Fiberglass duct liners and duct board have been incorrectly blamed for contributing to mold growth in high humidity and high temperature conditions. The fact is that fiberglass is inherently resistant to mold growth. Stringent testing in accordance with UL and ASTM standards confirms that fiberglass duct liners and duct board do not support mold growth.
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Did you know that 40 percent of U.S. homes have at least one health or safety hazard? In fact, 35 million U.S. homes place their occupants at risk for health hazards, according to the National Center for Healthy Housing.[1] These homes have a range of problems, from mold and air leaks to toxic chemicals. Some states fare better than others. As consumer concern about healthy homes increases, access to data about the health of U.S. housing stock by state is useful to inform the marketplace and position new construction homes as a healthier option than many existing homes.
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Man-made vitreous fibers (MMVFs) or synthetic vitreous fibers (SVFs), specifically glass, rock/stone or slag wools, have multiple end-use applications but are most commonly used as insulation. MMVFs have been studied by health and safety experts for decades. Most notably, the potential carcinogenicity (ability or tendency to produce cancer) of these fibers has been evaluated by toxicology studies in the form of large epidemiological cohort studies of MMVF manufacturing workers, in inhalation studies in experimental animals (in vivo), and in laboratory fiber solubility studies (in vitro).
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This month’s extreme cold snap in Texas and resulting failure of the state’s power grid offers some important lessons in the rear-view mirror. This week, we look at three takeaways from this month’s crisis and how we can better prepare for the next one.
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According to Construction Dive, a study of 730,000 COVID-19 tests found that construction workers had the highest positivity rate for asymptomatic cases of any occupation. Therefore, to reduce widespread illness and keep pace with the high demand for residential construction, it’s essential to get workers vaccinated. Multistate, a full-service state and local government relations company, has published a comprehensive dashboard of the COVID-19 vaccine distribution plan for all 50 states.
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A plethora of new reports indicate that coronavirus is shaping home design trends in the U.S. and globally. Among them, the American Institute of Architects Home Design Trends Survey shows that more outdoor features and flexible spaces are highly desirable. The survey also shows products that improve indoor air quality, thermal moisture control, and energy-efficient homes are growing in popularity.
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The infectious disease and HVAC engineering communities have been grappling with the complexities of COVID-19 transmission for the past nine months. Increased HVAC fresh air has the potential to dilute and remove the aerosol droplet particles of COVID-19 that many experts believe is one of the main sources of transmission. Now the building science community is starting to contribute to the discussion. Insulation Institute talks this week with Paul Grahovac, LEED AP, about the ventilation solution to COVID-19.
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Transformations taking place in both the home energy efficiency arena and healthcare are coming together in ways that present opportunities for these industries to work collaboratively to improve outcomes for customers. VEIC, a sustainable energy company with a mission to enhance the environmental and societal benefits of clean and efficient energy use for all people, is out with a new Energy-Plus-Health Playbook. The playbook examines a three-tiered approach to targeting unhealthy and substandard existing housing conditions that cause energy burdens and compromise the household health of low- and middle-income customers.
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While the growing legalization[1] of cannabis in the U.S. may be fueling new industries and is leading to an economic boom in states where it is legal, the use of drugs and alcohol on the job site can have a devastating impact on safety. Drug and alcohol abuse is prevalent among full-time construction
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Have you ever wondered why certain products have a cancer warning label on them and others do not? Well, you’re not alone. Here’s why:
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