Armourcoat hold a strong commitment to sustainable coatings for the betterment of buildings and those who live, eat, play and work in them. As we spend about 90% of our time inside – indoor air quality is important for health, wellbeing and a productive work environment.
World Health Organization (WHO) reports suggest up to a third of new and remodelled buildings worldwide have issues relating to poor indoor air quality(4). These are caused by off-gassing contaminants from building materials, use of Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs), mould, improper exhaust ventilation, use of industrial chemicals and lack of adequate fresh air.
Everyone is at risk from poor indoor air quality. This is even more important if you suffer from Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD), asthma, bronchiectasis or any other lung condition. Children are particularly vulnerable to poor indoor air quality as their lungs are still developing.
Healthy home and working interiors
As we are spending increased time indoors, maintaining ideal indoor humidity levels is essential.
Excessive indoor humidity can often result in respiratory infections and allergies including upper respiratory congestion and asthma attacks. Viruses, fungi, mites and cockroaches all thrive in high humidity. Mould and mildew cause condensation on windows and walls leading to wood rot, mould and damp spots. Evaporation of formaldehyde from indoor building materials is also influenced by relative humidity levels.
Low humidity causes increased susceptibility to colds and respiratory illness and can allow viruses and germs to thrive. Wooden floors and furniture can split and crack, and electronics can be damaged.
Medical studies suggest that maintaining indoor humidity between 40% and 60% is ideal(5) and can further limit the survival of various viruses (including COVID-19), influenza, polio, measles and herpes.
Armourcoat Clime clay lime plasters can help regulate relative interior humidity between 40% and 60%, balancing humidity levels in buildings by absorbing excess moisture and releasing stored moisture when interior conditions are dry.
Interestingly, studies have also found that feeling happy and affectionate are influenced by relative humidity(6).
