You walk into a room and, in an instant, you feel stuffy or you get a headache. But the lighting is okay, so that can’t be causing it. The noise isn’t too much so that can’t be either. What’s the only possible culprit left? You guessed it – the air you’re breathing.
You’ve probably been in this situation at least once in your life but you probably haven’t given it much thought. However, indoor air quality (IAQ) has a huge impact on health. You could trace headaches, allergies, fatigue, and even long-term issues with breathing back to pollutants that float inside your home or office. The worst part is that a lot of them come from paint, carpets, synthetic flooring, adhesives, and the very things that were used for building in the first place.
Luckily, natural materials can help a lot. They look good and improve the air quality, so you get a nicer, healthier space to live and work in. Let’s see exactly how these materials work and how you can use them to your advantage.
Natural Materials That Improve IAQ
Some synthetic materials can release chemicals that can harm your health into the air, while some natural ones are able to make things better. Let’s see what those are.
1. Timber
Timber is beautiful and durable, every timber frame supplier will tell you that. But another perk of timber is that it improves indoor air quality. Solid, untreated timber doesn’t emit harmful chemicals like some synthetic materials do, so it’s a much safer choice for the interior.
One of the best things about timber is that it’s able to regulate humidity. It absorbs and releases moisture naturally, so the air inside stays healthy. This is especially useful in spaces where humidity fluctuates.
Plus, timber is perfect for biophilic design and research has shown that being surrounded by wood can lower stress and create a more calming environment.
2. Clay and Lime Plasters
These are natural wall finishes that don’t just add texture and warmth, they also actively improve air quality. They’re both excellent at absorbing moisture, which means they prevent dampness that mold and mildew absolutely love.
They also have air-purifying properties. Clay and lime plasters naturally trap and neutralize pollutants, so they help remove toxins from the air. Traditional paints and synthetic plasters usually have chemicals that release VOCs, but clay and lime are totally non-toxic.
3. Natural Fiber Insulation
Traditional insulation materials like fiberglass and spray foam have chemicals that can be released into the air over time, but natural insulation doesn’t have that problem. Wool, cotton, and hemp don’t have any synthetic additives and provide excellent thermal and acoustic benefits.
Wool in particular is amazing at filtering air. It absorbs and neutralizes pollutants, including formaldehyde, which is one of the most common indoor air contaminants. Cotton and hemp help, too, because they reduce airborne irritants and don’t allow mold to grow.
4. Bamboo
This is one of the most eco-friendly building materials you’ll find, but it’s also great for improving indoor air quality. Bamboo has very low emissions, so it’s a much safer option for flooring, wall panels, and furniture. It also has natural antibacterial and antifungal properties that don’t allow mold and allergens to spread.
If you have allergies, bamboo floors are ideal for you because they won’t trap dust and allergens like carpets will.
5. Stone and Brick
Stone and brick might not seem like something that will have a direct impact on air quality, but they’re important for creating a healthier indoor environment. They’re excellent at regulating temperature and humidity. They’re durable, need minimal treatment, and they also don’t need sealants or coatings that would bring toxins into the air.
How to Create a Healthier Indoor Environment with Natural Materials
When you decide to use natural materials in your home or office, that’s a great first step toward better indoor air quality, but it’s not all it takes. You can’t just choose, say, timber or clay plaster, and be done.
You also need to use non-toxic finishes, adhesives, and sealants because otherwise, you’re just coating natural materials with chemicals and you’re right back where you started from – breathing in pollutants. For example, if you use untreated or low-VOC timber, it can help purify the air, which is great. But if you seal it with a synthetic coating full of VOCs, then what’s the point? You should also think about ventilation. Even the best materials need airflow to keep humidity and toxins in check. You might also want to consider biophilic design, where you bring natural elements into indoor spaces. It will improve IAQ and well-being even further.
Conclusion
A lot of architects and designers are already working with all these ideas in mind and you’ll find a good deal of offices and buildings made with natural wood, stone, and of course, proper ventilation.
With natural materials, spaces don’t just look great, they’re also great for your health.
