Questions

How does Good Air Homes score building systems?

Every system is scored on three fixed axes — Drying Ability, Inspectability, and VOC Tier — that combine into one verdict. The rubric is frozen, and the verdict always follows the scores. Full answer →

What VOC level is safe?

There is no single "safe" number; thresholds and test methods vary, and certifications like GREENGUARD Gold are a floor, not a ceiling. For heightened sensitivity, aim well below the common limits and verify emissions per product. Full answer →

How long does off-gassing last?

It ranges from about a day (dewaxed shellac) to years (formaldehyde-based composite wood), depending on the material. Heat and ventilation speed it up — but choosing low-emitting materials up front matters most. Full answer →

Is spray foam safe?

It depends on type and cure, but closed-cell foam creates a sealed, uninspectable cavity with no drying path — which is why we steer sensitive builds toward lower-risk alternatives. Cure-time claims are often optimistic. Full answer →

Is wood safe for mold-sensitive people?

Wood itself is not the problem; trapped moisture is. A forgiving wood assembly that can dry and be inspected can be a sound choice, while sealed systems that cannot dry are riskier. Full answer →

Is concrete better than wood for mold?

Not automatically — a well-detailed wood assembly that dries can outperform a concrete home that traps moisture. What matters is drying ability and inspectability, not the material's reputation. Full answer →

Is formaldehyde in cabinets dangerous?

Particleboard and MDF cabinet boxes can off-gas formaldehyde for a long time; CARB Phase 2 limits help but do not eliminate it. Lower-formaldehyde substrates and a dewaxed-shellac seal reduce exposure. Full answer →

Are green certifications enough?

Labels like GREENGUARD Gold, Green Seal, and ENERGY STAR are a useful floor but were not designed for chemical sensitivity. Treat them as a starting filter, not a guarantee. Full answer →

Are ICF homes safe for chemical sensitivity?

ICF has an inorganic concrete core but a foam shell that is sealed and cannot dry or be inspected, so we rate it Not Recommended for the sensitive — though it differs from SIPs in important ways. Full answer →

Are SIPs a good choice for healthy building?

SIPs combine trapped moisture, an organic OSB food source, and zero inspectability, so they are Not Recommended for indoor-air-quality builds. Full answer →

What is MCS-safe remodeling?

It is a protocol-based approach — careful material selection, sequencing, and ventilation — that differs from standard remodeling, designed so the work itself does not trigger symptoms. Full answer →

How do I find an MCS-safe contractor?

Ask specific questions about moisture detailing, material substitutions, and ventilation, watch for dismissive red flags, and use a written spec pack so expectations are explicit. Full answer →

Maintained by Zen Watcher, Good Air Homes.