Since the energy crunch in the 1970’s, the home construction industry has focused on making homes more energy efficient. The building industry has done a good job meeting the challenge. However, another problem was created as a result of making tighter, well-insulated homes. The lack of adequate ventilation and the increased use of synthetic building materials, furnishings and finishes have contributed to creating an unhealthy indoor environment. The American College of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology determined that 50% of illnesses are either caused or aggravated by poor indoor air quality. Our homes have become a virtual “chemical soup.”
The American Lung Association has said that people in the U.S. spend as much as 90% of their time indoors and as much as 65% of that time in their homes. Asthma rates have more than doubled over the last decade. The youngest and oldest segments of the population suffer the most from respiratory irritants that are sealed inside our homes. The Environmental Protection Agency has spent a great deal of time trying to identify the sources and to find solutions to the problems created by tighter, more energy efficient home construction. No single thing can be targeted as the cause for all of the problems. In fact, the Center for Disease Control says that there are three segments that comprise the affecting pollutants: allergens and particulates – 35%, infectious agents – 34%, and toxic compounds or gases – 31%.
Roscoe Brown, Inc. offers whole house solutions to your indoor air quality concerns. Many products are on display in our showroom at 959 N. Thompson Lane or you can call to schedule an Indoor Air Quality evaluation.
