May 2006
The purpose of the Indoor Air Quality Study was to understand homeowners perceptions of air quality inside their homes and how climate and vintage come into play. In parallel, a field protocol was developed and tested in a pilot study to quantify indoor air quality (IAQ) for homes. he findings of this project provide a basis for a comprehensive, Phase II, field investigation.
The air exchange rate, mold, formaldehyde (HCHO), respirable suspended particulate (RSP), radon concentration, and volatile organic compounds (VOCs) was measured in five single-family houses in Maryland. The objective of the investigation was to test a protocol for a nationwide IAQ survey in residential buildings. One of the initial goals was to determine if there was a strong correlation between air tightness and IAQ.
Study Results
One of the most distinct trends captured in the survey is the relationship between perceived IAQ and house age. Homeowners perceive that the IAQ has become consistently higher in newer homes compared to earlier vintages. This implies that newly constructed homes are perceived to have a higher IAQ than ever before. Other determining factors for higher perceived IAQ include higher incomes, larger homes, and
no smokers in the home.
A testing protocol was developed and pilot tested under the scope of this project that will allow for a large-scale field investigation on a statistically significant sample of homes. The survey generated nearly 2,000 leads throughout the country that are amenable to
having on-site IAQ testing.
Fine tuning that occurred on the proposed protocol and numerous candidates identified for on-site testing will allow for timely progress in follow-on, Phase II, field investigation.
Prepared for:
The National Association of HomeBuilders
31 pages