The average human breathes about 22,000 times a day. Breathing is a process we don’t even think about, but have we given a thought to what we’re breathing in?
“Through research, we have determined that many of the building products used today discharge chemicals that make the air quality in homes unhealthy,” said David Kallie, MCR, CKBR, CAPS, president and CEO of Dimension Inc. “According to the EPA, Americans spend approximately 90 percent of their time indoors, and indoor air quality can be five times higher than outdoor pollution.”
Poor indoor air quality, or indoor pollution, can cause headaches, fatigue, skin irritation, dizziness, nausea, and other respiratory problems, which is critical for those with asthma and allergies. It can also give people a higher risk of developing chronic diseases like lung cancer, heart disease, and even cancer in extreme cases. On the other hand, clean air can improve cognitive abilities and concentration, while also bettering a person’s sleep quality and mood.
“Dimension Inc. has made health a priority when it comes to home building,” David said. “In the new homes we construct, and in our home remodeling projects, we have incorporated healthy materials, products, and methods into our processes.”
Here are a few areas of healthy home building on which Dimension focuses:
Toxin-Free Construction Materials
“While many conventional building products contain harmful toxins, the materials we use are green in the sense that they are environmentally friendly, but they are also healthy for people,” David said.
Take, for example, quartz countertops, one of the healthy home materials Dimension uses. Quartz is made from recycled materials like reclaimed stone from quarries and broken dishware, and once installed, it is non-porous, durable, and resistant to stains, therefore not a health risk to homeowners.
Another eco-friendly and healthy material is cotton fiber, which Dimension uses for installation. This material is often made from recycled jeans and other clothing. It is proven not to contain harmful chemicals and reduces the risk of allergies.
Finally, consider cork flooring. Cork is made from a renewable resource — the bark of cork oak trees — and it has antimicrobial properties, meaning it doesn’t create or absorb mold, bacteria, mildew, or dust.
Low or No VOC Finishes
VOC stands for Volatile Organic Compounds, which are chemicals like formaldehyde, benzene, and toluene that vaporize at room temperature, contribute to air pollution, and cause health issues in humans.
These harmful chemicals are often found in paints, stains, adhesives, carpeting, upholstery, manufactured wood products, and more.
“At Dimension, we are adamant about practices that reduce the number of VOCs and chemicals typically found in homes and workplaces today, creating healthier environments in which to live and work,” said David. “We use low VOC paints, stains, and adhesives, as well as formaldehyde-free cabinets.”
Products high in VOC release dangerous chemicals in the air for months and even years after application, which directly causes poor air quality. Using low or no VOC finishes contributes to the health and comfort of the people in the home while performing just as well as those with high VOC levels.
“At present, we are the only design/builder in the State of Wisconsin dedicated to taking your family’s health into consideration in the use of toxin-free and low-VOC materials and finishes,” David said. “We believe it is the right thing to do.”
When we design and build you a home or addition, or remodel your existing home, it will enhance your quality of life and allow you to live a healthier lifestyle. Take the first step toward a healthier home and call 262-402-6602 or email davidkallie@dimensiondbr.com to get your healthy home project started.