check out this blog post on non-toxic glues!
Cleaning products: Ditch the harsh chemicals and switch to natural cleaning products made with vinegar, baking soda, hydrogen peroxide, Castille soap, and essential oils.
Bonus Tip: Download our FREE guide "10 Non-Toxic Swaps For Your Custom Home Build or Remodel"! It's packed with practical tips to help you create a healthier home environment for your family.
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Healthy Indoor Air Prong #2: Ventilation - Let the Fresh Air In!
This is the simplest and most affordable way to improve your indoor air quality. Open those windows and doors and let the fresh air circulate. It dilutes indoor pollutants and brings in oxygen, your body's best friend.
Pro Tip: Before throwing open the windows, check your local air quality with a free app like AirNow. You don't want to be exchanging fresh air for polluted outdoor air! This is especially pertinent if you live in a densely populated area.
When building from the ground up, we recommend an energy recovery ventilator (ERV). These systems work by continuously exchanging indoor and outdoor air while regulating temperature and humidity for overall energy conservation.
Healthy Indoor Air Prong #3: Filtration - The Extra Layer of Protection
Ideally, by controlling the source of contaminants and ventilating regularly, you'll minimize the need for air filtration. However, let's be real, we can't control everything. So, air filters can provide an additional layer of protection.
Air Purifiers:
While air purifiers can be quite effective, they can also get pricey. Consider them when source control and ventilation alone aren't enough. Look for air purifiers with HEPA (High Efficiency Particulate Air) filters to capture dust, pollen, and other allergens and a carbon filter for VOC capture. A fantastic and semi-affordable option to consider is Air Doctor.
HVAC Filters:
A more affordable option is to upgrade your HVAC system's air filter. The American Lung Association recommends a MERV (Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value) rating of 13 or higher for capturing smaller particles. However, keep in mind that older HVAC systems might struggle with the increased resistance of a higher-MERV filter. It's always best to consult with an HVAC professional to ensure your system can handle a higher-rated filter without compromising airflow or efficiency.
Here are some additional things to consider when choosing an HVAC filter:
Filter Size: Make sure the filter you choose is the correct size for your HVAC system.
Replacement Schedule: Change your air filter regularly, typically every 1-3 months depending on the filter type and your environment. When remodeling, you need to replace more frequently as there are more contaminants to filter from construction.
Filter Pleats: Opt for pleated filters as they offer more surface area for capturing dust and allergens compared to flat filters. The 3M Filtrete 1900 is a high MERV filter with many positive reviews stating the pleats helped their HVAC system tolerate the increased MERV rating.
Thickness: A filter with a higher MERV is often better tolerated when 4-5 inches in thickness as opposed to 1 inch.
More Tips For Healthy Indoor Air
Now that you're armed with this three-pronged approach, let's explore some additional steps you can take to improve your indoor air quality:
Invest in Houseplants: Certain houseplants act as natural air purifiers by absorbing VOCs and other pollutants. Snake plants, spider plants, and peace lilies are all excellent choices.
Reduce Humidity: Mold and mildew thrive in damp environments. Maintain a healthy humidity level between 30% and 50% with a dehumidifier if necessary. An ERV will also help regulate humidity.
Minimize Dust Collectors: Clutter and textiles harbor dust and allergens. Opt for minimal hard surfaces and choose washable rugs and furniture fabrics.
Regular Vacuuming: Vacuum carpets and rugs regularly with a HEPA filter vacuum to trap dust and allergens.
Take Off Your Shoes at the Door: Shoes can track in MANY pollutants from the outdoor world. Encourage a "no shoes inside" policy to reduce dirt and allergens.
Let New Furniture Air Out: New furniture can off-gas VOCs. Allow new furniture to air out in a well-ventilated space for several days before bringing it indoors.
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Building a Non-Toxic Home With JD Rock Construction
At JD Rock Construction, we understand that a healthy home is crucial for a healthy family. We're committed to using non-toxic building materials whenever possible and employing strategies for optimal indoor air quality. Here's how we can help you achieve your family’s non-toxic dream home:
Non-Toxic Material Expertise: Our team is certified in healthy building materials and can guide you in selecting non-toxic options for your project.
Transparency and Communication: We believe in open communication. We'll discuss the potential sources of indoor air pollution, mitigation strategies, and provide continuous updates throughout construction.
Building a non-toxic, healthy home is an investment in your family’s health and well-being. By taking control of indoor air quality, you can create a healthier and more supportive environment for ALL for many years to come.
Contact JD Rock Construction today to discuss your vision and how we can help you protect your family with a healthy home!
Remember, small steps can lead to big improvements. Analysis paralysis and anxiety are not helpful on the journey toward healthy living. Start implementing some of these tips today and take a step towards a healthier home environment!
Bonus Tip: Share this blog post with your friends and family! Let's all work together to create healthier homes for healthier families.
