| Previous to World War II,
there was not much change in the way houses were built. Of course, indoor plumbing,
central heating, and electricity were added during this period and became the norm, but
the basic building materials and overall design philosophy remained basically the
same. For the most part, dwellings were constructed out of the native materials
available in and around a very localized area. Considerable
changes occurred in building practices after World War II. The invention of
modern adhesives and synthetic plastics offered new and exciting materials such as
plywood, particle board, affordable (synthetic) carpeting, micro-laminated beams capable
of spanning great distances, caulk, etc. Also, better plumbing and upgraded
electrical service greatly added to the comfort and safety of a home. Still, while
great changes and upgrades in building materials were made during this period, much of the
overall design philosophy of homes remained the same.
With the energy crisis of the 1970's, an
entirely different building design philosophy began to take hold. In order to save
energy, building "energy efficient homes" was the craze, and several
government-subsidized weatherization programs were instituted virtually
overnight. In the zeal to button up every crack, we sealed our homes without thought
of the importance of fresh air and proper ventilation.
Many of the newly invented building materials in use, have
ingredients that "out-gas" (give off fumes). The new, tight, energy
efficient homes we started to build did not allow for the escape or dilution of these
indoor pollutants, thereby creating a whole host of problems. Also, hidden
moisture problems due to overly tight construction (inside wall cavities, attics, etc.)
began to surface, which were leading to an increasing incidence of mold growth, related
health problems, and deterioration of the affected building materials.
Tight, energy efficient construction is an
excellent idea, and saving energy is also a good idea. But fresh
air and no interior moisture problems are even
better ideas! All three of these concepts can be employed together, if good building
practices and proper planning is done. For example, submarines and space-capsules
are among the tightest and best insulated structures ever built, yet they have very good
air quality. NASA and the US Navy have both used healthy materials combined with
good air-purification techniques. Obviously, when building a home you cannot
afford, nor do you want to build a space-capsule, but some of the same basic design
philosophies can be adopted. |
| Mold is one of a wide variety of
biological contaminants that can be found in a home, and which can potentially cause
health problems. Some of these include - algae, viruses, pollen, dust mites, dander,
bacteria, and fungi (includes yeast, mold, mildew, mushrooms, etc.). Shown below are
three of the more common molds that can be found in homes: |
The Truth about Mold and finding it in your
home 
