SICK HOMES



GOAL:
To become aware of toxic materials and pollutants found in home construction and how the builder can curtail their effects.

OBJECTIVES:
The student will be able to identify some of the toxic materials and pollutants found in homes and offer solutions to these problems.

LESSON / INFORMATION:
The current push for a tighter, more energy-efficient home often conflicts with toxic materials used during the construction of the house. Today's house, some experts report, could be making the occupants sick. An Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) study concludes that indoor levels of many pollutants may be higher than outdoor levels.

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The ultimate question most homeowners ask is, "How much will it cost to build a healthy home?" Rightfully so, as many builders agree that building materials and techniques could add up to 25% more to the total cost of a new hous. The heat / ventilating air conditioner, for example, could cost much more than a standard one, but it will cost much less to operate. However, ventilation alone will not solve the problem of toxins in the home, and builders need to be educated as to what materials contribute to indoor pollution.

The following list presents problems and solutions when using some building materials.

Healthy Homes
Problem: Solution:
Fiberglass insulation fibers cause lung infection during construction or remodeling. Install cellulose insulation at a lower cost and higher R-value.
Paint fumes cause respiratory problems well after the building is complete. Use latex paint.
Air conditioner causes allergy problems. Clean inside air conditioning coils once a year.
Formaldehyde glue used in some wood products causing health problems with young children. Do not use wood products such as flakeboard or particle board in interior construction.
Carpet causing health problems. Use only nylon carpets and keep carpets extremely clean. Have carpets steam cleaned periodically.
Air conditioner filter not properly filtering air in home. Take the following action:
1. Use regular filter with spray-on additive and change once a month.
2. Use electronic filter.
3. Have air conditioner service person install an electric filter in plenum.
4. Filter should be correctly sized.
5. Clean ducts and seal all leaks.
Fireplace odor in home. Have fireplace including chimney cleaned periodically.
Home built extremely air-tight causing concern about air pollution. Have air exchanger installed in air conditioner intake plenum.
Concerned about radon gas problem in Louisiana homes. Radon is not normally a problem in Louisiana homes. However, a polyethylene film sealing slab is still a good investment.
Concerned about radon gas problem in areas of the United States where radon may be present. The following procedures may help:
1. Use wire mesh or fiberglass in slab to reduce cracking.
2. Pour slab on 2 inches of sand (minimizing shrinking). Sand is placed on top of 6 mil polyethylene sheet covering an additional 2" of sand.
3. Seal all pipe holes penetrating polyethylene film.
4. Use wet curing practice in curing slab.
5. Use 2500 - 3000 lb. test concrete.

Many experts believe that gas toxins are emitted by insulation, flooring, sheathing and engineered lumber. The solution lies in sealing with non-toxic coatings. Many pollutants can be sealed by applying a coat of paint. For example, a coat of paint over particle board will keep the unhealthy gas from evaporating and entering into the living area.

In some instances, radon, a naturally occurring gas in the ground, can enter homes via cracks in or around the foundation. The central and northeast portions of the United States and the Florida peninsula have potentially high levels of radon gas. In those areas where radon is a problem, the use of at least two inches of sand over polyethylene film before the slab is poured and reinforcing the slab with wire mesh is recommended. Sealing all joints, pipes, drains, and ducts that penetrate the slab is further recommended.

ACTIVITY 1:
The following list was originally used for a crossword puzzle. See if you can figure out a word that means the same for each.
1. To admit fresh air into an area in order to replace stale air.

2. To color with a penetrating dye (plural)

3. The Environmental Protection Agency (abbreviation)

4. In good health

5. A decorative or protective coating

6. Evaporating quickly

7. Capable of producing poisons

8. A very small piece

9. Not genuine

10. A gaseous, chemical, or organic waste that contaminates

INFORMATION CHECK:
1. Identify at least five different man-made materials which contain toxins. Recommend solutions to eliminating these toxins.

2. List three areas in the United States where radon gas is a problem in house construction.

TRUE/FALSE:
1. Formaldehyde used in particle board or plywood paneling may emit gases which are harmful.

2. The naturally occurring gas, radon, when present in sufficient amounts, can be a health hazard.

3. Proper ventilation will help solve the problems created by the use of toxic building materials.

4. Experts agree that a healthy home can add up to 25% more to the total building cost.

5. Louisiana falls among those high risk states where radon gas is considered a problem.

TEACHER'S NOTES:

SUGGESTED ACTIVITIES:
1. The video tape on the Griffin One House, constructed at Purdue University, shows examples of introducing outside air into the house as needed. Show the film to the students then ask them to record ways in which air quality could be improved. The instructor may then lead the class in a discussion on air quality after the film has ended and students will present their findings from the video. To inquire about ordering or to place an order for the Griffin One information contact: Continuing Education, Self-Directed Learing Programs, 101 Young Graduate House, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN 47906, (317) 494-2748.

2. Provide examples of both healthy and unhealthy building materials. Have students determine the cost of each type. Compare the cost of using healthy materials versus unhealthy ones.

ANSWERS TO ACTIVITY 1:
1. To admit fresh air into an area in order to replace stale air. = Ventilate

2. To color with a penetrating dye (plural) = Stains

3. The Environmental Protection Agency (abbreviation) = EPA

4. In good health = Healthy

5. A decorative or protective coating = Paints

6. Evaporating quickly = Volatile

7. Capable of producing poisons = Toxins

8. A very small piece = Particle

9. Not genuine = Synthetic

10. A gaseous, chemical, or organic waste that contaminates = Polutant

ANSWERS TO INFORMATION CHECK:
1. Identify at least five different man-made materials which contain toxins. Recommend solutions to eliminating these toxins.

Answers will vary, may include:

2. List three areas in the United States where radon gas is a problem in house construction.

ANSWERS TO TRUE/FALSE:
1. True
2. True
3. True
4. True
5. False

REFERENCES:
Mason, Robert J. and Mark T. Mateson. Atlas of United States Environmental Issues. McMillan Publishing Co. New York. 1990.

Comments or questions to: TechAsmt@LA.GOV

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