Before Construction
Healthy Home builders pre-plan how to construct homes that are safe for future residents, using materials and techniques that won’t contaminate the air.
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Healthy Upgrades
For older homes, renovations can turn your house into a Healthy Home via upgrades to a home’s ventilation, air purification, and residential humidification systems.
Daily Maintenance
Choosing to keep a Healthy Home is an ongoing commitment that can be made with routine maintenance and a few simple lifestyle changes.
You’re building your dream home from the ground up. Congratulations! Here are the blueprints you should consider as you turn your dream home into a healthy home.
Advice from the Experts
Enjoy several hand-selected resources to guide you on your journey toward a Healthy Home.
Consumer Reports
13 Ways to Reduce Indoor Air Pollution
Discover new ways to make the air in your home cleaner and more healthy. Breathe easy!
The Environmental Magazine
Air Quality at Home: 10 Ways to Purify Your Indoor Environment Naturally
Tips for improving the air quality in your home naturally. Indoor plants, essential oils, ceiling fans, and more.
United States Consumer Product Safety Comission
The Inside Story: A Guide to Indoor Air Quality
Explore current indoor air quality concerns and their causes. Learn about what you can do to improve the air quality in your home and other indoor environments.
American Lung Association
Cleaning Supplies and Household Chemicals
Household products can sometimes contain ingredients that are harmful to your respiratory health. Learn about healthier options for cleaning and deodorizing.
Environmental Protection Agency
Indoor Air Quality Tools for Schools Action Kit
Here's a practical plan from the EPA that schools can use to remedy indoor air quality problems at little-or no-cost.
Vox
Installing air filters in classrooms has surprisingly large educational benefits
When the Southern California Gas company installed air filters in Los Angeles Unified School District classrooms after a gas leak, something unexpected happened: test scores went up
Silent Spring
Air quality in “green” housing affected by toxic chemicals in building materials
Even in the green building industry, there are building materials used that create VOCs.
USA Today
Air pollution inside my house could kill me. What are you breathing in at your home?
A review of how indoor air can be unhealthy, and the impacts it can have.
Environmental Protection Agency
Indoor Air Quality and Student Performance
How indoor air quality impacts student performance in schools
Occupational Health and Safety
Breathe Cleanly - Steps to Purify The Air In Your Home
Steps to take to purify the air in your home
United States Environmental Protection Agency
Building Air Quality: A Guide for Building Owners and Facility Managers - Printable Version
What can you do as a builder or building owner to improve air quality?
TreeHugger.com
Another look at indoor air quality and "the indoor generation"
Humans are spending more time indoors than ever before - but at what cost?
UN Environment Programme
The United States Clean Air Act turns 50: is the air any better half a century later?
Since 1970, the Clean Air Act has brought us a long way in terms of reducing pollutants like lead, ground-level ozone, and carbon monoxide. However, there is still room for improvement.
Environmental Health News
Climate change, inversions, and the rise of “super pollution” air events
Temperature inversions are becoming more and more prevalent, causing an increase in episodes of dense air pollution.
The New York Times
E.P.A., Citing Coronavirus, Drastically Relaxes Rules for Polluters
New guidelines will decrease government oversight of routine compliance monitoring, lab analysis, integrity testing, and more.
Mother Jones
Is Your City Smart About How to Protect You From Pollution?
Zoning policies that have historically encouraged exclusion of certain groups are now being used to address air pollution concerns, promoting environmental justice reforms.
The Straits Times (International Edition)
Coronavirus crisis helps clear the air on climate and pollution
Big drops in air pollution around the world continue to highlight our need to address climate change.
BBC News
Coronavirus: Nasa images show China pollution clear amid slowdown
Satellite images show that air pollution has decreased dramatically in China since the onset of COVID-19.
Science Daily
Melting snow contains a toxic cocktail of pollutants
Researchers in Montreal have discovered that urban snow absorbs car emissions and alters the concentrations of nanoparticles, both of which contribute to air pollution.
Mother Jones
How China's Filthy air is screwing with our weather
Wondering about the increase of cold snaps and heavy storms in America? Scientists have identified Asia's air pollution as one factor in these extreme weather conditions.
Weather.gov
Clearing the air on weather and air quality
Learn about ground-level ozone, particulate matter, and how both interact with weather to impact air quality.
