The B4H evaluation of the building integrates four areas of medicine and scientific research:
Human physiology - direct effects of temperature and humidity on human health and immune system functions
Infectious disease - influence of environmental factors on the transmission and virulence of viruses and bacteria
Toxicology - exposure levels and tissue penetration of organic and inorganic compounds
Microbiology - membrane characteristics, cell metabolism and genetic regulation of processes governing indoor microbiome diversity
Based on extensive research into the built environment and its impact on patient health outcomes, B4H has identified and codified measurable standards for safe and healthy indoor environments.
Buildings were originally constructed to protect us against a hostile environment. However, thanks to the relentless pursuit of energy and operating efficiency, plus the use of artificial high-tech materials, the opposite is now true: buildings can also make us sick. The insights gained from the Covid-19 pandemic have shown just how vulnerable we now are indoors.
As we look for clues to better understand the COVID-19 pandemic, valuable insights can be gained from researching both detailed and holistic disease patterns.
