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.

Why Children Are More Vulnerable To Toxic Home Builds & Remodels (And What To Do About It!)

Children depend on adults for everything, including protection from environmental threats. While building or remodeling your home is exciting, what if it puts your children's health at risk?  Unfortunately, hidden toxins in paint, flooring, water, air, and elsewhere can pose a serious threat to developing bodies.

This blog explores the unsettling truth regarding children’s increased vulnerability to environmental toxins common in home builds and remodels.  Unlike adults, their organs and immune systems are still under construction, making them less equipped to fight off these harmful substances. 

Here's what you'll learn:

• Why children are anatomically, physiologically, and behaviorally more susceptible to toxins during a home build or renovation.

• Where toxins like lead, mercury, arsenic, formaldehyde, and VOCs may lurk in your home.

• Tips for protecting children during construction: Gain actionable advice on open communication with contractors, lead testing, limiting exposure, ventilation strategies, and choosing safe building materials.

• How to take action and create a safe, healthy home for your little ones. 

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Why are children more vulnerable to environmental toxins? 

Children's bodies are still developing.  Their organs and immune systems are immature and less equipped to detoxify and eliminate harmful substances.  Additionally, their behavior and physiology put them at a higher risk of exposure .

Understanding Anatomy, Organ Immaturity, and Behavior:

• Respiration: Compared to adults, children breathe more air in proportion to their body weight. This means they inhale more dust, chemicals, and other pollutants present in the air.

• Increased Hand-to-Mouth Activity: Young children explore the world through their mouths, putting them at risk of ingesting dust, lead paint chips, or other contaminated objects.

• Skin Absorption: Children's skin is thinner and more permeable, allowing toxins to enter the bloodstream more readily through contact.

• Developing Organs: Organs like the brain, lungs, and immune system are still maturing in children. These organs are less equipped to eliminate toxins and more susceptible to lasting negative effects.

• Higher Water Intake: Children also have a proportionately larger daily water intake. This means they may ingest more contaminants present in drinking water.

• Behavioral Considerations: Children's curiosity and tendency to explore their environment can put them at an additional disadvantage.  They might not understand the dangers of lead paint chips or contaminated dust, increasing their risk of accidental ingestion.

Where Might Toxins Be Found in Your Home Build or Remodel?

• Lead:

  • Primary Concern: Lead paint.

  • Locations: Homes built before 1978 may have lead-based paint on walls, trim, doors, and even window sills. Lead dust can also be created during renovation projects that disturb lead paint.

• Mercury:

  • Primary Concern: Fluorescent bulbs and certain thermostats.

  • Locations: Older fluorescent bulbs can contain mercury. Consider using LED alternatives during a remodel. Some older thermostats may also contain mercury.

• Arsenic:

  • Primary Concern: Treated wood and contaminated soil.

  • Locations: Arsenic-treated wood can be used for decks, fencing, or even some types of landscaping timbers. Settling dust from contaminated soil can enter your home.

• Formaldehyde (this one is a biggie in construction):

  • Primary Concern: Pressed wood products, adhesives, and some insulation materials.

  • Locations: Particleboard, plywood, and MDF (medium-density fiberboard) are all common building materials that can emit formaldehyde. These are often used in cabinets, furniture, and flooring. Urea-formaldehyde adhesives are used in some plywood and particleboard products. Spray foam insulation can also off-gas formaldehyde. (Check out this blog post on non-toxic insulation.)

• Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs):

  • Primary Concern: Paints, stains, varnishes, adhesives, and cleaning products.

  • Locations: During construction or remodeling, VOCs can be emitted from these products as they dry or cure. Opting for low-VOC alternatives can significantly reduce exposure.

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How To Protect Children During Home Construction and Remodeling

• Open Communication with Your Contractor: Discuss your concerns about environmental toxins and safety from the very beginning. Choose a contractor knowledgeable in low-VOC materials and lead-safe practices (if remodeling an older home). 