The Guardian
Do you need to wash your groceries? And other advice for shopping safely
Tips for grocery shopping during the coronavirus pandemic.
HealthManagement.org
Stability of COVID-19 and Treatment of Vented Air
Can we use portable furnaces to decontaminate virus-laden building exhaust?
The Atlantic
Everyone Thinks They’re Right About Masks
How safe is it to go outside during the coronavirus pandemic? Should I wear a mask? Explore the answers to these questions and more?
Havard T.H. Chan School of Public Health Center for Communicable Disease Dynamics
Seasonality of SARS-CoV-2: Will COVID-19 go away on its own in warmer weather?
Explore the factors that may contribute to the seasonal nature of respiratory virus transmission.
Mother Jones
Your City’s Air Pollution Could Make COVID-19 Even More Dangerous
Exposure to air pollution, both past and present, can leave individuals more vulnerable COVID-19.
The Guardian
Air pollution likely to increase coronavirus death rate, warn experts
Underlying health damage caused by air pollution is likely to increase the coronavirus death rate.
Berkeley Lab
Ventilation Rates and Respiratory Illness
Studies indicate that low ventilation rates in buildings correspond with increased rates of respiratory illness in building occupants.
The New York Times
Now Is the Time to Take Care of Your Lungs. Here’s How.
Air pollution, smoking, and other factors that negatively impact lung health may worsen COVID-19 outcomes.
Urban Land Institute
Confronting COVID-19: Social Distancing, Buildings, and Lessons from Asia
Learn about strategies for building environments that can help the transmission and spread of the novel coronavirus.
Harvard Health Publishing
Coronavirus Resource Center
Harvard Medical School shares FAQ's, new information, and a podcast about the new coronavirus and COVID-19.
The Washington Post
The coronavirus is deadly enough. But some experts suspect bad air makes it worse.
The novel coronavirus is having a significant negative impact on our health. However, other factors like poor air quality may be worsening outcomes even further.
World Health Organization
Ventilation and airborne diseases
Poorly ventilated buildings don't just contribute to poor air quality - they can also foster the spread of airborne diseases.
facilitiesnet.com
Minimizing Coronavirus Transmission through Hospital Mechanical and Plumbing Systems
HEPA filtration, increased humidity, and 100% use of outside air are just some of the preventative strategies explored in this article.
REHVA - Federation of European Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning Associations
COVID-19 Guidance
See what REHVA experts have to say about building operation and service practices during the COVID-19 outbreak.
WIRED
They Say Coronavirus Isn't Airborne—but It's Definitely Borne By Air
The novel coronavirus may not be considered an airborne virus in the truest sense by public health officials but that doesn't mean it is completely grounded either.
U of T Engineering News (University of Toronto)
Air filtration and COVID-19: Indoor air quality expert explains how to keep you and your building safe
Can air filtration protect someone from getting COVID-19? What kind of filter is effective? Get the answers to these questions and more.
American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers
ASHRAE Resources Available to Address COVID-19 Concerns
ASHRAE provides guidance to building industry professionals regarding ways to address COVID-19 concerns when managing HVAC systems.
BBC Future
Covid-19: How long does the coronavirus last on surfaces?
The coronavirus that causes COVID-19 can survive on surfaces longer than you might expect. It's about more than washing your hands and wearing a mask.
National Geographic
Here’s how coronavirus spreads on a plane—and the safest place to sit
Air travel is a game changer when is comes to the spread of respiratory illnesses like the novel coronavirus. Check out the probability of coming into contact with the virus if there is an infected person on your flight.
The Hill
The coronavirus outbreak is an epidemiological situation unique to China
The number of coronavirus cases in China is not the only factor to consider when looking at this recent epidemic. Societal and cultural differences also play an important role.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
Preventing COVID-19 Spread in Communities
Protect yourself and others from spreading COVID-19 and other respiratory illnesses by engaging in healthy practices like hand washing, disinfection, and more. Keep your community healthy!
American Journal of Lifestyle Medicine
Indoor Air Quality
Learn about indoor air pollutants and how they impact indoor air quality and the respiratory system.
Environmental Health Perspective
Pollen Overload: Seasonal Allergies in a Changing Climate
Evidence suggests that the number of people suffering from seasonal allergies will rise in a changing climate due to longer growing seasons and rising C02 levels.
