Houses Need to Breathe…Right?

Report

Sherman, Max H

Sick Building Syndrome. Toxic mold. Asthma. The EPA lists poor indoor air quality (IAQ) as the fourth-largest environmental threat to our country. The American Lung Association notes a link between IAQ and Asthma-the most serious chronic illness of American children. Outdoor air can remove much of the moisture and other indoor contaminants that cause these problems.So tight houses are bad, right? Buildings need to breathe, don't they? Well, no. And yes. Tight houses are energy efficient, that's good. But without ventilation they're unhealthy and uncomfortable. And that's bad.

2005

Building Technology and Urban Systems Division, Residential Building Systems, Whole Building Systems Department