What Green Building Means

Over the last few years their has been a strong interest in Green building techniques. This articles discusses some of the current terms and techniques involved with green building.

There’s a lot of talk in real estate about green building lately, but the phrase is still a little vague. Here’s a guide to understanding a few key terms, so you can investigate whether or not a potential home is truly eco-friendly.

Insulation and Building:
Many new buildings are being insulated with recycled materials, such as old blue jeans or blown-in fiberglass. Proper insulation now goes a long way toward saving on energy bills later. Walls can be made of steel and concrete, rather than more expensive and volatile treated wood. Many cities have lumber yards and "re-stores" where you can buy recycled or left over building materials that are strong, cheap, and often antique or authentically vintage.

Appliances:
Look for low flow shower heads and low flush or composting toilets. Consider energy saving washers and dryers, or put a line in your yard to hang wet clothes on sunny days Make sure your HVAC unit is sealed and clean, and look for gas stoves and instantaneous, or tankless, water heaters.

Flooring:
Rather than use expensive hardwoods that endanger the land and deplete forests, many real estate builders have found inexpensive and beautiful alternatives in bamboo (which is technically not a wood but a grass, and yet one of the hardest and most easily replenished flooring materials) and cork (also easily replenished). Concrete, too, can be a sturdy and inexpensive alternative, as can old fashioned linoleum, which is actually made from linen and other natural fibers.

Paint and Other Materials:
Many paint manufacturers are looking for green alternatives to oil and latex; one such option is the use of milk-based paints (which upon application smell like milk instead of harsh chemicals, and which don’t have any carcinogenic ingredients.) Recycled glass is now being made into kitchen and bath tiles, and countertops are being made with recycled materials that look even more beautiful and unique than mined granite.

Solar Energy:
Solar energy doesn’t just mean expensive panels that sit on your roof (though that’s one kind, called active solar energy). Considering a solar home can mean investing in thick-paned, glazed windows or in more complicated photovoltaic cells. Though solar tends to be an expensive investment, upfront, the rewards show up every month in your energy bills.

Landscaping:
Look for Xeriscaped yards and common areas with plants that require little watering. Consider getting rain barrels (many cities sell them through their water and energy programs) or converting your outdoor water system to "graywater" (which involves using recycled water from dishwashers and washing machines to water your lawn or wash your car). Looks for trees that are native to your area, and plant them so they shield your windows from too much sun during hotter days.

Neighborhood:
While a lot of green building means being aware of what is going into your home, you might also want to check out your neighborhood. Are there recycling programs or community gardens? Public transportation? Bike paths so you can have the option of avoiding traffic? Are there shops and restaurants close to you, to encourage walking? While thinking about these things may seem unimportant now, our global climate and community with thank you later. (Oh, and don’t forget the federal tax deductions.)

If you are looking for property in the Austin Texas Real Estate market Ki Gray can help you in your search. A broker with a long background of helping clients in the Austin market. His site Escapeso Austin Texas Real Estate is a source for information about the real estate market and current events in Austin Texas. It also provides a description of the different Austin Condos going up in downtown Austin.

Carpet for Cleaner Air

By Lynne B. Peer

Maintaining good indoor air quality in the home and workplace is an important step in encouraging good health and reducing allergens. Because we spend 90 percent of our time indoors, we must do everything possible to improve the quality of the air we breathe.

What affects our indoor air quality? Interior building materials like wood, particle board and laminates, furniture and wall coverings, people and pets, cleaning substances, the condition of heating and air conditioning, life activities like smoking and cooking, dust and dust mites, and of course the outdoor air. Interior finishes and building materials have the potential to affect indoor air quality because they emit volatile organic compounds (VOCs). Scientific studies have shown that new carpet is one of the lowest emitters of VOCs into the indoor environment, and these emissions dissipate very quickly — within 48 to 72 hours after installation with good ventilation.

Carpet’s holding characteristics actually make it a floor covering of choice for allergy sufferers. House dust, pollen and dust mites are a constant challenge in the home. They are found in the highest concentration in mattresses and bedding. The key in preventing reactions to these pollutants is to keep the allergen particles from getting into the breathing zone. Gravity causes airborne particles to fall to the floor and the benefit of a carpeted floor is that the dust, dirt and particles are retained in the carpet until they can be removed by vacuuming. It is the airborne particles that affect those sensitive individuals, not the particles that are held in the carpet. Therefore, the holding characteristics of carpet, as compared to a smooth surface floor, keep particles from circulating around in the room due to foot traffic and airflow.