• Lead Testing: If your home was built before 1978, have it tested for lead paint by a certified professional. If lead is found, don't attempt to remove it yourself. Hire a lead-abatement contractor who can safely remove the lead paint.

• Limit Time Spent in the Construction Zone: Restrict your children's access to the construction area to minimize their exposure to dust and fumes. Avoid site visits during active construction and keep your kids out of the house during a renovation.

• Check out this previous blog “Should You Live In Your Home While Renovating?”

• Ventilation Is Your Friend: Open windows and doors whenever possible during and after construction to promote air circulation and remove lingering odors. This helps remove dust particles and VOCs that may off-gas from new materials. This is also important to consider when selecting a move-in date for a new home as you want to ensure all materials have completed off-gassing.

• Invest in Safe and Healthy Building Materials: Super important! Work with your contractor to choose low-VOC paints, adhesives, and building materials whenever possible. These products emit fewer harmful chemicals and can create a healthier indoor environment for your family.

• Download “10 Non-Toxic Swaps For Your Custome Home”

Building a healthy home is an investment in the health and well-being of your family. By understanding where you and your family are vulnerable, you can create a safe and nurturing environment where even the littlest ones thrive!

P.S. Curious about non-toxic materials to use during your renovation? Download “10 Non-Toxic Swaps For Your Custom Home”

Should You Live In Your Home During A Renovation?

Deciding whether to live in your home during a remodel can be a tough call, especially if non-toxic living is a priority. On the one hand, the prospect of double rent or mortgage payments and the upheaval of moving can be daunting.  On the other hand, enduring the dust, chemicals, noise, and disruption of a major renovation project while living in the home can be equally challenging. In this blog post, we’re exploring the essential considerations, focusing on minimizing exposure to toxins often released during renovations, so you can make an informed choice that prioritizes your family's health, well-being, and budget!

Summary:

• Health Risks: Minimize exposure to toxins (VOCs, dust) released during renovations.

• Ventilation Challenge: Balance fresh air and toxin release with uncomfortable temperatures caused by open windows/doors.

• Living with Contractors: Expect disruption to daily routines and potential project delays.

• Minimize Toxin Exposure On-Site (for the Brave): Utilize air purifiers, dust control measures, and strategic cleaning routines.

• The Final Verdict: Consider project size, budget, and tolerance for disruption. Open communication with your contractor is crucial.

• Want to renovate with non-toxic building materials? Download “10 Non-Toxic Swaps For Your Custom Home or Remodel”
  
  

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Understanding the Risk: Off-Gassing and Toxins

When it comes to remodeling, off-gassing is a major concern. This process involves the release of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) from building materials, furniture, and cleaning products, which can pose serious health risks. Compounds like formaldehyde, benzene, and toluene can irritate the respiratory system and have been linked to various health issues, including headaches and cancers (yikes!).

Moreover, the demolition phase itself can stir up dust containing lead paint, asbestos fibers (if your home was built before the 1980s), and other harmful substances. The risk of exposure to these toxins is significantly higher when you are living in the midst of a renovation. Selecting non-toxic building materials with minimal off-gassing is even more important when living in your home during a renovation. Check out this blog post on non-toxic plywood!

Ventilation: A Double-Edged Sword

Proper ventilation is crucial for minimizing toxin exposure during remodeling. While opening windows and doors helps dissipate VOCs and dust, it also invites weather-related discomfort. Enduring extreme temperatures (like a South Texas Summer) while surrounded by construction noise and open windows isn't anyone's idea of comfort.

The Contractor Tango: A Balancing Act

Sharing your living space with a construction crew for weeks or months can be disruptive.  The constant flow of workers, tools, and materials can make it difficult to maintain a sense of normalcy.  Simple tasks like cooking dinner or getting ready for work can become an obstacle course. Further, a construction crew trying to navigate your routine and schedule can also slow down the project's overall efficiency. 

Beyond the Obvious: Additional Considerations

There are other factors to weigh:

• Pets and Children: The presence of pets and young children can be a significant concern during a remodel. Keeping them safe from dust, debris, and potentially hazardous materials requires extra vigilance. At least relocating pets and children during active construction might be necessary.

