Canada Mortgage & Canada Mortgage & Housing CorporationHousing Corporation

Do We Live in a Plastic Bag?Do We Live in a Plastic Bag?

Bill Crawford CMHC Research, Technology Transfer

This presentation will cover

• The Importance of Indoor Air Quality

• Your House as a System

• Managing Moisture

• Air Circulation

• Tips to Make Your Home Healthier

Why is CMHC concerned with Indoor Air Quality? (IAQ)

• CMHC is the federal agency responsible for housing

• CMHC has been doing research on indoor air quality (IAQ) and mold for the past 20 years.

Why is IAQ important?

• We spend on average 90% of our time inside

• Studies have shown linkages between health and the indoor environment

• Up to 30% of households in Canada have humidity problems and possible mold issues

• 20%+ of the population suffer from respiratory problems (asthma, allergies & sensitivities)

Your house as a system

A home needs to BREATHE in both directions

Be aware of

back-drafting

The contaminated cocktail

Chemical Pollutants (voc’s)

Biological Pollutants (mites, skin dander, pollen, molds, etc)

Source Control The # 1 Answer

card board boxes, newspapers, carpets & fabrics,opened paint cans, thinners, household cleaners*

C. seal surfaces emitting voc’s under surface of counter tops, drawers, shelves, trims, wall, door and ceilings, baseboards

B. use no or low voc productsInstall hardwood, ceramic floor coveringsSolid wood furniture and cabinetsUse water based sealants and adhesives

A. discard excess materials

Good ventilation is essential

Removes contaminated air and replace it with fresh air.

Reduces humidity levels in your home.

Better for you to control ventilation, than have air leaks.

Check kitchen and bathroom fans

• Does your bathroom fan work? Is it used?

• Try a paper test• Where is the moisture

ventilated to? • Clean the grill often.

Full House Ventilation

All HRV’s must be balanced HRAI 1-800-267-2231

For approved installers call: HRAI 1-800-267-2231

Reducing air particulates • Don’t allow anyone to smoke

• Replace furnace filters regularly

• Remove shoes in your home

• Select hard surface flooring

• Pets are a major source of partculates

• We are a dust cloud

Should you be concerned Should you be concerned about mold?about mold?

• Mold will grow on almost any surface that is exposed to moisture.

• A musty odour is also good indication that your home has mold.

• Mold can make you and your family sick, usually with flu-like symptoms, and breathing problems.

Surfaces should be kept warm

Heat all areas of the house

Cold walls and surfaces condense moisture and grow mold

Excess materials should be discarded

Cardboard boxes, newspapers, magazines, carpets and fabricsprovide a food source

Mold requires moisture & nutrients to grow, remember it is is a living organism

Soap and water is preferred for removing mold, (bleach or vinegar kills on contact, but harsh)

Reducing moisture eliminates mold

No or reduced insulation at ceiling/wall (thermal bridging)

High-heel trusses allow for increased insulation

High-heel Truss

Why is managing moisture important?

• 10L to 50L of moisture can be released everyday in your home

• Dust mites thrive at relative humidity greater than 55%.

• Moisture causes mold growth

• Moisture leads to wood rot and structural damage.

Manage moisture inside • Keep relative humidity low enough to avoid

condensation on the window in winter (usually 30%) ………….Consider purchasing a hygrometer

• Use de-humidifiers when necessary. • Keep basement windows closed in summer• Do not carpet basement & bathroom floors.• Crawlspace or basement dirt floors must be covered• Vent dryer outside• Use bath and kitchen fans often• Fix all leaks

Manage moisture from the outside

• Repair roof leaks promptly, clean the gutter and extend downspouts

• Improve the grading so the soil slopes away from the house.

• Fix leaky outside water taps.

• Do not plant too near to the foundation.

Poor grading

Elbow & extension?Splash pad?

Window well

Tips to Make Your Home Healthier

• Product selection, low VOC’s• Good ventilation• Regulate moisture • Reduce air particulates • Remove cleaning products

and no odourizers • Change filters often• Do not use un-vented

appliances• Remove surplus storage items

• Soil grading

• Clean eaves troughs & extend down spouts

• Don’t use pesticides

• Reduce chemical fertilizers

• Don’t allow water to pool around foundations

• Don’t idle car in garage

Inside Outside

LIFESTYLE

CMHC research shows that chemical contaminants from new houseor renovation materials are generally replaced by contaminants from contents and lifestyle after several years.

DUST MITES 1/25000 IN.

8 LEGS, NO EYES, ….WALKING STOMACH!!

CMHC information that can help you

Moisture and Air – Free

Healthy Housing Practical Tips – Free Clean Air Guide - $5.95

Want more information?

To order any CMHC information related to housing call:

1-800-668-2642

or visit our website at:

www.cmhc.ca