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Addressing Indoor Environmental Concerns During Remodeling |
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Written by Phoenix Rentals Manager
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Monday, 11 February 2008 |
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While remodeling or improving the energy efficiency of your home, steps should be taken to minimize pollution from sources inside the home, either from new materials, or from disturbing materials already in the home. In addition, residents should be alert to signs of inadequate ventilation, such as stuffy air, moisture condensation on cold surfaces, or mold and mildew growth. These issues should be addressed either before or during the remodeling process. For a discussion of basic indoor air quality in homes and how it can affect your health, see EPA's The Inside Story: A Guide to Indoor Air Quality (EPA 402-K-93-007).
Usually the most effective way to improve indoor air quality is to eliminate or control sources of pollution, or to reduce their emissions. Another important approach that goes hand in hand with controlling pollution is using mechanical ventilation to lower the concentrations of pollutants in your home by increasing the amount of outdoor air coming inside. A third strategy, air cleaning, complements source control and ventilation. These strategies are discussed both in The Inside Story, and in the information included on this site. In general, you should address the following issues when remodeling your home. |
