Healthy Buildings Insights Blog Posts

Here you will find the latest research and insights from the Healthy Buildings team. Our blog cover a wide range of topics, from innovative solutions in building design to the impact of air quality on public health. Stay informed with expert commentary, case studies, and the latest trends in creating healthier indoor environments.

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March 12, 2025– Healthy Buildings Blog

Indoor Air Quality Vulnerable Populations
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March 12, 2025
Indoor Air Quality, Vulnerable Populations

Indoor air quality in 1,000 homes in L.A. before and during the fires

The Los Angeles (LA) wildfires in January 2025 had a profound impact on air quality throughout the region. Smoke from wildfires can penetrate into our homes even when windows and doors are closed. It poses serious health risks given the significant amount of time we spend in our homes. The Harvard Healthy Buildings team worked […]
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March 2, 2025
Climate, Homes, Indoor Air Quality, Vulnerable Populations

Predicting Indoor Mold Growth after Hurricanes with Machine Learning

Flood events continue to occur globally, causing severe impacts on our economy, environment, and society. Floods are well known for their devastating immediate effects, but what often goes unnoticed is the negative impact they have on indoor environments. Specifically, the growth of mold spores post-flood poses significant respiratory health challenges. There has been a lack […]
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February 2, 2025
Climate

After wildfires, what distance are extra precautions a good idea to protect against smoke, soot, and ash exposures?

A question we’re hearing a lot is, “What distance from the burn area should you take extra precautions?” It’s a hard question because it isn’t possible to give a precise answer due to all of the uncertainty. However, we recognize that people need some guidance in the face of uncertainty, so we’re sharing how we […]
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February 28, 2025
Climate

Choosing the right respirator after a wildfire: guidance for the general public

Wildfire smoke contains a mixture of hazards: fine particulates (PM₂.₅) and a variety of gases. The primary recommended protection is filtering out the particulates (using at least an N95 or P100 filter)​. However, wildfires (especially those involving structures or diverse materials, like urban wildfires) can release volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and some inorganic gases. Notably, […]
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January 29, 2025
Indoor Air Quality

3 Ways to Reduce Risk from Wildfire Smoke at Home

Urban wildfires, like those in the Bay Area (2020), Boulder (2021), Lahaina (2023), and L.A. (2025), bring a devastating loss of life, homes, schools, businesses, and community. Urban wildfires release a mix of pollutants that can impact lung health, brain health, heart health, and immune system health. The impacts extend far beyond the immediate fire […]
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January 22, 2025
Indoor Air Quality

Recommitting to Ventilation Standards for Healthy Indoor Air Quality

A Commentary by Dr. Joseph G. Allen in the American Journal of Public Health provides a historical perspective on the history of ventilation standards as told through the lens of public health and concludes with an urgent call for a return to health-focused targets. Key Insights “We are at a precipice. The World Health Organization […]
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January 22, 2025
Climate

Mapping the Winds in Lahaina

The 2023 Maui Wildfires serve as a powerful reminder of the devastation that such events can inflict on communities. Beyond the immediate destruction of homes and landscapes, wildfires release harmful pollutants into the air, posing serious health risks that can persist long after the flames are extinguished. Understanding how air pollutants spread is crucial for […]
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July 19, 2022
Climate

CoBE Cast Study: Mixed-Use Building Retrofit and BPS Compliance

Our first fictional use case concerns a Boston building owner who manages a four-story commercial building, consisting of apartments, offices, a bank, and a grocery store. This building owner is interested in retrofitting her building, particularly in HVAC and boiler technology upgrades. She would like to evaluate the reduction in energy use and emissions that […]
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