A Healthy, Comfortable Place to Live or Work
Wood is a natural material that makes any building a healthy, comfortable place to
live, work, study or play. Wood generates positive feelings because of its warm and
natural attributes, and evidence suggests this can contribute to an individual's
overall sense of well-being. In an office or school, this can improve performance
and productivity; in a hospital, it can have a positive impact on patient recovery.
Wood floors contribute to better air quality by minimizing the accumulation of dust
and microbes. They can be kept allergen-free with regular dust mopping, sweeping and
vacuuming. Engineered wood products used for sheathing and for beams and joists are
made with glues that do not contribute to allergies.
Particleboard products used in furniture and cabinetry have been modified to reduce
formaldehyde emissions by 80 to 90 per cent from 1980 levels. Structured glued products
use adhesive with even lower emissions.
Wood helps make a building more comfortable by moderating indoor humidity. During
times of high humidity, it absorbs moisture; during dry periods, it releases moisture
to the air. Research has found that interior wood panelling can reduce peak moisture
loads in a typical Canadian home by 10 to 25 per cent, making it more comfortable and
reducing the need for air conditioning and ventilation.
Sources
Canadian Wood Council, www.cwc.ca
FPInnovations – Forintek Division, www.forintek.ca