National Public Radio
When LA's Air Got Better, Kids' Asthma Cases Dropped
The Southern California Children's Health Study shows positive health trends occur when air pollution is reduced. As pollution decreased, so did the number of new asthma cases in children.
CTV News
Increasing indoor humidity can protect against the flu: researchers
Scientists are discovering that dry air helps viruses and bacteria to live longer, while also interfering with our body's natural ability to rid itself of these particles.
Harvard
‘Green’ buildings appear to boost health of low-income residents
According to a Harvard School of Public Health (HSPH) study, residents of low-income housing appear to benefit from living in “green” buildings that improve indoor air quality.
Environmental Protection Agency
Report on the Environment : Indoor Air Quality
An EPA review of indoor air quality
Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America
What is a mold allergy?
Learn about what a mold allergy is, symptoms to watch for, and current treatments. Discover ways to prevent allergic reactions to mold growth in your home.
American Lung Association
New Construction and Remodeling Tips
Check out these helpful tips for new home construction or remodeling projects.
U of T Engineering News (University of Toronto)
Air filtration and COVID-19: Indoor air quality expert explains how to keep you and your building safe
Can air filtration protect someone from getting COVID-19? What kind of filter is effective? Get the answers to these questions and more.
https://www.facilitiesnet.com/healthcarefacilities/article/Minimizing-Coronavirus-Transmission-through-Hospital-Mechanical-and-Plumbing-Systems--18855
Minimizing Coronavirus Transmission through Hospital Mechanical and Plumbing Systems
HEPA filtration, increased humidity, and 100% use of outside air are just some of the preventative strategies explored in this article.
REHVA - Federation of European Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning Associations
COVID-19 Guidance
See what REHVA experts have to say about building operation and service practices during the COVID-19 outbreak.
Urban Land Institute
Confronting COVID-19: Social Distancing, Buildings, and Lessons from Asia
Learn about strategies to use in building environments that can help the transmission and spread of the novel coronavirus.
American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers
ASHRAE Resources Available to Address COVID-19 Concerns
ASHRAE provides guidance to building industry professionals regarding ways to address COVID-19 concerns when managing HVAC systems.
ASHRAE
Top ten ways homeowners can ensure good indoor air quality
Learn about how to store volatile compounds, good ventilation techniques for your home, proper placement of HVAC systems, and much more.
Environmental Protection Agency
Guide to Air Cleaners in the Home
This short consumer guide from the EPA includes information about portable air cleaners, furnace and HVAC filters used in the home. Also contains tips for selecting a portable air cleaner, furnace filter, or HVAC filter.
Consumer Reports
13 Ways to Reduce Indoor Air Pollution
Discover new ways to make the air in your home cleaner and more healthy. Breathe easy!
The Environmental Magazine
Air Quality at Home: 10 Ways to Purify Your Indoor Environment Naturally
Tips for improving the air quality in your home naturally. Indoor plants, essential oils, ceiling fans, and more.
United States Consumer Product Safety Comission
The Inside Story: A Guide to Indoor Air Quality
Explore current indoor air quality concerns and their causes. Learn about what you can do to improve the air quality in your home and other indoor environments.
American Lung Association
Cleaning Supplies and Household Chemicals
Household products can sometimes contain ingredients that are harmful to your respiratory health. Learn about healthier options for cleaning and deodorizing.
Environmental Protection Agency
Indoor Air Quality Tools for Schools Action Kit
Here's a practical plan from the EPA that schools can use to remedy indoor air quality problems at little-or no-cost.
Vox
Installing air filters in classrooms has surprisingly large educational benefits
When the Southern California Gas company installed air filters in Los Angeles Unified School District classrooms after a gas leak, something unexpected happened: test scores went up
Silent Spring
Air quality in “green” housing affected by toxic chemicals in building materials
Even in the green building industry, there are building materials used that create VOCs.
USA Today
Air pollution inside my house could kill me. What are you breathing in at your home?
A review of how indoor air can be unhealthy, and the impacts it can have.
Environmental Protection Agency
Indoor Air Quality and Student Performance
How indoor air quality impacts student performance in schools
Occupational Health and Safety
Breathe Cleanly - Steps to Purify The Air In Your Home
Steps to take to purify the air in your home
United States Environmental Protection Agency
Building Air Quality: A Guide for Building Owners and Facility Managers - Printable Version
What can you do as a builder or building owner to improve air quality?
