United States.
Enhabit (formerly Clean Energy Works – a consulting firm) has announced a collaboration with researchers from the University of Oregon and the Oregon Research Institute on a new study designed to measure the connection between energy efficiency improvements and indoor air quality. The study is being funded by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).
The EPA reported that, on average, people spend about 90% of their time indoors, where pollution levels can be two to five times higher than outdoors. Based on cancer risk alone, federal scientists have ranked indoor air pollution as one of the most significant environmental problems in the United States.
The results can help shape the use of HVAC to address not only energy efficiency, but also the reduction of home health risks from toxins, mold and mildew. Improving indoor air quality is good for everyone, but healthy indoor air is particularly critical for children, older adults, and those suffering from asthma and other respiratory problems.
"From the basement to the attic, most people don't know about the many toxins that hide in their living space," said Stephanie Swanson, Enhabit's vice president of communications. "Learning about HVAC can improve air quality and help us create homes that better protect people's health."
