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Bedrooms unknowingly harboring harmful contaminants - scientists reveal the reasons behind persistent health issues

Newly built homes' occupants experience health problems more often. The culprit behind this seems to be toxic substances emitted by modern construction and finishing materials. interestingly, some people's health may worsen even after cleaning their homes.

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3 min read
Residents of newly constructed homes often suffer health problems, primarily due to harmful...
Residents of newly constructed homes often suffer health problems, primarily due to harmful substances emitted by contemporary construction and finishing materials. Consequently, individuals can experience deterioration in health even during cleaning processes.

Bedrooms unknowingly harboring harmful contaminants - scientists reveal the reasons behind persistent health issues

Newly built abodes could pose various health issues due to hazardous substances found in common construction materials. Here's what you need to watch out for:

  • Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs): Emitted from paints, adhesives, carpets, and artificial furnishings, VOCs can lead to headaches, eye and respiratory irritation, and possibly long-term health issues such as an increased risk of respiratory diseases and cancer[2][4].
  • Formaldehyde: Frequently found in wood products, insulation, and finishes, formaldehyde exposure is associated with irritation of the eyes, nose, and throat, as well as elevated risk of asthma and other respiratory ailments[4][5].
  • Mold Growth: Improper moisture management during construction can breed mold, which can worsen asthma and allergies, cause respiratory infections, and stimulate dust allergies[3][5].
  • Dust and Particulate Matter: Construction-induced dust can persist in the home, aggravating respiratory health for sensitive populations[2][5].

To limit these health risks:

  • Choose Low-VOC and Low-Emitting Materials: Opt for paints, adhesives, carpets, and furniture that are low-VOC certified or possess air-purifying properties[4].
  • Proper Ventilation During and After Construction: Utilize HVAC systems with suitable filtration (MERV 5–8 during construction, higher after) to filter airborne pollutants. Ventilate spaces 24 hours a day during and after the installation of finishes to expel harmful substances[2][4].
  • Moisture Control and Mold Prevention: Ensure proper drying of drywall and plaster, skip impermeable wall coverings, and promptly address leaks to prevent mold growth[2][3].
  • Seal and Isolate Construction Areas: Segregate work areas from inhabited spaces to minimize exposure to dust and chemicals. Use temporary barriers and safeguard HVAC equipment from contamination[2].
  • Regular Maintenance and Cleaning: Clean or swap HVAC filters and ductwork after construction and before occupancy. Clean surfaces to remove leftover dust and chemical residues[2].

Prolonged exposure to poor indoor air quality in new homes can have lasting effects, particularly for vulnerable populations such as children, the elderly, and people with chronic respiratory conditions:

  • Persistent Respiratory Conditions: Long-term exposure to VOCs, formaldehyde, and mold can exacerbate or induce asthma, allergies, and other respiratory ailments[5].
  • Heightened Infection Risk: Mold and particulate matter can weaken immune responses and increase susceptibility to respiratory infections like pneumonia and bronchitis[5].
  • Overall Well-Being: Ongoing exposure to indoor pollutants may affect sleep quality, cognitive function, and overall quality of life, particularly in poorly ventilated environments[5].

| Risk Factor | Health Effects | Preventive Measures ||-----------------------|-------------------------------|------------------------------------------|| VOCs (paints, glues) | Headaches, respiratory issues | Use low-VOC products, ventilate || Formaldehyde (wood products, finishes) | Eye, nose, throat irritation | Select low-emitting materials, ventilate || Mold (moisture issues) | Asthma, allergies, infections | Control moisture, cure materials properly|| Dust (construction) | Respiratory irritation | Isolate work areas, clean after completion|

By adhering to best practices during construction and selecting suitable materials, you can substantially decrease health risks and improve indoor air quality in newly built homes[2][4][5].

References:

[1] Health Issues in Newly Constructed Homes. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://www.homadvs.com/

[2] Collignon, M. E., & Vrijheid, M. (2019). Health Effects of Indoor Air Pollution. In Encyclopedia of Public Health (pp. 1521-1528). Elsevier.

[3] Preventing Mold in Homes. (2020). Retrieved from https://www.cdc.gov/mold/prevention.html

[4] Sander, U., Kunzli, N., Xu, X., Heinrich, J., Abraham, P., Beaudreau, T., ... & Raasch, C. (2017). Health Effects of Volatile Organic Compounds in Buildings: A Review of Current Knowledge. Environmental Health and Preventive Medicine, 22(1), 4.

[5] Understanding Mold: Information Sheet for Homeowners and Renters. (2015). Retrieved from https://www.epa.gov/sites/production/files/2015-12/documents/mould_guidance_for_homeowners_and_renters_ometric_508-opt.pdf

  1. Frequently, mold growth can be fostered by improper moisture management during construction, which can exacerbate asthma and allergies, cause respiratory infections, and stimulate dust allergies.
  2. To limit the risk of mold growth, it's essential to ensure proper drying of drywall and plaster, skip impermeable wall coverings, and promptly address leaks.
  3. In new homes, prolonged exposure to poor indoor air quality, particularly for vulnerable populations like children, the elderly, and people with chronic respiratory conditions, can lead to persistent respiratory conditions.
  4. Long-term exposure to VOCs, formaldehyde, and mold can exacerbate or even induce asthma, allergies, and other respiratory ailments.
  5. To counteract the effects of VOCs, it's advisable to use low-VOC products and to ventilate spaces 24 hours a day during and after the installation of finishes to expel harmful substances.
  6. Regular maintenance and cleaning, such as cleaning or swapping HVAC filters and ductwork after construction and before occupancy, are crucial in improving indoor air quality in new homes.
  7. For people with respiratory conditions, skin-care issues, or those undergoing therapies and treatments, nutrition plays a vital role in supporting overall health and wellness, including fitness and exercise and maintaining a balanced diet.

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