• Noise and Disruption: Constant hammering, sawing, and general construction noise can be stressful and disruptive to work-from-home individuals or those with noise sensitivities (or any normal human being for that matter).

• Plumbing and Electrical Disruptions: Depending on the scope of your remodel, you might face temporary disruptions to your home's plumbing and electrical systems. This can significantly impact your daily routine and comfort level.

• Mental and Emotional Toll: Living in a construction zone can be psychologically taxing. The constant mess, noise, and disruption can take a toll on your mental well-being and patience.

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How To Minimize Toxin Exposure When Living In Your Home During A Renovation

If, after careful consideration, you’re feeling brave and decide to stay in your home during the remodel phase, here are some tips to minimize your exposure to toxins:

• Seal Off the Renovation Zone: Work with your contractor to create a contained work area using plastic sheeting and doorway barriers. This minimizes dust and VOCs spreading throughout the rest of your living space.

• HEPA + Carbon Air Purifiers: Invest in high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) purifiers with activated carbon filters for the rooms you'll be occupying. HEPA filters capture dust particles, while the carbon filters absorb harmful chemicals and VOCs, providing a two-pronged approach to cleaner air.

• Select Non-Toxic Construction Materials: Minimize your exposure to VOCs with healthier material choices. Check out this blog post on non-toxic glues!

• Schedule Strategically: Coordinate with your contractor to schedule noisy or dusty work for times when you can be out of the house- i.e. during work/school hours or weekend trips.

• Minimize Time Spent in the Renovation Zone: Limit your time spent in the area undergoing renovation. If possible, create a temporary living space within your home, away from the construction zone.

• Dust Control Measures: Encourage your contractor to implement dust control measures like using vacuums with HEPA filters and wetting dusty materials before demolition.

• Clean Up Daily: Maintain a strict cleaning routine to remove dust and debris from surfaces throughout your home. Focus on frequently used areas like kitchens, bathrooms, and bedrooms.

• Change Clothes: Dedicate specific clothing for use inside the renovation zone and change into clean clothes before re-entering your living areas.

• Shower Before Bed: Showering before bed helps remove dust particles that may have settled on your skin and hair throughout the day.

• Consider Professional Deep Cleaning: Once the major renovations are complete, consider a professional deep cleaning service to remove lingering dust and debris from your entire home. This professional cleaning should ideally utilize HEPA vacuums and other tools specifically designed for post-construction cleanup. Deep cleaning is standard practice after building a custom home but may need to be specifically requested for a renovation.

The Final Verdict: Should You Live in Your Home During a Renovation?

Ultimately, the decision of whether to stay in your home during a remodel is a personal one- but we HIGHLY recommend relocating if at all possible! Weigh the hassle of double rent or temporary housing against the potential health risks and disruption of living amidst construction.

Here’s a summary of key factors to consider when making your decision:

• The scope of the remodel: A small bathroom renovation might be more manageable than a whole-house project.

• The length of the project: Shorter projects are easier to endure while living on-site.

• Your personal health: If you have respiratory issues or allergies, exposure to dust and toxins might be more problematic.

• Your budget and relocation options: The cost of temporary housing can be a significant factor, but consider family and friends who may be willing to take you in (we know-easier said than done!). 

• The presence of infants and children: Please consider at least relocating these vulnerable guys to stay with family during peak construction. 

• Your tolerance for disruption: Consider how well you and your family can cope with the noise, mess, and inconvenience of a renovation.

No matter which path you choose, prioritizing open communication with your contractor is key. Discuss your concerns about dust, VOCs, and minimizing disruption.  A reputable contractor will work with you to develop a plan that best serves your priorities.

By understanding the challenges and taking the necessary precautions, you can create a safe and healthy environment for yourself and your family, even during a renovation!

P.S. Curious about non-toxic materials to use during your renovation? Download “10 Non-Toxic Swaps For Your Custom Home or Remodel”