Indoor Air Quality: Take a deep breath; it may not be as clean as you thought.

Did you know that it is estimated that people spend up to 90% of their time indoors? Did you also know that the Environmental Protection Agency estimates that indoor pollutant levels may run two to five times higher than outdoor air?

These facts of course make the materials utilized in building construction and the mechanical systems that process indoor air essential to occupant health. Unfortunately, though, many buildings, new and old, do not pay enough attention to the quality of materials utilized or the cleanliness of building mechanical systems and their respective impacts on indoor air quality. Not surprisingly, it is estimated that 2% of all office workers suffer from some type of Sick Building Syndrome.

LEED-certified office buildings have been found to be a healthier work place, with decreased absenteeism and increased productivity. Though there aren’t nearly as many LEED-certified residential buildings as LEED office buildings, it’s likely that, in time, research will show that people are healthier and less often sick in LEED-certified homes, just as documented in LEED-certified office buildings.  

At Solera steps are being taken now, during construction, to protect the building’s indoor air quality. All air ducts being installed are covered and sealed to protect the mechanical system from construction debris and dust. When the mechanical system is used during construction, which will be kept to a minimum and will only occur in building corridors, high density filters will be used. These air filters will be replaced frequently and of course prior to move-in. Also steps are being taken during construction to reduce the production of air pollution by restricting idling vehicles, timing the installation of porous materials to protect them from air pollution and exhausting sources of indoor air pollution to
the exterior.

Did you know that that new car smell is actually bad for you? That’s because new car interiors are made of materials that are high in Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs). VOCs are known for off-gassing irritants that are hazardous for occupant health. That’s why at Solera we’re selecting only healthy materials – that are low in VOC content - to ensure the indoor air of Solera is a high quality. Paints, sealants/adhesives, carpets and wood will all be made of little to no off-gassing VOC materials; a precaution that few other buildings take.