Research & Studies
Indoor Air Quality Research
Our research addresses three critical areas that significantly impact indoor air quality and human health: inadequate ventilation, inadequate filtration, and inadequate humidity control.
Research Area 1
Inadequate Ventilation in the Indoor Environment
Twenty studies confirm that adequate ventilation above current ASHRAE standards successfully dilutes and rids of any volatile indoor pollutants. Twenty-seven studies demonstrate that elevated VOC exposure causes adverse health effects.
Common Sources of Indoor VOCs
- •Gas stoves and fireplaces
- •Candles and incense
- •Pressed wood products
- •Carpets and household finishes
- •Cleaning products and air fresheners
Documented Health Effects
| Category | Health Effects |
|---|---|
| Respiratory | Irritation (eyes, nose, throat), chest tightness, wheezing, asthma exacerbation, asthma induction, lower airway inflammation, bronchial obstruction |
| Neurological | Dizziness, memory impairment, lightheadedness, impaired learning and decision-making |
| Other | Cancer, hypersensitivity, skin irritation, nausea, fatigue, birth defects, liver toxicity, pneumonitis, pulmonary infection |
Fast Facts
- ›Indoor VOC concentrations significantly exceed outdoor levels.
- ›Benzene and formaldehyde are known carcinogens commonly found indoors.
- ›WHO identifies air pollution as the biggest environmental killer, killing 7 million people each year.
- ›Humans spend approximately 90% of their time indoors.
- ›Increased ventilation improves productivity and cognitive performance.
- ›COVID-19 outbreaks have been linked to inadequate ventilation.
Research Area 2
Inadequate Filtration in the Indoor Environment
Thirteen studies confirm that high-efficiency filters (MERV 10 and above) effectively filter harmful pollutants. Thirty-six studies link particulate matter and smoke to cardiovascular and respiratory disease.
Common Sources of Particulate Matter
- •Combustion products from gas and wood stoves, space heaters, and fireplaces
- •Smoking and e-cigarettes
- •Candles, incense, and air fresheners
- •Household cleaning products
Documented Health Effects
| Category | Health Effects |
|---|---|
| Respiratory | Asthma exacerbation, decreased lung function, difficulty breathing, pneumonia, acute lower respiratory disease, COPD, bronchitis, bronchiolitis, lung cancer |
| Cardiovascular | Coughing, wheezing, chest tightness, heart attacks, dysrhythmia mortality, heart failure mortality, cardiac arrest mortality, ischemic heart disease mortality, stroke |
| Other | Premature death, cognitive decline, reproductive toxicity, immune dysfunction, endocrine disruption, insulin resistance, type 2 diabetes, allergy exacerbation |
Fast Facts
- ›PM2.5 (2.5 microns) is the most damaging to human health.
- ›Many homes exceed national PM2.5 and PM10 limits.
- ›Children are more vulnerable due to faster respiration rates.
- ›Mortality increases 8 to 18% per 10 µg/m³ rise in PM2.5.
- ›Cardiovascular disease risk increases 13% per 5 µg/m³ rise in PM2.5.
- ›MERV 10+ filters meaningfully reduce allergy and asthma symptoms.
Research Area 3
Inadequate Humidity Control in the Indoor Environment
Thirty studies confirm that inadequate humidity promotes mold, dust mites, and cockroaches. The ideal indoor relative humidity range is 30 to 50%. Seventy-four studies document the health effects of mold exposure.
Pollutants Affected by Humidity
- •Mold
- •Bacteria and viruses
- •Dust mites
- •VOCs such as formaldehyde
Documented Health Effects
| Category | Health Effects |
|---|---|
| Respiratory | Irritation (eyes, nose, throat), acute bronchitis, asthma exacerbation, asthma induction, allergic rhinitis, allergic bronchopulmonary mycosis, hypersensitivity pneumonitis, bronchopulmonary aspergillosis, wheezing, shortness of breath, coughing, chest tightness, chronic rhinosinusitis |
| Neurological | Short-term memory issues, executive function and judgment impairment, attention deficit, dizziness, hand/eye coordination problems, gait imbalance, cognitive deficit, numbness and tingling, areflexia, autism spectrum disorder, seizures, depression, anxiety |
| Other | Hemorrhaging disorders, vitamin B12 deficiency, allergy, organic toxic dust syndrome, sick building syndrome, musculoskeletal pain, headaches, fatigue, nausea, sleep disturbances, skin irritation, fever, gastrointestinal problems, carcinogenic, mutagenic, and teratogenic effects |
Fast Facts
- ›Mold and dust mites thrive above 60% relative humidity.
- ›Water intrusions require prompt cleanup to prevent microbial growth.
- ›Dust mites trigger asthma and live in bedding, carpet, and upholstery.
- ›Water-damaged buildings increase the risk of pre-age-7 asthma 7.5 times.
- ›Mold produces mycotoxins that can be carcinogenic and mutagenic.
- ›Mold remediation is difficult and expensive, so prevention is preferred.
- ›Mold and humidity issues affect the respiratory, nervous, digestive, vascular, cutaneous, reproductive, and immune systems.
Documents
Research Documents
Download the full research papers and reference lists behind the summaries above.
Ventilation Study
Research on inadequate ventilation in indoor environments and its documented health effects.
Download PDFFiltration Study
Research on inadequate filtration systems and the health impacts of particulate matter.
Download PDFHumidity Control Study
Research on humidity control and its impact on mold, allergens, and indoor air quality.
Download PDFAsthma Research
Comprehensive research on asthma triggers and indoor air quality factors.
Download PDFAsbestos & Lead Study
Research findings on asbestos and lead exposure in indoor environments.
Download PDFReferences
Complete reference list for all studies and research citations.
Download PDFPosition Paper
Indoor Air Quality Position Paper (2021)
Our position paper outlines the importance of indoor air quality management and offers evidence-based recommendations for improving indoor environmental health.
Download Position PaperCommunity Action
Petition: Indoor Air Quality Deserves Attention
Join our petition to the International Code Council. Help us advocate for better building standards and healthier indoor environments.
Sign the Petition