Healthy Homes and Environment

Healthy Indoor Spaces are Important for Edmontonians

Edmontonians spend a great deal of time indoors, particularly in winter, so it’s important to make our indoor spaces as healthy as possible. A healthy home is free of toxins, provides plenty of fresh air and lets lots of daylight in.

Healthier product and material choices can reduce the toxins that potentially accumulate in your indoor environment, cut down on odours and provide a more pleasant living space that can enhance the value of your home.

What To Look For 

Homes On Resale Market

Depending on the age of the home, some potentially toxic compounds may have been used in its construction like lead paint, asbestos and urea formaldehyde foam insulation.

It can be difficult to identify the presence of these substances without hiring an expert. If it’s known by the seller, it must be disclosed at the time of sale.

New Homes

• Look for low-volatile organic compounds(VOC) paints, adhesives and flooring (Green Seal, Green Label or equivalent labels) 
• Look for rapidly renewable or recycled materials like bamboo flooring or recycled glass tile
• Ask if the wood (including bamboo) is certified by the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC), which means it comes from sustainably managed forests

Low Volatile Organic Compounds (VOC)

• Healthy homes use low-VOC paints, glues and flooring materials, with eco-labels such as Green Seal or Green Label for flooring 
• VOCs are in many things and the products brought into the home after you move in can also contribute to indoor air-quality issues

Ventilation

A well-sealed healthy home has an efficient ventilation system such as a heat recovery ventilator.

Natural Lighting

Look for healthy amounts of natural lighting in all areas that are regularly occupied.