Air quality in the Inner West
Response to ‘pollution crisis in Melbourne’s inner west drives up hospitalisation summer Timna Jacks, The Age, 07.09.20
If there was ever a time to talk about the merits of a Passive House, it is probably now after the release of findings into the investigation of air quality in the inner west, and its links to abnormally high cases of asthma and respiratory system disease.
Maribyrnong and Hobsons Bay have also recorded above Australian average rates of heart disease and heart failure, stroke, lung cancer and preventable chronic conditions.
If you live in these areas and this doesn’t alarm you, then I don’t know what will!
Although Passive House is well known for airtightness and thermal performance, many may not realise it’s human health credentials. One of the key learnings from my Passive House journey is the ability to take control of our indoor environment, and in return, we get to live in health and comfort.
Let me be very clear here…. this is not too much to ask of a building.
It is also achievable within your budget. In fact, you would have to be very bloody convincing to tell me that something is more important than prioritising your health and comfort.
Inner urban air quality is a problem that is not likely to go away. With projected population growth and densification, compounded by increased traffic to the ports and continuous integration with industrial sites, we are destined for increased air pollution.
I don’t think this is isolated to the Inner West either. If you are suspicious that you are living in an area that is compromised by air pollution, then the chances are high that at times the particle matter (PM) is above healthy levels.
Late last year we installed two air quality meters at a house we were preparing to renovate. Along with our client, we wanted to obtain information on CO2 levels, temperature fluctuations and also obtain Particle Matter readings. As it turned out the bushfires occurred and on that morning Melbourne was blanketed in smoke, the PM readings immediately went through the roof. The doors and windows were closed, however, that did not stop air infiltration into the old weatherboard home.
We talk a lot about the quality of our existing housing stock and the challenges we face in creating healthy, comfortable indoor environments. This is exacerbated by the fact that we spend 90% of our time indoors. However, we must appreciate that these challenges are easily overcome with good detailing and construction techniques, along with a ventilation system that provides clean filtered air 24/7.
If you are on the journey to a new home or renovation, I plead with you to prioritise one thing over all…. your health!
Article link here.