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Canada Mortgage & Housing Corporation

Canada Mortgage & Housing Corporation. Do We Live in a Plastic Bag?. Bill Crawford CMHC Research, Technology Transfer. This presentation will cover. The Importance of Indoor Air Quality Your House as a System Managing Moisture Air Circulation Tips to Make Your Home Healthier.

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Canada Mortgage & Housing Corporation

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  1. Canada Mortgage & Housing Corporation Do We Live in a Plastic Bag? Bill Crawford CMHC Research, Technology Transfer

  2. This presentation will cover • The Importance of Indoor Air Quality • Your House as a System • Managing Moisture • Air Circulation • Tips to Make Your Home Healthier

  3. Why is CMHC concerned with Indoor Air Quality? (IAQ) • CMHC is the federal agency responsible for housing • CMHC has been doing research on indoor air quality (IAQ) and mold for the past 20 years.

  4. Why is IAQ important? • We spend on average 90% of our time inside • Studies have shown linkages between health and the indoor environment • Up to 30% of households in Canada have humidity problems and possible mold issues • 20%+ of the population suffer from respiratory problems (asthma, allergies & sensitivities)

  5. Your house as a system A home needs to BREATHE in both directions Be aware of back-drafting

  6. The contaminated cocktail • Chemical Pollutants (voc’s) • Biological Pollutants (mites, skin dander, pollen, molds, etc)

  7. Source Control The # 1 Answer A.discard excess materials card board boxes, newspapers, carpets & fabrics, opened paint cans, thinners, household cleaners* B. use no or low voc products Install hardwood, ceramic floor coverings Solid wood furniture and cabinets Use water based sealants and adhesives C. seal surfaces emitting voc’s under surface of counter tops, drawers, shelves, trims, wall, door and ceilings, baseboards

  8. Good ventilation is essential • Removes contaminated air and replace it with fresh air. • Reduces humidity levels in your home. • Better for you to control ventilation, than have air leaks.

  9. Check kitchen and bathroom fans • Does your bathroom fan work? Is it used? • Try a paper test • Where is the moisture ventilated to? • Clean the grill often.

  10. Full House Ventilation

  11. All HRV’s must be balanced HRAI 1-800-267-2231

  12. For approved installers call: HRAI1-800-267-2231

  13. Reducing air particulates • Don’t allow anyone to smoke • Replace furnace filters regularly • Remove shoes in your home • Select hard surface flooring • Pets are a major source of partculates • We are a dust cloud

  14. Should you be concerned about mold? • Mold will grow on almost any surface that is exposed to moisture. • A musty odour is also good indication that your home has mold. • Mold can make you and your family sick, usually with flu-like symptoms, and breathing problems.

  15. Surfaces should be kept warm Heat all areas of the house Cold walls and surfaces condense moisture and grow mold Excess materials should be discarded Cardboard boxes, newspapers, magazines, carpets and fabrics provide a food source

  16. Mold requires moisture & nutrients to grow, remember it is is a living organism Soap and water is preferred for removing mold, (bleach or vinegar kills on contact, but harsh) Reducing moisture eliminates mold

  17. No or reduced insulation at ceiling/wall (thermal bridging) High-heel trusses allow for increased insulation

  18. Why is managing moisture important? • 10L to 50L of moisture can be released everyday in your home • Dust mites thrive at relative humidity greater than 55%. • Moisture causes mold growth • Moisture leads to wood rot and structural damage.

  19. Manage moisture inside • Keep relative humidity low enough to avoid condensation on the window in winter (usually 30%) ………….Consider purchasing a hygrometer • Use de-humidifiers when necessary. • Keep basement windows closed in summer • Do not carpet basement & bathroom floors. • Crawlspace or basement dirt floors must be covered • Vent dryer outside • Use bath and kitchen fans often • Fix all leaks

  20. Manage moisture from the outside • Repair roof leaks promptly, clean the gutter and extend downspouts • Improve the grading so the soil slopes away from the house. • Fix leaky outside water taps. • Do not plant too near to the foundation.

  21. Window well Elbow & extension? Splash pad? Poor grading

  22. Product selection, low VOC’s Good ventilation Regulate moisture Reduce air particulates Remove cleaning products and no odourizers Change filters often Do not use un-vented appliances Remove surplus storage items Soil grading Clean eaves troughs & extend down spouts Don’t use pesticides Reduce chemical fertilizers Don’t allow water to pool around foundations Don’t idle car in garage Tips to Make Your Home Healthier Outside Inside

  23. LIFESTYLE CMHC research shows that chemical contaminants from new house or renovation materials are generally replaced by contaminants from contents and lifestyle after several years.

  24. DUST MITES 1/25000 IN. 8 LEGS, NO EYES, ….WALKING STOMACH!!

  25. CMHC information that can help you Healthy Housing Practical Tips – Free Clean Air Guide - $5.95 Moisture and Air – Free

  26. Want more information?To order any CMHC information related to housing call:1-800-668-2642or visit our website at: www.cmhc.ca

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