interior designers and those within the heating/ventilating industry are educated to be more aware of the problem with continuing education classes keeping them up-to-date on creating clean air by design. Clean air specialists, including now retired John and Lynn Bower, authors and founders of the Healthy House Institute (Muncie, Ind.), and NASA scientist Dr. B.C. (Bill) Wolverton, who added plants to the original space shuttles to improve the closed capsules’ air quality, were pioneers in the field and are still considered experts.
Outside/In San Antonio architect David Bogle, AIA, earned an environmental design degree from Texas A&M and a degree in architecture from the University of Texas several years ago. He went on to apply his expertise to designing institutions in New York City before returning to San Antonio. “We (architects) specify sustainable exterior building materials and efficient heating/AC/ventilation for homes and buildings,” Bogle said. “LEEDS (Leadership in Energy & Environmental Design) and ASHRAE (American Society of Heating, Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Engineers) have been leaders in getting stricter environmental requirements implemented. “Solar, as it becomes more affordable, is the energy of choice, and more of it is being used in San Antonio. We also urge separate garages to prevent vehicle pollution from entering the home from attached garages.” Architects also collaborate with interior designers on interior nontoxic selections. Past American Society of Interior Designers – Texas Chapter (ASID-Texas) President Kelley Barnett noted that the organization has taken an active part in assuring clean air inside homes and offices for years. “Furnishings, flooring, paint, wall coverings, countertops, appliances, cabinets and even adhesives all
contain toxins,” Barnett explained. “Add high-chemical cleaning, clothing and body-care products, and indoor air can be really dangerous. Each one of these could be a source of contaminants. Combined, they present a bigger challenge to control harmful toxic emission. “ASID has been a leader in helping control indoor air quality, and offers several classes to update our members’ knowledge of environmental design. Internet access has made clients more informed on sustainable materials and the importance of clean air in their home, and often, they often request updates to comply with current standards.”
More than
15% of America’s population is affected by poor indoor air quality.
The Healthy House Institute The Bowers became aware of the poor indoor air hazards in 1984, when Lynn had severe health problems traced back to commonly used building materials. This inspired John to analyze building products and techniques aimed at building healthier houses and buildings. Both he and Lynn wrote books and developed videos on the subject, but recently turned most of their attention to Ball University in their home state of Indiana and transferred their Healthy House Institute concept for healthier air to Allen P. Rathey, who is continuing their crusade and expanding on their efforts in Idaho. Covering and defining every aspect of clean air, the books contain sources of non-toxic products and ways of cleaning up your air, and even include information on nontoxic body care products, clothing and related items.
David Bogle
Plant clean air Indoors or out, some plants can totally purify the air, as proven by Wolverton, who researched which plants purify the air and included them in space shuttles and the space station. Now retired, Wolverton heads Wolverton Environmen-
kelley barnett
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