At BuildBuilt, we believe that a well-designed home should enhance the quality of life for its occupants—not just through aesthetics, but by fostering a healthy living environment. One of the most important, yet often overlooked, aspects of home health is air quality. With recent discussions in Singapore focusing on indoor air pollution, particularly volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and formaldehyde, we’d like to share our insights on how to approach these issues realistically and responsibly.

What Are VOCs and Formaldehyde?

VOCs (Volatile Organic Compounds) are chemicals that can easily become vapors or gases. They are found in many household products, including paints, varnishes, adhesives, and certain building materials like plywood and particleboard. Formaldehyde, a type of VOC, is commonly used in the manufacturing of furniture and other wood products.

While VOCs and formaldehyde are essential in the production of many materials we use every day, they can be harmful when their levels in indoor air become too high. Prolonged exposure to elevated levels of these compounds may lead to eye, nose, and throat irritation, and in some cases, more serious health issues. However, it’s important to remember that in a typical home setting, the risks can be managed effectively with the right approach.

Why Should Homeowners Care About Air Quality?

In Singapore, where homes are often sealed tightly for energy efficiency, the potential for indoor air pollution increases. Understanding the sources of VOCs and formaldehyde, particularly during renovations, is key to maintaining a healthy living environment. However, there’s no need for alarm. With a practical, informed approach, you can ensure that your home remains a safe and pleasant space for you and your family.

Industry Standards and Practical Safety Guidelines

Singapore’s Building and Construction Authority (BCA) and the National Environment Agency (NEA) have established guidelines to help maintain healthy indoor air quality. These standards are designed to protect residents from the potential effects of indoor pollutants, without creating unnecessary concern.

• Formaldehyde: The recommended limit for formaldehyde in indoor air is 0.1 mg/m³ (100 µg/m³), which aligns with the World Health Organization (WHO) guidelines.

• Total VOCs (TVOCs): For total VOCs, the recommended indoor limit is 3.0 mg/m³ (3000 µg/m³).

These standards serve as a helpful reference, but it’s also important to be realistic—most homes won’t have “zero” VOCs, and that’s okay. The goal is to keep these levels within safe, manageable ranges.

Creating Healthier Homes: Practical Steps for Before, During, and After Renovation

Before Renovation:

• Smart Material Choices: Opt for low-VOC or formaldehyde-free materials when possible. Look for reputable certifications like GreenGuard or the Singapore Green Label, but also understand that these are part of a broader strategy for maintaining good indoor air quality.

• Pre-Ventilation: If you’re bringing new materials into your home, consider airing them out in a well-ventilated space—such as an unused room or balcony—before installation. This helps reduce the initial impact of VOCs once renovation begins.

• Clear Communication with Contractors: Work with your contractor to prioritize the use of safer, low-VOC products. This is something we at BuildBuilt are familiar with and can help guide you through.

During Renovation:

• Ventilation is Key: Ensure that the renovation area is well-ventilated. Open windows, use fans, and if needed, set up temporary ventilation systems to exhaust air outside. This helps to keep the air fresh and reduce the buildup of any potentially harmful substances.

• Isolate the Workspace: By sealing off the renovation zone from the rest of the home, you can help prevent dust and VOCs from spreading. Simple steps like using plastic sheeting or door seals can make a big difference.

• Regular Cleaning: Keep the workspace clean by regularly damp-wiping surfaces to minimize dust. This practice helps reduce the likelihood of VOCs settling and spreading throughout your home.

After Renovation:

• Continue Ventilating: Even after the renovation is complete, keep the area well-ventilated for a few weeks to help disperse any remaining VOCs. This is an easy and effective way to ensure your home’s air remains fresh and clean.

• Consider Simple Air Quality Improvements: You can use air purifiers with activated carbon filters to help manage VOC levels. Additionally, placing natural VOC absorbers like activated charcoal, houseplants, or zeolite around your home can help maintain a comfortable and healthy environment.

• Practical Items to Absorb VOCs:

  • Activated Charcoal: Known for its ability to absorb odors and VOCs, placing bowls of activated charcoal in different rooms can help improve air quality.

  • Houseplants: Some plants, such as spider plants and peace lilies, can naturally absorb VOCs, contributing to a fresher indoor environment.

  • Zeolite: These natural minerals can absorb a variety of pollutants, including VOCs, and are particularly useful in enclosed spaces like closets.

