Insights on Indoor Air Quality: Meeting the Demand for Healthier Homes

Today’s consumers are more health conscious than ever before, and many are seeking ways to improve the air quality in their homes. Builders who focus on healthier building practices can benefit financially, as these homes can stand out in a competitive market and may sell for higher prices. This approach also helps builders differentiate themselves from competitors.

Health Impacts of Indoor Air Pollution

Poor indoor air quality can lead to a range of short-term and long-term health issues. The National Institutes of Health reports that 50% of all illnesses are aggravated or caused by polluted indoor air. Conditions such as asthma, which affects one in 12 people, are notably worsened by poor indoor air quality.

Health implications span immediate discomfort, including headaches, dizziness and fatigue, to potentially long-term health problems including respiratory diseases, heart disease and cancer. Some people even experience “sick building syndrome,” a set of symptoms that can include headache, sore throat and nausea.

Most alarmingly, the World Health Organization reports that 3.8 million people die prematurely each year from illnesses related to household air pollution.

Understanding VOCs

One of the key factors affecting indoor air quality is the presence of volatile organic compounds (VOCs). VOCs are a group of chemicals that are found in many products we use to build and maintain our homes. These are emitted from various building materials, including paints, solvents, insulation and varnishes. VOCs also come from electronic equipment, cleaning products, furniture and many other household products.

What Can You Do to Improve Indoor Air Quality?

By understanding the sources and effects of indoor air pollution, builders can take steps to mitigate its impact. This includes strategies such as:

• Proper Ventilation: Design homes with effective ventilation systems to ensure continuous airflow and moisture control.
• Air Sealing: Small gaps in the attic, basement, crawlspace, or garage allow pollen, dust, water vapor, and other pollutants to enter the home. Using an air sealant in these gaps can keep these pollutants out. Air sealing between the living space and the attic also prevents moisture (from cooking, laundry, showers, etc.) from accumulating in the attic and potentially creating mold and moisture issues.
• Hard Surface Flooring: Use hard surface flooring or low-pile carpets with anti-allergen treatment to reduce dust accumulation and ease cleaning.
• Air Filtration: Install high-quality air filters in HVAC systems to trap allergens, dust and pollen, ensuring cleaner air circulation throughout the home.

Choosing the Right Materials

Opting for products that are CERTIFIED asthma & allergy friendly® and Verified Healthier Air™ is an effective way to ensure healthier, higher performing spaces. These products undergo intense scrutiny by Allergy Standards and the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America. The certification process includes rigorous tests, such as measuring dust and fiber release, monitoring VOC emissions over 14 days, testing mold resistance, and assessing the materials used in manufacturing.

Knauf’s Performance+™ portfolio of insulation is not only CERTIFIED asthma & allergy friendly® and Verified Healthier Air™ but also formaldehyde-free, with extremely low VOC emissions.

By utilizing CERTIFIED asthma & allergy friendly® products and incorporating effective building practices, builders can significantly enhance indoor air quality, thereby laying the groundwork for healthier living spaces. Not only does this approach help building professionals meet the demand for health-conscious home buyers, it also positions builders as leaders in the ever-evolving housing market.

Our homes are more than just structures; they are environments where we live, grow, and thrive. Prioritizing indoor air quality is not just an “nice to have” — it's a responsibility to future-proof homes for healthier lives.

Learn more at knaufnorthamerica.com.