OVERVIEW
As buildings become more airtight and energy efficient, actively managing indoor air quality becomes more important. Not only are some air pollutants highly dangerous, but many—like radon and carbon monoxide—are undetectable by human senses. And with 90% of our time typically spent indoors, slight elevations of VOCs can amount to chronic exposures.
Here you’ll learn what pollutants to be wary of and ways to promote clean, fresh air, including:
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finding the right level of ventilation
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specifying products that won’t emit problematic chemicals
- controlling pressure differentials to avoid unintentional introduction of polluted air
IN-DEPTH
Filter results:
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The Questionable Science Behind VOC Emissions Testing
Feature Short
We need the protection that product VOC testing provides, but it’s far from the last word on human health in buildings.
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VOCs in LEED and Other Rating Systems
Feature Short
Most building certifications encourage low-emitting and low-VOC products, but they all do it differently. Here’s how it all fits together.
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How to Get from VOC Certifications to Better Products
Feature Short
The FDA regulates flies in our soup, but no one regulates VOCs in our indoor air. Somehow that’s a designer’s job to figure out.
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Why “Zero VOC” Was Never Enough
Feature Short
We used to look for coatings, adhesives, and sealants that contained no VOCs. Great for smog prevention, but IAQ and installer health are also important.
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VOC Testing: What It Can and Can’t Tell You
Primer
“Section 01350” has come a long way since it acquired its curious nickname. Here’s what it can tell you about indoor air quality—and what it can’t.
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BuildingGreen Announces Top 10 Products for 2017
Product Review
Our innovative Top 10 product selections reduce stormwater and wastewater, improve efficiency and IAQ, and contain fewer hazardous materials.
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Green Multifamily Cabinetry: Three Top Options
Product Review
Need multifamily millwork that’s attractive, high-quality, domestically manufactured, low-emitting, and sustainably sourced? You’re not alone.
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Air in Fitness Centers Laden with Pollutants, Study Finds
News Analysis
Lack of ventilation and elevated levels of VOCs are common problems in gyms, according to European research, and pools have issues too.
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How Environmental Site Assessments Work
Primer
Existing buildings and previously developed sites are great, but they often need environmental cleanup. An ESA is the first step.
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Three Sources of Air-Pressure Problems in Buildings
Primer
Air movement in and through buildings caused by pressure differentials has important effects on performance and safety.
