By Stacy Hunt
Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) studies show that pollution levels inside homes are two to five times higher than pollution outdoors. A whole host of health problems can be caused or aggravated by high levels of these toxins, created from off-gassing of products and construction materials, moisture and mold issues, improperly designed or installed mechanical systems, high levels of radon, and/or lack of fresh air ventilation. The increase in energy efficiency in some new homes, which includes ensuring a very air-tight building envelope, can lead to indoor air quality problems if the builder isn't adequately ventilating the home.
These problems, along with increased consumer concerns about health issues related to indoor air quality, drove the EPA to develop a new Indoor Air Package (IAP) for their existing Energy Star for New Homes Program. The program has been certifying homes that are significantly more energy efficient than model energy code since 1995. The new IAP adds to the requirements of the "base" Energy Star for New Homes Program to address issues in moisture control, pest management, HVAC system design and installation, combustion venting, radon mitigation, and selection and treatment of construction materials, as well as homeowner occupancy and maintenance issues that contribute to poor indoor air quality.
Moisture control. Excess moisture in new homes can lead to mold, mildew and, thus, indoor air quality problems. The requirements of the IAP mandate that builders address moisture issues, including strategies for areas such as foundations, walls, roofs, flashing details, and building material storage. This minimizes water intrusion and creates strategies for proper drainage and drying when intrusion occurs.
Pest management. Leftovers from pests can trigger respiratory issues, so the IAP mandates proper sealing and caulking, as well as screening areas that can't be sealed or caulked to prevent pest intrusion and to eliminate the mess that the little buggers leave behind.
Heating, ventilation, and cooling (HVAC) system. Air handling is a significant concern in indoor air quality. The IAP mandates well-sealed and -placed duct systems to minimize condensation and decrease air leakage; proper ventilation to dilute buildup of pollution in the home; and air filtration to clean particulates from the air.
Combustion-venting systems. If not properly vented and monitored, items such as mechanical equipment, appliances and fireplaces can expose occupants to combustion gasses. The IAP mandates that all combustion appliances and fireplaces be properly vented; garages be sealed off from the home and equipped with an exhaust fan and carbon monoxide alarms be properly installed in the home.
Building materials. Building materials are a source of indoor pollution not only due to off-gassing from chemical content of the materials themselves, but also when materials are improperly treated on the jobsite and left to weather and collect mold and other environmental pollutants. Therefore the IAP mandates proper material handling, use of low-emission materials, and proper ventilation in the home once materials are installed to allow for the reduction of airborne pollutants before occupancy.
Radon-resistant construction. According to the EPA, radon is the number two cause of lung cancer, next to smoking. In areas considered high risk for radon exposure, the IAP requires the installation of passive radon systems, which include proper foundation sealing and ground barriers; venting from under the slab to the roof; and the installation of an attic electrical junction box for easy installation of an inline fan, if an active system becomes necessary.
The new Energy Star Indoor Air Package allows builders and homeowners to take the quality and performance of their homes one step further: to account for not only energy and environmental impact, but for the impact on the homeowners themselves.
For more information on the Energy Star Indoor Air Package, which is now available to all interested Energy Star Partners, visit the Energy Star website.
Stacy Hunt is a consultant and freelance writer who specializes in building technology and green building.
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