Copyright, Village Energy 2007. Admin contact: popcultureca@yahoo.ca
Saving You Money Through Energy Upgrades
Indoor Air Quality
In homes built before the 60's, ‘ventilation’ was accomplished by allowing air to flow through walls, floors, and other openings. Well below the .3 exchanges per hour mandated under the building code for new home construction, this problem are renovated they become better sealed and insulated, and indoor air quality becomes an even bigger issue. Carbon Dioxide levels go up, and a host of household pollutants accumulate in the air: Chief among these is mold, volatile organic compounds (VOCs), and radon gas.
Radon is the number two cause of lung cancer after smoking. It is the result of decomposing uranium in the soil - which there is a lot of in parts of Canada. It is not a risk outdoors, where it is diluted with air, but is when concentrated indoors. Entering homes through cracks and openings in the foundation, it is drawn in by negative air pressure - caused by the stack effect and inadequate make-up air in the basement. This US manufactured electronic monitor is the only monitor approved by the EPA. Plug it into a basement outlet and start getting readings in as little as a week.
Radon Links
Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) comprise a diverse range of chemicals that contain carbon and hydrogen. They are emitted from a sources as diverse as air fresheners, cigarette smoke, furnishings, and building materials such as paint, varnishes and glues. What constitutes a dangerous level of VOCs in the air is a contested issue. According to the EPA, VOCs are known to contribute to cancer, respiratory diseases, asthma, allergies, headaches, and fatigue.This electronic monitor will rate the quality of your air in as little as two to three hours.
IAQ and VOC Links
