“Arquitectura y Salud”

In the book are analyzed with extreme rigor, without being alarmist, all pathogens associated with architecture, its impact on human health is studied and materials and alternative technologies are proposed. On the other hand, when it is not possible to eliminate some of the harmful materials or technologies, the most appropriate correction mechanisms are proposed.
In the first part of the book, for the purpose of designing an architecture that ensures the well-being and health of its occupants, Luis De Garrido has identified the main polluting elements in architecture, which are:
1. Gases
Ozone, radon, carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, nitric oxide, nitrogen dioxide, sulfur dioxide, tobacco smoke, electronic cigarette gases.
2. Volatile organic compounds
Ammonia, acrylonitrile, benzene, butadiene, vinyl chloride, chlorine, chloroform, Chlorofluorocarbons, Chlorodifluoromethane, dioxins, furans, biphenyls, styrene, phenols, formaldehyde, pentachlorophenol, polychlorinated biphenyls, polyvinyl chloride, polystyrene, tetrachlorethylene, carbon tetrachloride, trichlorethylene, toluene, xylenes.
3. Particulate matter (PM10)
Aluminum, amphibole asbestos, cadmium, copper, Chrysotile Asbestos, Titanium Dioxide, fiberglass, rock wool, mercury, lead.
4. Bioparticles
Polen, Detritus, mites, viruses, bacteria, fungi, protozoa
5. Sound Waves
6. Electromagnetic radiation:
a) Ionizing radiation (cosmic radiation, radioactivity, X-rays, ultraviolet radiation);
b) non-ionizing radiation (light, infrared radiation, microwave, telecommunications waves, artificial low frequency electromagnetic fields, natural electromagnetic fields, underground water currents.
7. Ionization
In the second part of the book, and based on the analysis of these pollutants, Luis De Garrido identifies the architectural components most harmful to our health, that, in order of danger, are as follows: Paintings, air conditioning systems, wood treatments and derivatives, coatings textiles, laminated panels, fiber cement honeycombs, insulation materials, mechanical ventilation ducts, furniture, and secondhand smoke.
Given this comprehensive analysis, in the third part of the book is identified a design methodology to achieve a healthy, green architecture, able to improve the welfare, health and quality of life of people.