TreeHugger.com
Another look at indoor air quality and "the indoor generation"
Humans are spending more time indoors than ever before - but at what cost?
UN Environment Programme
The United States Clean Air Act turns 50: is the air any better half a century later?
Since 1970, the Clean Air Act has brought us a long way in terms of reducing pollutants like lead, ground-level ozone, and carbon monoxide. However, there is still room for improvement.
Environmental Health News
Climate change, inversions, and the rise of “super pollution” air events
Temperature inversions are becoming more and more prevalent, causing an increase in episodes of dense air pollution.
The New York Times
E.P.A., Citing Coronavirus, Drastically Relaxes Rules for Polluters
New guidelines will decrease government oversight of routine compliance monitoring, lab analysis, integrity testing, and more.
Mother Jones
Is Your City Smart About How to Protect You From Pollution?
Zoning policies that have historically encouraged exclusion of certain groups are now being used to address air pollution concerns, promoting environmental justice reforms.
The Straits Times (International Edition)
Coronavirus crisis helps clear the air on climate and pollution
Big drops in air pollution around the world continue to highlight our need to address climate change.
BBC News
Coronavirus: Nasa images show China pollution clear amid slowdown
Satellite images show that air pollution has decreased dramatically in China since the onset of COVID-19.
Science Daily
Melting snow contains a toxic cocktail of pollutants
Researchers in Montreal have discovered that urban snow absorbs car emissions and alters the concentrations of nanoparticles, both of which contribute to air pollution.
Mother Jones
How China's Filthy air is screwing with our weather
Wondering about the increase of cold snaps and heavy storms in America? Scientists have identified Asia's air pollution as one factor in these extreme weather conditions.
Weather.gov
Clearing the air on weather and air quality
Learn about ground-level ozone, particulate matter, and how both interact with weather to impact air quality.
The Guardian
Do you need to wash your groceries? And other advice for shopping safely
Tips for grocery shopping during the coronavirus pandemic.
HealthManagement.org
Stability of COVID-19 and Treatment of Vented Air
Can we use portable furnaces to decontaminate virus-laden building exhaust?
The Atlantic
Everyone Thinks They’re Right About Masks
How safe is it to go outside during the coronavirus pandemic? Should I wear a mask? Explore the answers to these questions and more?
Havard T.H. Chan School of Public Health Center for Communicable Disease Dynamics
Seasonality of SARS-CoV-2: Will COVID-19 go away on its own in warmer weather?
Explore the factors that may contribute to the seasonal nature of respiratory virus transmission.
Mother Jones
Your City’s Air Pollution Could Make COVID-19 Even More Dangerous
Exposure to air pollution, both past and present, can leave individuals more vulnerable COVID-19.
The Guardian
Air pollution likely to increase coronavirus death rate, warn experts
Underlying health damage caused by air pollution is likely to increase the coronavirus death rate.
Berkeley Lab
Ventilation Rates and Respiratory Illness
Studies indicate that low ventilation rates in buildings correspond with increased rates of respiratory illness in building occupants.
The New York Times
Now Is the Time to Take Care of Your Lungs. Here’s How.
Air pollution, smoking, and other factors that negatively impact lung health may worsen COVID-19 outcomes.
Urban Land Institute
Confronting COVID-19: Social Distancing, Buildings, and Lessons from Asia
Learn about strategies for building environments that can help the transmission and spread of the novel coronavirus.
Harvard Health Publishing
Coronavirus Resource Center
Harvard Medical School shares FAQ's, new information, and a podcast about the new coronavirus and COVID-19.
The Washington Post
The coronavirus is deadly enough. But some experts suspect bad air makes it worse.
The novel coronavirus is having a significant negative impact on our health. However, other factors like poor air quality may be worsening outcomes even further.
World Health Organization
Ventilation and airborne diseases
Poorly ventilated buildings don't just contribute to poor air quality - they can also foster the spread of airborne diseases.
facilitiesnet.com
Minimizing Coronavirus Transmission through Hospital Mechanical and Plumbing Systems
HEPA filtration, increased humidity, and 100% use of outside air are just some of the preventative strategies explored in this article.
REHVA - Federation of European Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning Associations
COVID-19 Guidance
See what REHVA experts have to say about building operation and service practices during the COVID-19 outbreak.
