HOW BUILDING SCIENCE RELATES TO INDOOR AIR QUALITY
Building science, though often the responsibility of a project’s architect, is a far-reaching field requiring a certain level of understanding of architecture, engineering, and construction. However, building science also has a more human element, quite literally, as so much of the practice focuses on how the many elements of a building impact the health and…
THE RISKS OF OVER-THE-COUNTER MOLD TEST KITS
From Pinterest to the DIY Network, we live in the era of do-it-yourself projects. This can be great for wedding planning or retiling your bathroom, but when it comes to your health, some things should be left in the hands of experts. DIY mold test kits boast a
WHY YOU NEED TO MEASURE THE CARBON DIOXIDE IN YOUR BUILDING
Each time you exhale, you’re releasing between 35,000 and 50,000 parts per million (ppm) of the asphyxiate gas carbon dioxide (CO2). While carbon dioxide is a trace gas, occurring naturally in our atmosphere, concentrations of 7 percent to 10 percent (70,000–100,000 ppm) can cause
TESTING FOR AND PREVENTING RESPIRABLE CRYSTALLINE SILICA
There are all sorts of particles that present health risks to workers when inhaled. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) is constantly on the lookout for ways to limit disease through monitoring and regulating the levels of contaminants in the air. One particular particle that poses
WOOD FIREPLACES AND INDOOR AIR QUALITY
‘Tis the season for chestnuts roasting by the open fire, yule logs burning bright, and fireplaces of all sorts. When used properly, a wood-burning fireplace can reduce the cost of your heating bill and create a nice ambience during the holidays. However, burning wood can have a negative impact
BE AWARE OF DIY INDOOR AIR QUALITY PRODUCTS
In the last decade, the subject of indoor air quality — IAQ — has become a more common concern for the general population. More and more people are taking measures to improve their health by making sure the air quality of their environment
PROS AND CONS OF WELL BUILDING
The WELL Building Standard is the next step in the construction of “green” buildings. WELL is a “performance-based system for measuring, certifying, and monitoring features of the built environment that impact human health and well-being, through air, water, nourishment, light, fitness, comfort, and mind.”
STEPS FOR PROTECTING YOURSELF AND YOUR FAMILY
September is the peak of hurricane season. As we’ve seen in years past, hurricanes are becoming more frequent and more destructive during each season. While your business is probably well-prepared if a hurricane does occur, it is incredibly important that you create a personal hurricane preparedness
THE DANGERS OF LEAD PIPES AND DRINKING WATER
For many years, lead was used in many readily available materials including paint, gasoline, household plumbing, and municipal water lines — all despite evidence of its dangers being known in the United States as early as 1845. One of the most dangerous realities of lead poisoning is
HARD FACTS ABOUT E-CIGARETTES
In the United States, smoking is the biggest cause of preventable death. Every year, more than 480,000 people die from a smoking-related illness. Within the last decade, a new product has emerged, offering an alternative