Nataliya Glukhoman

Indoor Air Quality and Interior Finishes

Reclaimed Wood

Why Use Reclaimed Wood

• Quality (has a much tighter grain structure, more stable, and less prone to splitting )

• Aesthetic statement (has an aged appearance and character that cannot be imitated)

• Green product (Recycle, Repurpose, Reclaim)

• History ( enchanted stories behind the old growth wood)

• Environmentally friendly (uses 13 times less cumulative energy than that of processing virgin wood)

• Comes from a variety of sources (old barns and structures, decommissioned vessels)

Reclaimed Wood

Where to Use Reclaimed Wood

• Walls

• Flooring

• Furniture

• Doors

Reclaimed Wood

• Cabinets

• Headboards

• Beams

• Stairs

Concrete

Why Use Concrete

• Durable (provides high durability and strength; fire and moisture resistant)

• Low maintenance (lasts longer and performs better, virtually no maintenance required)

• Indoor air quality(an excellent option for those who suffer from allergies)

• Saves money in the long run (about half the price of hardwood floor)

• Green and environmentally friendly (uses less energy; made with a combination of recycled and natural products; produces less waste; recyclable product)

• Unlimited variety in designs and finishes

Concrete

Where to Use Concrete

• Countertops

• Sinks

Concrete

• Floors

• Walls

• Furniture

Reclaimed Wood and Concrete

Reclaimed Wood and Concrete

Bamboo

Why Use Bamboo

• Environmentally friendly and sustainable (plants reduce up to 35% carbon dioxide in the atmosphere and produce more oxygen; recyclable and renewable material)

• Saves money (cheap and readily available; an inexpensive alternative to hardwood flooring; production and transportation of bamboo is cheaper than other materials)

• Durable (a few species of bamboo have same strength ratio of steel and almost twice the compression ratio of concrete)

• Versatile and flexible (great material for flooring, roofing, concrete reinforcement, piping, and for the walls; can be defined to grow into specific shapes)

• Indoor air quality (do not promote dust or harbor dust mites; made with safe resins; have extremely low formaldehyde emissions)

Bamboo

Where to Use Bamboo

• Flooring

• Cabinets

• Stairs

• Furniture

Bamboo

• Roofs

• Walls

• Beams

• Ceilings

Mold

Causes for Mold in Homes

• Humidity

• Leaking Pipes

• Condensation

• Poor Ventilation

• Flooding

• Leaks in Roof/Ceiling

• Damp Basement

• Water at the House's Foundation

Mold

Where Mold Grows• Drywall

• Ceiling

• Carpet

• Windows

• Furniture

• Floor

• Ductwork

• Basement

• Wallpaper

• Roofing

• Under sinks

• Insulation

Mold

Prevent Mold by

• Preventing Moisture

• Preventing Water Leaks

• Preventing Condensation

• Reducing Humidity

• Increasing Sunlight

Dust Mites

Where do Dust Mites “Live”

• Carpet

• Mattresses

• Pillows

• Rugs

• Fabric fibers

Dust Mites

Symptoms of Allergies to Dust Mites• Sneezing

• Eczema

• Cough

• Runny nose

• Asthma

• Itchy, red, and watery eyes

• Frequent awakening

• Nasal congestion

Dust Mites

Prevent Dust Mites by

• Minimizing household humidity

• Using “mite-proof ” cases on mattresses and pillows

• Washing bed linens and stuffed toys frequently

• Installing a high-efficiency media filter in furnace and air conditioning unit

• Replacing wool or feathered bedding with synthetic materials

• Replacing wall-to-wall carpets in bedrooms with bare floors

• Using a damp mop to remove dust

Chemical Contaminants

Pollutants

• Combustion gases

• Radon

• Formaldehyde

• Pesticides

• Lead

• Cigarette Smoke

Chemical Contaminants

Consequences of Chemical Exposure• Lung cancer

• Asthma

• Respiratory allergies in children

• Nose, skin, eyes, and throat irritation

• Nervous system disorder

• Learning disabilities

• Behavior problems

• Anemia

• Heart disease

• Infant death syndrome

Chemical Contaminants

Minimize Exposure by

• Keeping house and its surroundings clean and well maintained

• Using exterior-grade pressed wood products

• Quitting smoking

• Testing house for lead paint

• Testing house for radon