Indoor Air Quality (IAQ): It’s About The Choices You Make

As we spend so much time indoors, the importance of indoor air quality (IAQ) should not be taken for granted. One crucial aspect of maintaining good IAQ is the interior construction materials, furniture and fittings we choose for our homes and workplaces. Unfortunately, many low-cost materials or products can have harmful off-gassing emissions, compromising the health and well-being of occupants. In contrast, responsible brands and manufacturers prioritise sustainable materials and production methods to minimise any harmful emissions.

The Dangers of Off-Gassing

Off-gassing refers to the release of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) from materials and products. VOCs can include harmful chemicals like formaldehyde, benzene, and trichloroethylene, which can cause a range of health issues, from headaches and dizziness to respiratory problems and even cancer. Low-cost products including furniture often use cheap materials and adhesives that release high levels of VOCs, contaminating the contained and recirculating indoor air.

The Impact of Low-Quality Products on IAQ

Low-cost and often low-quality construction materials and interior products may seem like an attractive option for budget-conscious businesses, but the long-term costs to IAQ and occupant health can be significant. These products often contain materials such as lower quality particleboards and medium-density fibreboards (MDF), low quality laminates, many of which at the bottom end of the market can be notorious for off-gassing. Certain adhesives and coatings used in production can also release harmful VOCs.

Low-cost furniture as an example is often manufactured by companies with lax environmental standards, where the use of toxic materials and production methods is more prevalent. This can lead to unacceptable levels of off-gassing and harmful emissions.

Responsible Brands and Manufacturers

Fortunately, many reputable and responsible manufacturers prioritise sustainable materials and production methods to minimise harmful emissions. These companies recognise the importance of IAQ and the impact of their products on occupant health. Some key features that responsible brands would typically incorporate onto their design and production methods:

• • Use of natural, sustainable materials like solid wood, bamboo, and recycled materials

• • Use of high quality man-made substrates and finishing materials that are manufactured by responsible sources.

• • Avoidance of harmful chemicals and VOC-emitting materials

• • Implementation of strict quality control measures to minimise off-gassing

• • Transparency around materialsand their production methods

• • Certification of their products by trusted organisations such as ‘Greenguard’

Benefits of Choosing Responsible Products

Choosing materials and products from responsible brands and manufacturers can have numerous benefits for IAQ and occupant health. These include:

• • Reduced exposure to harmful VOCs and chemicals

• • Improved indoor air quality

• • Enhanced occupant health and well-being

• • Increased productivity and focus

• • Alignment with sustainability goals and values

When it comes to indoor air quality, the products and materials we choose matters. Low-cost office furniture for example may seem like a cost-effective option, but the long-term costs to IAQ and occupant health can be significant. By choosing furniture or any interior materials and products from responsible brands and manufacturers, we are prioritising sustainability, occupant health, and good IAQ.