Additional Tips for a Healthier Home:

• Maintain Balanced Humidity: Keeping your home’s humidity between 30-50% can help manage the release of VOCs from materials. Consider using a dehumidifier or air conditioner if necessary.

• Monitor Air Quality: If you’re concerned about air quality, consider using an indoor air quality monitor to keep an eye on VOC levels. This can give you peace of mind and help you know when additional ventilation might be needed.

• Natural Cleaning Products: After renovation, switching to natural cleaning product
  s can help keep your home’s air quality high. Avoid cleaners with strong fragrances or harsh chemicals.

BuildBuilt and Bbenchmark: Our Practical Approach to Healthier Homes

At BuildBuilt and Bbenchmark, we take a practical, responsible approach to air quality and material safety. We understand the importance of good indoor air quality, but we also recognize the need to balance safety with practicality. Here’s how we help you achieve this balance:

• Material Selection: We recommend and source materials that offer a good balance between safety, cost, and availability. While we prioritize low-VOC and formaldehyde-free options, we also ensure that they meet your specific needs and budget.

• Proactive Communication: We communicate openly with our clients about the materials we use and the steps we take to manage air quality. This includes realistic advice on what can be achieved and how to maintain good air quality in your home.

• Ongoing Research: We stay informed about the latest industry developments and best practices in air quality management. This allows us to continually refine our processes and offer solutions that are both effective and practical.

A Balanced Approach to Healthier Homes

Creating a healthier home doesn’t mean aiming for perfection—it means making informed, practical decisions that contribute to a safe and comfortable living environment. At BuildBuilt, we’re here to guide you through this process, providing realistic advice and solutions that fit your lifestyle.

As we continue to explore the topic of healthier homes in Singapore, we invite you to join us on this journey. Together, we can create spaces that support not just physical health, but also mental and emotional well-being through thoughtful, responsible design and construction practices.

Key references:

1. Singapore Standards (SS 554: 2016)

   • Singapore Standards. (2016). SS 554: 2016 – Code of Practice for Indoor Air Quality for Air-conditioned Buildings. Retrieved from https://www.singaporestandardseshop.sg/Product/SS5542016

2. World Health Organization (WHO) Guidelines

   • World Health Organization. (2010). WHO Guidelines for Indoor Air Quality: Selected Pollutants. Retrieved from https://www.euro.who.int/en/publications/abstracts/who-guidelines-for-indoor-air-quality-selected-pollutants

3. Building and Construction Authority (BCA) Green Mark Certification

   • Building and Construction Authority. (2021). Green Mark Certification Scheme. Retrieved from https://www1.bca.gov.sg/buildsg/sustainability/green-mark-certification-scheme

4. National Environment Agency (NEA) – Air Quality Monitoring and Standards

   • National Environment Agency. (n.d.). Indoor Air Quality Management. Retrieved from https://www.nea.gov.sg/our-services/pollution-control/indoor-air-quality

5. California Air Resources Board (CARB) – Formaldehyde Emission Standards

   • California Air Resources Board. (2021). Composite Wood Products ATCM: Formaldehyde Emission Standards. Retrieved from https://ww2.arb.ca.gov/our-work/programs/composite-wood-products/about

6. United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) – Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs)

   • United States Environmental Protection Agency. (2021). Volatile Organic Compounds’ Impact on Indoor Air Quality. Retrieved from https://www.epa.gov/indoor-air-quality-iaq/volatile-organic-compounds-impact-indoor-air-quality

7. GreenGuard Environmental Institute Certification

   • GreenGuard Environmental Institute. (2021). GreenGuard Certification Program. Retrieved from https://www.ul.com/resources/ul-greenguard-certification-program

8. Singapore Green Label Scheme

   • Singapore Environment Council. (n.d.). Singapore Green Label Scheme. Retrieved from https://www.sgls.sec.org.sg/

9. American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE)

   • American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers. (2019). ASHRAE Standard 62.1 – Ventilation for Acceptable Indoor Air Quality. Retrieved from https://www.ashrae.org/technical-resources/bookstore/standards-62-1-62-2

10. Indoor Air Quality Monitoring and Testing: An Overview

    • European Commission. (2013). Indoor Air Quality: VOCs and Formaldehyde. Retrieved from https://ec.europa.eu/jrc/en/publication/indoor-air-quality-vocs-and-formaldehyde