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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Research Connects Cleaning Jobs with Asthma
News Brief
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Study: Learning Can Be Harmed by Classroom Design
News Analysis
A new study from England identifies six design parameters with significant impacts on student performance.
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EPA Releases Guidelines for Healthier Schools
News Brief
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Radon Risks and Prevention
Primer
Radon, the second leading cause of lung cancer in the U.S., can get into our homes and bodies without us knowing it-and its presence doesn't depend on geology or locale.
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Cost-Effective Analog-to-Digital Thermostat Retrofits
Product Review
Switching to digital thermostats in existing buildings can be expensive and disruptive. Cypress Envirosystems offers a simple analog-to-digital solution.
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Formaldehyde Causes Cancer; Styrene a Likely Carcinogen
News Analysis
A U.S. agency finally classifies formaldehyde as a carcinogen after years of caving to industry pressure.
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EPA Takes Action on Spray-Foam Health Risks
News Analysis
EPA takes another look at spray foam after increasing consumer health complaints. The action plan leaves open questions about how far EPA will go to clamp down on these products, but it's safe to think of this as a shot across the bow from EPA for the SPF industry.
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Websites Reveal Chemicals in Major Cleaning Products
News Brief
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Air Renew Wallboard Absorbs Formaldehyde from Indoor Air
Product Review
Using a common building product to clean indoor air? AirRenew drywall claims to improve indoor air quality by absorbing formaldehyde and trapping it chemically in the gypsum core.
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Preliminary Study Supports LEED Productivity Benefits
News Analysis
Workers moving from existing buildings to new LEED-certified buildings were surveyed for before-and-after health and productivity changes.
