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AIR QUALITY

Indoor Air Quality

Indoor Air Quality

Healthy Indoor Environment The Cowichan Valley’s temperate climate presents a number of challenges to our housing, see Healthy Housing. Adding to this is the growth in housing-related health and environmental concerns over the last few decades. Construction materials, furniture, carpeting, combustion appliances, household cleaners and personal care products, to name a few, all have direct implications to indoor air quality.

The following are some basic tips to consider for to help improve indoor air quality.

Moisture Control
Controlled ventilation is critical for maintaining a healthy home, particularly in houses with electric baseboard heat. This can be achieved with the installation and use of a proper bathroom fan set, which includes a 90CFM (exhaust power) 1.5 Sone (sound rating), squirrel-cage type fan controlled with a dehumidistat, as well as a 30-minute timer in place of a standard wall switch. The system should also be vented directly to the exterior utilizing:
  • Smooth metal ducting where the duct joints are sealed with foil tape (not duct tape),
  • Ducts that are insulated if running through an unheated space,
  • An appropriate roof or gable jack (hooded damper) to discharge moist air directly to the exterior.
Urinal in abandoned factory Using the timer to turn on the exhaust fan during showers, as well as running it for at least 15 minutes afterward, removes the obvious moisture we know we are producing. Mounted outside the bathroom (‘central’ to the home) and set between 55% and 60% during the heating season, the dehumidistat will switch the bath fan on and off, automatically removing the less tangible moisture, such as that produced during increased occupancy, cooking, laundry, etc.

Controlling moisture not only improves air quality, but it can also reduce damage to the building, such as mould, blistering paint and wood rot.
  • If you do not have a bath fan, at least open a window for a few minutes after showering or bathing. Do the same with kitchen exhaust fans while boiling or stir frying meals, but keep in mind that windows are not a substitute for controlled ventilation.
  • Using a squeegee to remove water from shower enclosure after bathing can reduce moisture considerably.
  • Install a combustion fresh air supply for woodstoves, fireplaces or other combustion appliances (e.g. gas/oil water heaters) situated within the heated part of the building.
  • Do not hang clothes to dry inside.
  • Store only enough wood for a day and do not dry wood out beside the woodstove
  • If you have mould on window frames, this means that condensation is a problem. Replacing windows is an expensive undertaking and may not be the best first investment to combat moisture. Clean windows with a damp cloth, then spray with vinegar and wipe dry. Wipe windows at least once a week to prevent further mould growth.
  • Be advised that if you already have moisture problems, aquariums and lots of plants can exacerbate moisture problems further.
  • Do not use vapourizors or humidifiers to add moisture to the home.
  • Do not put kettles on the stove to create moisture.
Firewood for home use Combustion in the Home
Care should be taken with any combustion appliance to minimize indoor and outdoor air pollution. Consider the following:
  • To avoid the risk of drawing toxic gases into the home, avoid operating exhaust fans (i.e. range exhaust, dryers, bathroom fans, etc.) while using combustion appliances. If you must use combustion appliances and dryer/fans simultaneously, crack open a window nearest the exhausting appliance.Best practice is to install a permanent, dedicated fresh air supply;
  • For health, safety and insurance purposes, all combustion appliances (stoves, water heaters, etc.) and their respective chimneys, should be inspected every fall, regardless of the extent of use.
  • Carbon monoxide alarms are a must in any home with combustion equipment, regardless of the age or type of appliance. CGC carries the Senco Model One at discount prices.
Vermiculite (Zonolite)
Many homes in the Cowichan region contain vermiculite insulation. Some vermiculite contains asbestos, especially if from the Grace plant in Montanna. Until fairly recently, there has been very little written by health authorities on this subject in Canada.

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As a result, Cowichan Green Community is attempting to raise awareness of potential concerns with this type of insulation.

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Although testing is available to determine if asbestos is present, it is advisable to err on the side of caution and assume that the vermiculite in question is contaminated. Therefore, extreme caution and protective measures should be employed around vermiculite. This includes proper masks, goggles clothing, ventilating the working space, disturbing as little of the vermiculite as possible and the isolating the living space from the area in question.

Please read the information at the websites listed below before entering the attic or performing any work that involves perforating the ceiling (e.g. plumbing, electrical or ventilation, etc.).

CMHC: http://www.cmhc-schl.gc.ca/en/co/maho/yohoyohe/inaiqu/inaiqu_001.cfm

Health Canada: http://www.hc-sc.gc.ca/iyh-vsv/prod/insulation-isolant_e.html

CBC: http://www.cbc.ca/news/national/news/deadly_dust/

EPA:  http://www.epa.gov/asbestos/pubs/insulation.html

Article - CTV:
CTV News Story


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