Indoor Air Quality (IAQ)

Adapting Buildings for Indoor Air Quality in a Changing Climate

Climate Change, Indoor Air Quality and Building Adaptation

Climate change may worsen existing indoor environmental problems and indoor air quality, and it may also introduce new problems as the frequency or severity of adverse outdoor conditions change. Our homes and buildings, where we spend most of our time, provide protection between us and the outdoors. The design, construction, operation and maintenance of buildings can impact the air we breathe, our energy consumption, and our health. To protect all building occupants and maintain safe and healthy indoor environments, considerations for buildings should include occupant health and well being, sustainability, energy efficiency, and changing outdoor conditions.

Most U.S. homes and buildings are not new, and were built to withstand environmental conditions at the times they were built. New-construction homes and buildings may face structural and environmental challenges if future climatic conditions are not anticipated in their designs. With use, age, changes in outdoor environmental conditions, and the drive for energy efficiency, homes and buildings will undergo renovation and repair. Modifications to buildings might be made without consideration of indoor air quality and, if not properly implemented, can negatively impact human health.

There are three broad approaches to moderate indoor air pollution: source control, ventilation, and air cleaning. When buildings and homes are modified to decrease energy use, changes can occur in ventilation, infiltration (air leakage), and pressurization, creating air flow changes that can impact indoor pollutant levels. Furthermore, building upgrades can disturb existing contaminants known to cause health problems. Some of these contaminants have specific regulatory requirements (e.g., asbestos, lead) that must be followed, while many others are not regulated.

There are also building operational concerns to be considered with respect to climate change. For example, provisions for increased frequency and duration of electrical power outages should be considered due to the increased frequency and severity of storms anticipated with climate change. Methods of ventilating buildings and maintaining acceptable thermal conditions using resilient or passive design strategies can be included in building design or modification strategies.

Resources:

2016 Climate Change Assessment

The Impacts of Climate Change on Human Health in the United States: A Scientific Assessment
- Air Quality Impacts Chapter
EPA Energy, Weatherization and Indoor Air Quality
Institute of Medicine Report on Climate Change, Indoor Environment and Health
EPA’s Adapting to Climate Change
EPA Office of Air and Radiation Climate Change Adaptation Implementation Plan
NIST Report Indoor Environmental Issues in Disaster Resilience Exit
Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory Climate Change - Changes In IEQ and Health Driven by Changes in the Outdoor Environment Exit
Read More about the Challenges of Climate Readiness. (Fact Sheet)

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Severe Weather

Extreme temperatures, increased precipitation and storm severity can lead to increased humidity and mold growth, droughts and wildfires and proliferation of pests.

In areas with more precipitation, there is an increased risk of flood and dampness indoors — the perfect environment for mold growth. Exposure to mold can lead to respiratory problems, such as asthma and allergies.
- Learn more about flooding.
- Learn more about mold.
Some areas may experience higher temperatures and less precipitation, resulting in more droughts and wildfires. This can result in more particulate air pollution, such as dust and smoke. The particulate air pollution can enter buildings and homes, affecting lung and heart health.
- Learn more about particulate air pollution.
Changes in temperature and flooding can drive pests indoors looking for shelter and food. Additionally, pest infestations are often combated with pesticides that are toxic to people, too.
- Learn more about pesticides.

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Weatherization and Ventilation

More people are weatherizing (sealing and insulating) their homes and buildings to offset outdoor temperature changes and to help save energy by reducing the need for heating and cooling changes. Ventilation is an important part of a building’s heating and cooling system because it helps reduce indoor pollutants. Weatherizing without maintaining proper ventilation can negatively affect indoor air.

Learn more about Weatherizing.
Moisture accumulates inside homes during everyday activities such as cooking, taking showers and hanging wet laundry which increases the relative humidity level indoors. Without air ventilation, the humidity level remains high and can provide a breeding ground for mold, mites and bacteria.
Poor ventilation also can lead to increased indoor exposure to pollutants because there isn’t any exchange with outdoor air to dilute or remove the concentration of the pollutants:
- carbon monoxide
- secondhand smoke
- volatile organic compounds (VOCs)
If there is an increase in mold, bacteria or other pests due to higher humidity levels or changes in outdoor temperatures, people may use chemical products to combat infestations.
- Learn more about Biological Pollutants

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