How Safe Is Your Home?
Updated: Mar 1
One person in a tiny house, just within 8 hours, may consume the entirety of the air. Add less time with pets or another human. Building materials may produce toxic off-gassing chemicals. Not including your gassy "uncle".
No worries, as there are methods of protection, besides not feeding your gassy Uncle chili, or your lactose Sister milk products.“ Make your environment greener with our checklist.
Use a ERV (Energy Recovery Ventilation) unit. Or use an HRV (heat recovery ventilator) unit. These units use a minimal amount of energy and bring into your tiny home fresh air. Whether the temperature exiting your home is cool or warm, approximately 90% is recovered with the energy recovery core. This also helps with moisture or humidity issues so you are less likely to get mold.
ERV ductless unit
HRV heat recovery unit
Fresh air vents may also be used to eliminate back drafting. Such as pulling in air without the back draft of gas, or carbon monoxide.
On the market today use one of the low or zero-VOC paints and stains.
Since you are living in a small home extra care needs to be addressed so that air and moisture damage does not affect your health or the integrity of you home. . Breathable house wrap can prevent mold and wood rot.
Be aware of off-gassing chemicals from the insulation of your tiny home. With insulation you may need to have a higher R value when in a cold climate. Your location will help determine the R value, but if you travel with your tiny home, you may encounter different climates.
Whatever insulation you choose, check to see what glue is within the product. Sometimes an exterior glue may be used within the products. This may contain formaldehyde to help with water resistance. There is much controversy on the subject of R-Value vs type of insulation for health reasons. Check what is in spray foam or within SIP (structured insulated panels) which are pre-cut panels which include foam insulation encased by OSB (oriented strand board). More research is needed in this area.
Bed mattresses, also have controversy. Who could guess? Some say they have petroleum based chemicals, toxic foams, synthetic fabrics, and fire retardant barriers or chemicals. These chemicals can off-gas. Nothing is perfectly safe, but it does no harm to do your research!
Sleep on a super comfortable mattress with no VOCs, formaldehyde, or heavy metals. Your eco-friendly mattress is CertiPUR-US certified for materials, performance, and durability
Review: Honestly this mattress expanded well and fast and is a great mattress especially for the price. I personally wish it was a little bit softer, but I might just throw a foam topper on it. I didn’t have any problem with it not expanding fully, having a smell, or anything else, so I will say it was a win over all! Rating: 4.4 out of 5. 4,567 ratings; Amazon's Choice
.