Since Americans spend most of their time indoors, Indoor Environment Quality (IEQ) has received much attention.  Indoor air may be more polluted than outside air, and IEQ problems often result in negative impacts on occupant health.  Various physical, chemical and biological processes determine the fate of IEQ; IEQ problems can be attributed to negative interactions between building systems.

External environment is inextricably connected to the indoor environment.  A "Whole House" approach views the home as a system with components which work together, so that negative interactions between various building systems can be avoided. The Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) green building criteria utilizes the whole system approach, with the intent to minimize environmental damage attributable to buildings, while enhancing occupant health, safety, and comfort.

Various health effects associated with IEQ in homes were analyzed by Dr. Gopu Pillai and Dr. Matt Syal at Michigan State University.  A Health Performance Criteria Framework for Homes was developed through this research by utilizing the Whole House approach and the LEED criteria.  This framework will help in developing criteria for an ideal Whole House that epitomizes the situation in which all involved building systems work synergistically, thereby avoiding negative interactions and enhancing the health performance of the home.

For a summary of the Health Performance Criteria Framework for Homes developed by Drs. Pillai and Syal you may review a PDF file giving an overview of their forthcoming publication.

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