Today, we are answering all of your questions about Indoor Air Quality and how it plays into LEED Certification and living at Brick Avenue Lofts.
Let’s start with the basics!
What is Indoor Air Quality?
Indoor Air Quality or IAQ refers to the air quality within and around buildings and structures, especially as it relates to the health and comfort of those that live there.
How is IAQ measured?
IAQ is measured by using a VOC sensor. A VOC sensor measures volatile organic compounds. For example, it can detect things like the formaldehyde that’s present in new carpets and ketones that come from people filling a space.
Why is IAQ important?
Well, the short answer is, IAQ is important to your health. IAQ determines whether or not the air you breathe at home is good for you!
So understanding and controlling common pollutants indoors can help reduce your risk of indoor health concerns.
Some of these immediate effects may show up shortly after a single exposure or repeated exposures to a pollutant. These side effects include irritation to the eyes, nose, and throat. Other common side effects include headaches, dizziness, and fatigue. While the immediate effects are typically treatable, it can, however, be difficult to pinpoint the cause of these symptoms as they are similar to that of other viral diseases and colds. Therefore, it is important to monitor when the symptoms occur and if they lessen when you are away from the area. Lastly, some effects can be made worse by an inadequate supply of outdoor air coming indoors.
Other long term effects of poor IAQ include some respiratory diseases, heart disease, and cancer which is why it is critical that we try to improve the Indoor Air Quality of our homes even if no immediate reactions occur.
What are the common sources of indoor air pollution?
- fuel-burning combustion appliances
- tobacco products
- building materials and furnishings such as deteriorated asbestos-containing insulation, newly installed flooring-upholstery or carpet, cabinetry or furniture made of certain pressed wood products
- products for household cleaning and maintenance, personal care, or hobbies
- central heating and cooling systems and humidification devices
- excess moisture
- outdoor sources such as radon, pesticides, and outdoor air pollution
How can IAQ be improved?
There are three strategies for improving IAQ. They include eliminating the sources of pollutants, improving ventilation, and adding an air cleaner.
What have we done to ensure IAQ in the Brick Avenue Lofts neighborhood?
At Brick Avenue Lofts, you are living in a LEED Certified neighborhood. LEED stands for Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design. It is based on standards developed by the US Green Building Council. This system is the leading system for rating green buildings. This program evaluates the environmental impact of every element of a project, from design to maintenance, including a place’s IAQ.
At Brick Avenue Lofts, we were not only mindful of the sources, but we also wanted to provide your homes with fresh air 24/7. This is why we don’t use VOC paints or toxic building materials. It is why you won’t find carpet anywhere in our homes or common spaces. We use all natural cleaning supplies and maintain a smoke-free community. We also pride ourselves on having good ventilation. Each home is fashioned with a fresh air button which works to circulate fresh, clean air into your space. We care about these details, and our design is informed by them.
What other questions do you have about Indoor Air Quality?
For more information about what makes Brick Avenue Lofts a healthy place to live, click here.
