Healthy Homes
The design of the house, the materials used in its construction and operating system selected has a direct impact on the home owner's health and comfort. Over the last decade the trend towards tighter homes to save on the rising price of energy together with the popular use of synthetic materials which require little maintenance has intensified the negative impact on occupant's health.
Unfortunately government regulation has not begun to properly address this problem. There are currently no mandatory pre-market health testing or approval requirements under any federal law for chemicals in construction materials which is a huge source of chemical exposure in everyday life. The Canadian Lung association has identified indoor air pollution to be one of the major contributors of lung disease. Indoor air pollution is one of the top four environmental health risks identified by the US Environmental Protection Agency. Third party testing has shown that indoor air quality in Vancouver is two to five times worse than outdoor air quality in the city. There are currently 80 000 types of chemicals being manufactured and only 1000 of which have tested for toxicity to humans. In Canada toxic chemicals in homes are considered innocent until proven guilty.
The average North American spends 90 percent or more of life indoors. With at least a quarter of the population bothered by asthma, allergies or a chemical sensitivity of some kind, researchers have shown there to be a strong link between our homes and our health. Millions of children have experienced elevated blood levels of contaminants resulting from their exposure to indoor pollutants.
Natural Balance believes that health is a fundamental principle when designing and building homes. Natural balance utilizes new construction and renovation related practices to protect our clients from common health risks associated with most homes. Natural Balance works with a wide variety of organizations and industry professionals to ensure that we are on the leading edge of the construction of healthy homes.
The major sources of health related problems which are common place in today's homes and which Natural Balance works diligently to avoid are:
Volatile Organic Compounds: VOC are organic compounds, usually made of petrochemicals, which readily release vapours at room temperature. VOC are a major source of toxic overload. Common sources of VOC are: plywood, particleboard, wood paneling, carpets and carpet pads, insulation, paints, finishes, solvents, adhesives, synthetic fabrics, cleaning products, body care products, mothballs, and many other household materials.
Toxic by-products of Combustion: Fuels burned within the house can consume indoor oxygen and release fumes which cause serious problems. In the test of 47,000 chemically sensitive patients the key pollutants were the gas stove, improperly vented hot water heaters, and the furnace.
Pesticides and Biocides: Common sources of both pesticides and biocides include their use in treatment of construction sites and materials, wood, paint, home furniture, and the garden. The Ontario College of Family Physicians, after conducting a comprehensive literature review of the impacts of pesticides on human health stated: "the review shows consistent links to serious illnesses such as cancer, reproductive problems and neurological diseases, among others. The study also shows that children are particularly vulnerable to pesticides.
Biological Allergens: There are many naturally occurring materials that, as a result of poor house design and maintenance, can lead to health problems. Biological pollutants such as pollen, house dust, and mold spores are a common feature in most homes. Mold forms anywhere where moisture accumulates and most building materials can become breeding grounds for mold and bacteria.
Heavy metals: contaminants can be found in lead and copper pipes, paint pigments and flame retardants.