Vacuuming is the single most effective and economical means of keeping floor coverings clean and removing dust and allergens from the indoor environment. It has been proven that 90 percent to 95 percent of all dry soil by weight can be removed from carpet by routine vacuuming. In addition to vacuuming, keeping the humidity low (below 55 percent) and using heating, air conditioning and possibly a dehumidifier is important. In an office environment, dust, pollen, skin particles and other office material particles circulate in the air and must also be removed by routine maintenance and effective ventilation.

The key, however, to removing the particles collected in the carpet is to vacuum routinely with a high quality vacuum cleaner that has adjustable brushes and bears the Carpet and Rug Institute’s Green Label. Those commercial and residential vacuum cleaners have passed stringent tests in three areas: soil removal, containing the dust within the filter bag and maintaining the carpet’s appearance. As noted in Architectural Review Magazine, "… the fact that carpet may hold more lint and dust than a smooth surface may be considered an advantage as it is better to have dust particles held down in the carpet until it is vacuumed, than to have it stirred up and airborne by continual shuffling of shoes — as is the case with smooth surfaces."

According to many allergists, the real cure for sniffing, sneezing and wheezing may be as simple as consistent, regular house cleaning. Common household allergens such as dust, dust mites, mold, pet dander and cockroach allergen can trigger allergies. Dr. Mary Lasley, a pediatric allergist, explains, "Simple changes in your routine house cleaning can reduce allergies and help your family live more comfortably. Removing dust and soil often from all surfaces is a key element in maintaining good indoor air quality." It has been recommended that carpet be vacuumed once a week for every person and large pet that lives in the home. Commercial recommendations are based on the number of foot traffics and individuals who occupy the offices.

In response to some individuals who worried that their carpet might be the cause of allergic reactions, comparison data from a 10-year study in Sweden by the scientists at the Swedish Institute of Fibre and Polymer Research, found that there is no link between carpet usage and the incidence of asthma or allergies. What they did find was that even though carpet usage had steadily decreased since 1975, the occurrences of allergic reactions in the general population had increased.

In some situations people have perceived that carpet may have a negative impact on the indoor air quality. It has been shown that removing carpet does not impact the amount of allergies or asthma. Dr. Scott Schroeder, a pediatrician from Bronx, New York, noted that carpet was removed in the Bronx, New York School System and that it had no impact on the increase of asthma in the students there.

Carpet itself is not a source of mold and mildew without dirt and moisture. Visible mold is a manifestation of inadequate maintenance, excess moisture problems and poor HVAC ventilation. A recent research study of six Florida schools by Host/Racine Industries determined that mold and mildew are not associated with a particular surface, such as carpet. Eliminating sources of excessive moisture, such as water leaks, moldy HVAC ducts and humidity problems caused by turning off air conditioning in the night were steps that needed to be taken along with a concentrated effort to reduce humidity in the building.

DuPont in their White Paper entitled "Carpet and Indoor Air Quality" discussed bioaerosols from older carpet: "For older carpet, the area of concern is airborne suspension of irritants or allergenic material that either grows or accumulates in the carpet over time. With regard to the "growth" of microorganisms in carpet, we know that this does not occur to any significant extent at a relative humidity below 65 percent or in the absence of water leaks. In situations where humidity is high or water has intruded into the building, the potential for mold growth is greater regardless of flooring material. While biological materials can "accumulate" in carpet, it has been argued that carpet may actually be a benefit, since it traps and holds soils and dusts. Obviously, it becomes necessary to routinely remove this debris from the carpet via vacuum cleaning and periodic deep cleaning."

Carpet has been used happily by millions of satisfied customers for many years. The Carpet and Rug Institute offers information on carpet’s role in the indoor environment, their indoor air quality (IAQ) testing program for carpet and for vacuum cleaners, and the benefits of carpet for allergy sufferers. Call CRI at (800) 882-8846 or visit CRI’s website at www.carpet-rug.com.

 

By ARA Content

Toxic Black Mold: Symptoms of Black Mold Poisoning

Mildew or mold (a type of fungi), which is found in damp environment can have serious effect on human health. Every year thousands of people suffer from black mold poisoning. Let us understand and learn important steps needed to be followed in case of black mold poisoning.

