5.0 Indoor air quality
The Canadian Forces Housing Agency (CFHA) is committed to providing healthy and safe residential housing units (RHUs) for its Occupants.
CFHA’s maintenance program is designed to manage the condition of the housing portfolio including indoor air quality through preventative, cyclical, and planned maintenance activities.
In addition to the maintenance program, CFHA manages indoor air quality issues on a case-by-case basis with established individual management plans to deal with each occurrence based on advice and recommendations from industry experts, including the Canadian Mortgage and Housing Corporation and Health Canada.
5.1 Mould
Mould is common in Canadian homes, but it only grows indoors when there’s enough moisture (for example, from leaks, condensation, or high humidity). Mould can enter RHUs through open windows and doors, or be carried inside on clothing, pets, food, and furniture. Maintaining good ventilation and controlling excess moisture can help prevent mould problems from developing.
- Store items in the basement off the floor and away from exterior walls (e.g., on pallets or shelving) to improve airflow and reduce the chance of moisture buildup.
- Keep floor registers open and unobstructed by furniture so warm, dry air can circulate effectively.
- Maintain indoor relative humidity between 30–55%, as recommended by Health Canada; run a dehumidifier in spring, summer, and fall as needed to stay in that range.
- Use bathroom and kitchen exhaust fans regularly, and operate your heat recovery ventilator (HRV), if installed, to remove moisture at the source.
- Ensure clothes dryers are properly vented to the outdoors and that the vent is kept clear.
- Open curtains during the day to promote air movement and help reduce condensation on windows.
- Replace filters regularly in systems like furnaces and HRVs to maintain airflow and performance.
When to contact CFHA
If there are more than three patches of mould or if the patches are greater than 1 square meter. CFHA follows Health Canada’s guidance, which does not recommend routine testing for mould, as the presence of mould should be addressed through identification and control of moisture sources rather than laboratory testing.
5.2 Duct cleaning
There is much debate in the public domain over the frequency at which ducts must be cleaned. Studies from Canadian Mortgage and Housing Corporation demonstrate that duct cleaning will not usually change the quality of the air you breathe, nor will it significantly affect airflow or reduce heating costs. Additionally, the process of duct cleaning can temporarily increase particles in the air as the system is disturbed.
As an alternative solution for indoor air quality issues associated with dust, occupants are advised to check their furnace filters monthly and replace them every three (3) months. Research shows that airborne dust particles can be reduced when an upgraded filter is installed. Occupants can also reduce household levels of respirable particles through diligent vacuuming with an efficient vacuum cleaner (HEPA filter), removing footwear on entry, and reducing major dust generators (e.g., smoking, pets, etc.).
If the Occupant would like their ducts cleaned, prior approval from the Housing Services Centre (HSC) must be obtained. The Occupant will be responsible for all costs associated with the cleaning and any related damage caused to the RHU.
5.3 Heat recovery ventilators
A Heat Recovery Ventilator (HRV) is a whole-home ventilation system that improves indoor air quality by exchanging stale indoor air with fresh outdoor air. As it ventilates, the HRV transfers heat from the outgoing air to the incoming air, which helps maintain indoor comfort and improves energy efficiency. An Energy Recovery Ventilator (ERV) works in a similar way, but it also transfers moisture between the air streams, which can help manage indoor humidity.
Your HRV/ERV is intended to operate continuously to provide consistent ventilation and support indoor air quality. While the unit is serviced annually, occupants are responsible for routine upkeep, including cleaning or replacing the filters every 1–3 months (or more often if needed) to keep airflow and performance at expected levels.
For more information, consult the manufacturer’s manual or contact your HSC.
5.4 Asbestos
Asbestos minerals have historically been used to make products strong, long-lasting, and fire-resistant.
Prior to 1990, asbestos was commonly used in materials such as:
- Shingles and felt for roofing
- Exterior siding
- Pipe and boiler covering
- Drywall joint compounds and cement
- Wallboard
- Vinyl floor tiles
- Attic insulation
Materials containing asbestos were used in military housing from the 1950s to 1980s, before it was removed from the Canadian market.
Asbestos fibres can cause health risks if damaged or disturbed during maintenance, renovation, or demolition. There are no significant health risks if materials containing asbestos are inaccessible and undisturbed.
5.5 How we manage asbestos
CFHA manages asbestos-containing materials in accordance with provincial health and safety regulations and applicable directives. If the asbestos-containing materials are in good condition and are enclosed or inaccessible, we manage them “in place,” except during the course of demolition or renovation, or in other cases where the product must be handled, dealt with, disturbed, or removed.
CFHA assess the condition of each RHU regularly and takes measures to ensure that any asbestos-containing material in the unit remains in good condition and undisturbed, or arranges for its removal, depending on assessment results.
A visual inspection has been completed on all RHUs to identify the presence of asbestos insulation. Joints and cracks have been sealed around ventilation or lighting fixtures in ceilings next to attic spaces containing asbestos insulation. These attic hatches have been labelled to maintain the seal that has been applied, occupants should avoid tampering with attic hatches and fixtures.
For more information on asbestos, please visit the Health Canada website.
Occupants looking to undertake minor alternations to their RHU do so understanding that there is a risk of disturbing asbestos-containing material when performing activities such as drilling holes or installing screws. These activities may be completed by the Occupant at their own risk. While these activities are generally considered low risk, there is the potential for the release of asbestos fibres. To mitigate this risk, occupants may use a spray bottle with water to minimize dust.
If Occupants prefer to not complete these activities themselves, certain tasks can be completed by CFHA qualified contractors, with the associated costs invoiced to the Occupant.
5.6 Radon
Radon is a radioactive gas that occurs naturally from the breakdown of uranium in soil and rock. Radon gas can accumulate in enclosed spaces such as basements and crawl spaces. Long-term exposure to elevated radon concentrations can pose a health risk.
Health Canada recommends remedial measures when long-term average radon concentrations exceed 200 Becquerels per cubic meter (Bq/m3). All CFHA RHUs have undergone radon testing and remedial action has been taken where necessary. CFHA will continue to test as per Health Canada guidelines.