The GreenHome is designed to support a healthier family. Approximately 95% of products in the home contain low or zero volatile organic compounds (VOC). According to the EPA, the negative health effects of VOCs include eye, nose and throat irritation; headaches; the loss of coordination; nausea; and liver and kidney damage. Reducing the toxic chemicals in the home and delivering superior indoor air quality are among the many health benefits of the GreenHome.
Other pollutants, such as mold, dust and dust mites, dander, pollen and dirt are removed with the home’s high-efficiency MERV 12 air filters and central vacuum system. The MERV 12 filters have 80% or better filtration efficiency on 1 to 3 micron particles and more than 90% efficiency on 3 to 10 micron particles. For reference, the size of pollen is generally 5 to 50 microns and dust mites and pet dander are 0.5-100 microns. Common home air filters often have MERV ratings of just 4 to 6, which allow significant air pollutants to enter and circulate within the home. In addition, research at the University of California at Davis has shown that a central vacuum system can provide relief from major allergy symptoms by as much as 61%. We expect similar performance for this home.
Water quality is also of utmost importance to overall health. The GreenHome includes a whole-house water filtration system that removes more than 99% of the most dangerous water contaminants, including chlorine, metals, pesticides and VOCs. This means that all water, whether used for drinking, cooking, bathing or showering, will be purified. Furthermore, improved water quality improves air quality. The U.S. EPA states that, “every home in America has an elevated level of chloroform gas due to the vaporization of chlorine... from tap and shower water." The vapor form of chlorine is an irritant associated with a variety of respiratory ailments, including allergies, asthma and bronchitis.
