What role can interior designers adopt to address indoor air quality issues?

Interior designers can play a crucial role in addressing indoor air quality issues by making environmentally sensitive design a specialty. This approach involves selecting materials, products, and systems that not only contribute to the aesthetics of a space but also minimize harmful emissions and enhance air quality. For instance, designers who specialize in this area can choose paints, adhesives, flooring, and furnishings that are low in volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and avoid toxic substances that can adversely affect health.

Furthermore, environmentally sensitive design considers the overall lifecycle of materials, emphasizing sustainability and the use of natural or recycled materials that contribute positively to indoor air quality. By prioritizing options that promote better ventilation, humidity control, and the use of air-purifying plants, interior designers can create spaces that are not only visually pleasing but also healthier for occupants. This specialization reflects a growing acknowledgment of the impact that design choices have on both environmental sustainability and human health, fulfilling a vital role in enhancing indoor air quality.