Health performance criteria framework for homes based on 'Whole House' and 'LEED' approaches

Indoor air may be more polluted than outside air. Since Americans often spent most of their time indoors, Indoor Environment Quality (IEQ) has received much attention lately. IEQ problems often result in negative impacts to occupant health. Various physical, chemical and biological processes determine the fate of IEQ. IEQ problems can be attributed to negative interactions between building systems.;"Whole House" approach promotes the idea that the home be viewed as a system composed of different components which work together, so that negative interactions between various building systems can be avoided. External environment is inextricably connected to the indoor environment. The "LEED" green building criteria utilizes the whole system approach, with the intent to minimize environment damage attributable to buildings; while enhancing occupant health, safety and comfort.;Various health effects associated with IEQ in homes were analyzed and a Health Performance Criteria Framework was developed through research, by utilizing the "Whole House" approach and the "LEED" criteria. This framework will help in developing the criteria for an ideal "Whole House" that epitomizes the situation where all involved building systems work synergistically, thereby enhancing the health performance of the home and avoiding any negative interactions.