Eliminate indoor pollutant sources

Once we have designed and built a building envelope which allows occupants to maintain a healthy indoor environment, we have to turn attention to the materials and finishes used on the inside of that envelope. Every material and appliance we choose to use within the house now becomes part of that living environment and has an impact on IAQ.

Reducing Volatile Organic Compounds

Volatile organic compounds (VOC's) are chemicals that are off-gassed from paints, glues, carpets etc. and become breathable vapors at room temperatures. These chemicals are generally perceived by the sense of smell.

All R-2000 Homes must reduce VOC's concentrations by incorporating at least three of the following features:

• Carpets used must be certified by the Canadian Carpet Institute as low emission carpeting or shall cover no more than 50% of the floor area.
• All paints and varnishes used indoors, including wood flooring shall be water based meeting Environment Canada's Environmental Choice standards. Pre-finished items are allowed.
• All flooring adhesives shall be water dispersion, low-toxicity formulations.
• Cabinets and vanities shall be either solid wood or made from formaldehyde free particle board or have all exposed surfaces and edges sealed with an Environmental Choice approved sealer.
• Sheet vinyl flooring shall not be used. All vinyl flooring shall be either linoleum or synthetic tile.
• All particle board underlayment shall meet the E-1 European standard or have all surfaces sealed with an Environmental Choice approved sealer.
• Install an active sub-slab depressurization system to control the entry of Radon and soil gases into the house.

Minimum R-2000 requirements are designed to address the basic VOC emitting materials for the majority of the population. For persons with more severe sensitivities and health concerns, we recommend looking beyond minimum requirements. One of the best sources of information available on common construction materials used in building houses and their implications on human health is Building Materials for the Environmentally Hypersensitive published and distributed by Canada Mortgage and Housing (www.cmhc-schl.gc.ca).