WIRED
They Say Coronavirus Isn't Airborne—but It's Definitely Borne By Air
The novel coronavirus may not be considered an airborne virus in the truest sense by public health officials but that doesn't mean it is completely grounded either.
U of T Engineering News (University of Toronto)
Air filtration and COVID-19: Indoor air quality expert explains how to keep you and your building safe
Can air filtration protect someone from getting COVID-19? What kind of filter is effective? Get the answers to these questions and more.
American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers
ASHRAE Resources Available to Address COVID-19 Concerns
ASHRAE provides guidance to building industry professionals regarding ways to address COVID-19 concerns when managing HVAC systems.
BBC Future
Covid-19: How long does the coronavirus last on surfaces?
The coronavirus that causes COVID-19 can survive on surfaces longer than you might expect. It's about more than washing your hands and wearing a mask.
National Geographic
Here’s how coronavirus spreads on a plane—and the safest place to sit
Air travel is a game changer when is comes to the spread of respiratory illnesses like the novel coronavirus. Check out the probability of coming into contact with the virus if there is an infected person on your flight.
The Hill
The coronavirus outbreak is an epidemiological situation unique to China
The number of coronavirus cases in China is not the only factor to consider when looking at this recent epidemic. Societal and cultural differences also play an important role.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
Preventing COVID-19 Spread in Communities
Protect yourself and others from spreading COVID-19 and other respiratory illnesses by engaging in healthy practices like hand washing, disinfection, and more. Keep your community healthy!
American Journal of Lifestyle Medicine
Indoor Air Quality
Learn about indoor air pollutants and how they impact indoor air quality and the respiratory system.
Environmental Health Perspective
Pollen Overload: Seasonal Allergies in a Changing Climate
Evidence suggests that the number of people suffering from seasonal allergies will rise in a changing climate due to longer growing seasons and rising C02 levels.
National Public Radio
When LA's Air Got Better, Kids' Asthma Cases Dropped
The Southern California Children's Health Study shows positive health trends occur when air pollution is reduced. As pollution decreased, so did the number of new asthma cases in children.
CTV News
Increasing indoor humidity can protect against the flu: researchers
Scientists are discovering that dry air helps viruses and bacteria to live longer, while also interfering with our body's natural ability to rid itself of these particles.
Harvard
‘Green’ buildings appear to boost health of low-income residents
According to a Harvard School of Public Health (HSPH) study, residents of low-income housing appear to benefit from living in “green” buildings that improve indoor air quality.
Environmental Protection Agency
Report on the Environment : Indoor Air Quality
An EPA review of indoor air quality
Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America
What is a mold allergy?
Learn about what a mold allergy is, symptoms to watch for, and current treatments. Discover ways to prevent allergic reactions to mold growth in your home.
American Lung Association
New Construction and Remodeling Tips
Check out these helpful tips for new home construction or remodeling projects.
U of T Engineering News (University of Toronto)
Air filtration and COVID-19: Indoor air quality expert explains how to keep you and your building safe
Can air filtration protect someone from getting COVID-19? What kind of filter is effective? Get the answers to these questions and more.
https://www.facilitiesnet.com/healthcarefacilities/article/Minimizing-Coronavirus-Transmission-through-Hospital-Mechanical-and-Plumbing-Systems--18855
Minimizing Coronavirus Transmission through Hospital Mechanical and Plumbing Systems
HEPA filtration, increased humidity, and 100% use of outside air are just some of the preventative strategies explored in this article.
REHVA - Federation of European Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning Associations
COVID-19 Guidance
See what REHVA experts have to say about building operation and service practices during the COVID-19 outbreak.
Urban Land Institute
Confronting COVID-19: Social Distancing, Buildings, and Lessons from Asia
Learn about strategies to use in building environments that can help the transmission and spread of the novel coronavirus.
American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers
ASHRAE Resources Available to Address COVID-19 Concerns
ASHRAE provides guidance to building industry professionals regarding ways to address COVID-19 concerns when managing HVAC systems.
ASHRAE
Top ten ways homeowners can ensure good indoor air quality
Learn about how to store volatile compounds, good ventilation techniques for your home, proper placement of HVAC systems, and much more.
Environmental Protection Agency
Guide to Air Cleaners in the Home
This short consumer guide from the EPA includes information about portable air cleaners, furnace and HVAC filters used in the home. Also contains tips for selecting a portable air cleaner, furnace filter, or HVAC filter.