Black Mold
Mildew or mold (also known as black mold or toxic mold) is a type of fungi that develops and grows on surfaces in the form of powdery or downy substance. Humid/damp surfaces in combination with a very moderate temperature and sufficient amount of light provide the best conditions for mold growth. The toxic mold grows on walls, wood, clothes, food, carpets or any article such sofa (made of leather) etc. The mold growth is not confined only to walls, clothes and surfaces of furniture, it also can grow inside the equipments like air conditioners, HVAC systems etc.

The humidity level/dampness (which is the most important factor for mold growth) on the various surfaces is caused due to many conditions such as leak in the surface causing water to drip and form a damp surface, sufficient humidity in surrounding environment, condensation phenomenon etc.

What are the signs of Mold?

• Moisture on the surfaces: Moisture or dampness on surfaces (of wall, wood, clothes etc.) can be treated as very first sign of mold growth (although moisture does not mean mold formation and growth, it is a very important condition for mold formation).
• Stains on the wall: Yellowish stains on the wall caused due to moisture helps initial growth of mold. Look out for the greenish, blackish or brownish colored patches on the damp wall that characterizes mold growth.
• Odor: Mildew or musty odors is one of the most prominent sign of mold growth. If you experience a musty odor near damp/humid surfaces, you should look out for the other signs of mold growth.
• Respiratory system response in the people: If you or anyone staying in the house is hypersensitive to change in surrounding environmental conditions and experience some kind of allergic reaction or respiratory system related problems when you/the person is inside the house, then in that case there is a possibility of high mold growth.
• Poisoning due to mold: Poisoning due to the Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) formed by mold is one of the most prominent sign of potential mold growth.

Indoor Air Quality and Your Heart

Did you know that the quality of the indoor air you breathe has a direct negative impact on your cardiovascular system? Read more about the link between IAQ and cardiovascular disease as well as what you can do to protect yourself and your family.

A recent scientific investigation published in the "American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine" found that the IAQ (Indoor Air Quality) inside your home or office (indoor air that is recycled ) has a significant effect on your cardiovascular system - especially if you’re over 50. Although researchers have known for some time that air pollution leads to an increased risk of heart disease (the number one killer in America), this was the first project to study the connection with indoor air. The results will not only surprise you, they’ll point out something you can do right now to help protect yourself and your family.

The Background of the Research

In the study, a team of researchers from Sweden and Denmark looked at the affect of tiny particles on endothelial cells. Endothelial cells line the interior surfaces of all blood vessels as well as the heart, and support blood flow by performing a number of important functions including reducing friction (and thereby reducing the work load on your heart). A reduction in the Microvascular Function (MVF) of endothelial cells through inflammation or other types of stresses can lead to a number of cardiovascular diseases including atherosclerosis.

The study was a randomized, double blind study performed on 21 nonsmoking couples aged 60 to 75. All participants were in good health and all lived near busy roads meaning that they were routinely exposed to road dust as well as auto and diesel exhaust. The couples were studied in their homes and were randomly selected to be exposed to filtered air followed by non-filtered air, or the other way around while the researchers measured the amount and chemical properties of the particles in the air. After every test, the Microvascular Function (MVF) of each individual was measured.

Why study "tiny particles?" Because a significant portion of air pollution is made up of "particulates," tiny particles that are found in auto and diesel exhaust, cigarette or other types of smoke, and industrial stack emissions. These tiny particles are microscopic in size and are easily inhaled into the lungs where they enter the blood stream and contact the endothelial lining.

The Results and Conclusions

Once the investigation was concluded, some of the more significant results showed that:

- Filtering the indoor air improved MVF by more than 8%. This is pretty significant and is something any of us can achieve by following some of the recommendations listed below.

- The diameter of the airborne particles and their mass, had a greater effect than their total number concentration. In other words, the smallest particulates (smaller than 2.5 micrometers) were the biggest hazard, mainly because these particles are too small to be caught by the body’s natural defense systems and can easily enter the lungs and blood stream.

- MVF was also significantly linked to being exposed to airborne particulates containing iron, potassium, copper, zinc, arsenic, and lead. This is important to those of us that happen to live near industrial or manufacturing plants.

Based on their results, the researchers concluded that, "Reduction of particle exposure by filtration of recirculated indoor air for only 48 hours improved MVF in healthy elderly citizens, suggesting that this may be a feasible way of reducing the risk of cardiovascular disease."

The Limits of the Study

It’s significant to note some of the limits of the study in order to get a more balanced view of the results. First, note that all of the participants were in an age group (60 to 75) that is particularly susceptible to respiratory and cardiovascular disease to begin with. However, this does not mean that everyone else is immune.

