Study on air quality in new homes in the National Capital Region and surrounding area

We're looking for people to participate in a study on indoor air quality in newly built homes and how it changes over time.

Building materials, furnishings, and products such as paints and solvents, can all release chemicals into the air. These chemicals can negatively affect your indoor air quality and potentially your health. The study will help us better understand indoor air quality in newly built homes.

We're taking precautions to protect the health and safety of participants and staff, in particular from COVID-19. These precautions include:

• wearing gloves and a mask
• maintaining physical distance
• limiting personal contacts and in-person interactions
• undertaking enhanced cleaning protocols for the equipment

Activities involved in the study

We will:

• periodically drop off an air sampling kit to your home over a 1-year period

You will:

• place air samplers in your home for 24-hour and 5-day intervals, as per instructions
• fill out questionnaires on housing characteristics and indoor air quality related activities

Example of a typical sampling kit set up

The benefits of participating

We will provide you with a personalized report including the results of the air quality monitoring of your home.

Requirements to participate

You are eligible to participate if you:

• are at least 18 years old and will be moving into a newly built detached, semi-detached or attached home in the National Capital Region and surrounding area
• can accommodate air monitoring in your home for 24-hours prior to it being furnished or occupied
• are able to complete questionnaires in English or French
• do not smoke inside your home

For more information

If you have any questions or would like to participate in this study, please contact us:

Phone at: 613-294-1416
Email at: newhomesstudy-etudedesnouvellesmaisons@hc-sc.gc.ca