Topical Reports Green Construction

Creating a Healthy Indoor Environment

People spend more than 80 percent of their time indoors. Building users will be healthier and more productive when indoor air is kept fresh and free of unhealthy fumes, chemicals, particles, and biological contaminants.

Questions to Consider

• How can the building keep the interior well ventilated without compromising energy efficiency?
• What choices should be made in selection of building materials, adhesives, coatings, and fabrics to prevent buildup of harmful fumes and particles, out-gassing of harmful chemicals, and harboring of biological contaminants?
• How can design choices minimize the need for hazardous cleaners during building operation?

U.S. EPA Indoor Air Quality Information Clearinghouse and Homepage
This EPA clearinghouse provides access to many publications, on-line information on IAQ issues, and operates a hotline for related questions. They provide basic IAQ information, as well as specific practices for homes, schools, and large buildings.
http://www.epa.gov/iaq

Healthy Indoor Air for America’s Homes
A national consumer education program concerned with improving the quality of indoor air in homes. Program increases awareness of indoor air quality issues such as radon, secondhand smoke, asthma, lead, combustion gases and carbon monoxide, formaldehyde, molds and other biologicals, asbestos, and air hazards associated with home remodeling, carpeting and household products.
http://www.montana.edu/wwwcxair

Health House Advantage (American Lung Association)
A nationally recognized program for raising the standards of residential air quality and energy efficiency.
http://www.healthhouse.org/

Lead Program - U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
(For Residential Projects)
Operates several programs dealing with lead in the built environment. Related information provided for homeowners and contractors, regarding lead hazards and management during remodeling. http://www.epa.gov/lead/

"Reducing Lead Hazards When Remodeling Your Home", details lead hazard reduction during remodeling homes.
http://www.epa.gov/lead/rrpamph.pdf

Healthy Buildings and IAQ
Listing of IAQ publications
http://www.eren.doe.gov/femp/greenfed/lit_rev/lr3.htm

Sustainable Building Policy - City of Seattle
Case studies on indoor air quality and associated productivity improvements for schools and commercial buildings.
http://www.cityofseattle.net/light/conserve/sustainability/default.asp#cases

On-Line Newsletter - "Indoor Environment Connections"
http://www.ieconnections.com

Carpet and Rug Institute (CRI) - IAQ Information
Frequently asked questions on impacts of floor coverings and cushions on indoor air quality.
http://www.carpet-rug.com/drill_down_2.cfm?cftoken=90258352&cfid=6774&page=8&sub=2

CRI’s Green Label Testing Program for carpets, adhesives, cushions and vacuum cleaners to identify low-emitting products for consumers.
http://www.carpet-rug.com/drill_down_2.cfm?cftoken=90258352&cfid=6774&page=8&sub=4

Paint Smart - Metro King County
Discussion of paint hazards.
http://www.metrokc.gov/hazwaste/house/painthazards.html

Article:Carpeting, Indoor Air Quality and the Environment
http://www.ecomall.com/greenshopping/ebcarpet2.htm

Article: (For Architects/Designers): Green & Clean: The Designer's Impact on Housekeeping and Maintenance
By Stephen Ashkin, December 1997
http://www.rochestermidland.com/division/institut/articles/greenandclean.pdf

Article: (For Facility Operators): The Impacts of Cleaning on Indoor Air Quality
By Stephen Ashkin, for the American Institute of Architects http://www.rochestermidland.com/division/institut/articles/impacts.pdf

Article: The Business Case for Sustainable Design
http://www.pprc.org/pprc/pubs/brownbag.html#0200

Article: Do Green Buildings Enhance the Well-Being of Workers? Yes
by Judith Heerwagen, Ph.D, July/August 2000
http://www.edcmag.com/CDA/ArticleInformation/coverstory/BNPCoverStoryItem/0,4118,19794,00.html

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