Sick Houses and Sick House Syndrome

Recently new illnesses arising from pollutants in exterior and interior housing have become a subject of discussion.

Sick House derives from the medical terminology Sick Building Syndrome.
"Sick House Syndrome" describes the symptoms and illnesses brought about by living in polluted buildings.
Symptoms include headaches, nausea, indisposition, allergies, and atopy.

Cause of Allergies

Allergens (different per individual)
Mites and mould owing to condensation from insufficient moisture control
The build up of chemical pollutants from new interior construction materials

Cause of Toxicosis

Wood preservatives and insecticides used for foundations and tatami mats
Wood preservatives and insecticides used on some imported timber
Pesticides

Cause of Chemical Allergies

Formaldehyde which is in synthetic resins, paints and plywood
Specific chemicals
Volatile Organic Compounds (VOC): solvents, adhesive agents, fire retardant treatments, wood preservatives and insecticides, which are in paints, wallpapers, vinyl cloth, carpets, floor wax, tatami mats, soils, timber etc

Atelier Vista is actively using the following measures in the prevention of Sick Houses.
Also refer to the "Use of Natural Materials"

Optimum design for ventilation and airtightness
Use of materials with natural insecticides
Use of natural materials with good moisture control such as timber, plaster walls, paper and the like
Use of non-formaldehyde plywood, medium density fiber board (MDF), natural linoleum, and natural adhesive agents
Avoidance of building materials which contain volatile and harmful toxic substances

Profile

Use of Natural Materials

Sick House Syndrome

Energy-Efficient Homes