Public health challenges have renewed focus on indoor air quality (IAQ). And as they move forward, Canadians are intent on creating clean, hygienic environments to protect their family and friends.
“When it comes to life’s priorities, consumers place health and wellness at the top,” states Panasonic in its recent IAQ industry survey. “In the wake of COVID-19, the focus on health and wellness has only grown.”
Having a healthy home environment ranks high among Canadians. In Panasonic’s survey of 600 homeowners and 150 building professionals, the tech innovator found a majority of homeowners believed the air in their homes was unhealthy, and 95% considered IAQ to be a more important priority.
Equally surprising is that 60% of builders were only “somewhat,” “not very,” or “not at all” informed about IAQ. Nevertheless, the study revealed that 65% of builders rated IAQ much more important after learning about the risks.
Panasonic’s study offers compelling insights into how both consumers and builders perceive IAQ, both before and after learning about root causes and potential health impacts. Moreover, it examines ways to mitigate indoor air risks through IAQ technologies, including nanotech innovations (e.g., Panasonic’s nanoe™ X air purifier), energy recovery ventilators, smart HVAC controls, and more.
“While poor indoor air quality poses significant health risks, builders and homeowners have powerful tools at their disposal to filter, ventilate, purify, and manage the humidity of indoor air,” the report states.
The study’s biggest takeaway, however, is that builders and HVAC stakeholders (e.g., manufacturers, suppliers, contractors) play a significant role in educating homeowners on the IAQ risks and matching them with the right solutions. And to do this, the IAQ knowledge gap within the building industry first needs to be closed.
“When homeowners fully realize the risks that indoor air pollution poses to their health,” the report concludes, “They’re more than ready to do something about it.”
Read Panasonic’s IAQ report, How healthy is my home: Homeowner and homebuilder perspectives on Indoor Air Quality. Also learn more about Panasonic’s new Indoor Air Quality campaign, Breathe Well and see IAQ solutions for homeowners here.
