Wellness Design for the Mind, Body, and Spirit! Part 2

A Look at the WELL Building Standard™ — More Than Just Well-Being.

The AIR Concept.

Research shows that the average American spends 90% of their time indoors. Since the air we breathe has a significant impact on our health and well-being, it is essential that we prioritize improving indoor air quality. But why is this so important?

Indoor air quality (IAQ) refers to the quality of the air inside buildings, including homes, offices, schools, and other indoor environments. Maintaining good indoor air quality is crucial because we breathe in almost 30 pounds of air daily (vs 2 pounds of food and 4 pounds of water), and the quality of this air we breathe directly affects our comfort, and overall health and well-being.

Here are some key reasons why indoor air quality is important and the benefits it provides

Health and Well-being: Breathing in polluted or contaminated air indoors can lead to various health issues.
Productivity: Good indoor air quality has a positive impact on productivity and performance.
Comfort and Satisfaction: Adequate ventilation and clean air contribute to the overall comfort and satisfaction of occupants.
Allergen and Asthma Control: Many indoor environments harbor allergens like dust mites, pollen, pet dander, and mold spores.
Reduction of Airborne Contaminants: Indoor air can be contaminated with a range of pollutants, including volatile organic compounds (VOCs), formaldehyde, carbon monoxide, nitrogen dioxide, and particulate matter.
Maintaining Optimal Humidity Levels: Humidity control is crucial for indoor air quality as it directly impacts comfort, respiratory health, mold prevention, structural integrity, and energy efficiency.
Prevention of Sick Building Syndrome: Sick Building Syndrome (SBS) is a condition where occupants experience a range of symptoms associated with their time spent indoors.

Basic Tips for You!

From a holistic view on IAQ a structure must address the three pillars of IAQ: filtration, ventilation and humidity control
Using MERV 13 and up filters in your ventilation systems is ideal
A balanced ventilation system such as an ERV/HRV is also ideal
Having whole house humidification in dry regions and dehumidification in humid regions to maintain 40-60% RH is ideal
If you have a green thumb – add live plants!