According to the US EPA, the people that are most at risk from particles, mold, or other respirable hazards include:

1. Young children and babies (their respiratory and immune system is still developing)

2. The elderly (their respiratory and immune system is not as efficient as it used to be)

3. The sick or immune compromised (their respiratory and immune system is already under attack)

4. People with underlying respiratory disease such as asthma or severe allergies.

Secondly, this study only looked at the effect of airborne particles on the cardiovascular system so it was a very narrow study. The study did not include other common factors that also affect Indoor Air Quality such as allergens, dust, pet dander, dust mites, mold, temperature and humidity, to name a few.

What You Can Do

Although it’s true that this particular investigation focused on the elderly (aged 60 to 75), I personally believe that the results apply to all of us to some extent or another. The extent that you are affected by airborne particles is going to depend on your age, your genetic makeup, your over all health and fitness level, your work and living conditions, and so on. Most of these you can’t do anything about. However, there is one factor you have some degree of control over: the amount of particulates in your home. Fortunately, there are a number of easy ways to reduce the amount of particles floating around in your indoor air.

Reducing Airborne Particles in Your Home

A couple of easy ways to reduce the amount of particles in your indoor air include:

1. Reduce airborne particles by cleaning often. Purchase or make sure you have a vacuum with a HEPA filter on the exhaust. "HEPA" is a type of filter (not a brand name) and it stands for "High Efficiency Particulate Air." A HEPA filter will filter out a minimum of 99.97% of all particles 0.3 micros or larger. If you use a vacuum without a HEPA filter, all you’re doing is recirculating small particles in the air instead of actually removing them.

2. Change and/or Upgrade the filters on your HVAC. Your HVAC filters are your front-line defense in removing particles from the air inside your home. The US EPA recommends using a filter with at least a MERV 8 rating. "MERV’ stands for "Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value" as determined by the American Society of Heating, Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Engineers. I personally recommend filters with a MERV 11 but only if you have a relatively new HVAC unit (less than 10 years old). You’ll pay more but they’ll remove smaller particles from the air. If you have an older or less powerful HVAC unit, then a MERV 8 should suffice. In either case, change the filters according to the manufacturers recommendations (or more frequently if you live in a dusty area).

3. Consider reducing the amount of installed carpeting in your home and replacing it with wood or tile flooring. In the Indoor Air Quality business, installed carpeting is known as a "pollutant sink." The carpet fibers trap all kinds of dirt and gunk which it then releases back into the air every time it’s disturbed. If you’ve ever pulled up old carpet, you were probably surprised (and disgusted) at how much dirt was underneath - even though you vacuum on a regular basis. Wood or tile floors are much easier to keep clean and you can still use the occasional throw rug.

4. Purchase an air purifier for the bedroom(s). Where do you spend 7 to 9 hours of your time per night? In the bedroom. Consider purchasing a high quality air purifier for your bedroom(s). I recommend (and own) the purifiers distributed by Nikken, Inc. A word of warning though, they’re pretty expensive but they’re the best I’ve found. They’re only sold by "Wellness Consultants" (email me for the one I use). Regardless of where or what kind of air purifier you buy, make absolutely sure that it does not produce ozone. Ozone is a toxic gas that can cause a number of health problems (see EPA warning at the EPA website listed below). You’re trying to reduce indoor pollutants, not add to them.

Finally, remember that there is no "magic bullet" when it comes to improving Indoor Air Quality. However, the steps mentioned here will go a long ways towards reducing the number of particles in your home or office and reducing your risk of cardiovascular disease.

Sources

For the full article, see "Indoor Particles Affect Vascular Function in the Aged: An Air Filtration-based Intervention Study" by Elvira Vaclavik Bruner, Lykke Forchhammer, Peter Mller, Lars Barregard, Lars Gunnarsen, Alireza Afshari, Peter Whlin, Marianne Glasius, Lars Ove Dragsted, Samar Basu, Ole Raaschou-Nielsen, and Steffen Loft. Published in the "American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine," Vol 177. pp. 419-425, (2008).

See also the US EPA web page, "The Inside Story: A Guide to Indoor Air Quality" at http://www.epa.gov/iaq/pubs/insidest.html and their warnings on ozone at http://www.epa.gov/iaq/pubs/ozonegen.html

About the Author
Hiram Perez is a fitness author and life-long martial arts practitioner. Get balanced and commonsense health information at his blog.