Healthy Homes
Today, as the average consumer becomes more conscience about healthy
living, having a healthy home is also gaining popularity.
There are builders and businesses that are trying to capitalize on this niche.
In fact, Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC) recently
developed the Healthy Housing initiative aimed at addressing this issue.
In the past, many homeowners had focused much of their energies on
renovating a room, or building a home with little or no attention paid to the
importance of health.
But consider this astounding fact-a home's air quality is typically 5 to 10
times worse than outdoor air. This, while the average Canadian spends 80 to 90
percent of their time indoors, either at home, school or at work. For children
and elderly people, these figures are even higher as they typically spend the
majority of their time at home.
A recent article published by a professional magazine found that a majority
of homeowners would be willing to pay a premium for a healthy home.
With at least a quarter of the population bothered by asthma, allergies or a
chemical sensitivity of some kind, researchers believe there is a strong
link between our homes and our health. Pollen, dust, smog, agricultural
pesticides, vehicle emissions and even noise can infiltrate into homes,
causing health and comfort problems.
According to John Bower, author of The Healthy House: How to Buy One, How to
Build One, How to Cure a Sick One, there are four healthy design principles:
elimination, separation, ventilation and filtration.
Elimination can be defined as getting rid of the worst pollutants. Separation
means creating a barrier between the pollutants and the living space.
Ventilation
is the process of creating a proper air flow that provides adequate oxygen and
reduces the pollutants which are a result of normal day-to-day activity.
Filtration
means having filters that can purify the air to create an exceptionally
clean environment.
It should be noted that ventilating and filtrating aren't substitutes for
eliminating unhealthy materials.
Whether building or renovating, it doesn't need be complicated or expensive
to improve an existing home's air quality.
As a starting point toward improving a home's air quality, homeowners may
consider eliminating carpets, poorly manufactured wood products and
combustion appliances that don't have sealed combustion chambers. These
steps alone will be significant steps toward cleaner, indoor air. While
central ventilation systems and wood flooring are more costly, they do add
significant health benefits. When it comes to flooring, keep in mind the
fact that it is a significant part of a home's surface area.
Moisture control is another key element of healthy housing. Indoor and
outdoor sources of moisture can cause problems. These include leaks in the
roof, walls, windows and foundation, as well as moisture from cooking,
bathing, and houseplants. Bathroom fans and range hoods, can remove moisture
before it becomes a problem.
Additional options that will provide health benefits
Using low toxicity paints and installing electric stoves.
Storing malodorous cleaners and construction products in sealed plastic
containers, and keeping what you can outside of the home.
Clean floors, bedding, and stuffed furniture frequently with a HEPA vacuum
to remove sources of mold, dust and pests-such as dust mites.
Install carbon monoxide and smoke detector devices in
your home,
particularly in bedroom areas.
Reduce lead-based paint dust with good housekeeping habits. Regularly clean
floors, windowsills, and other surfaces using wet methods that control dust.
Conclusion
All-in-all, having a healthy home, like having a healthy body, doesn't have
to be complicated or expensive. Investing the time and the money now may be of
great benefit in the future.
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