CAN-ASC-2.11 – Accessible-Ready Modular and Prefabricated Housing
15. Annex B: Design for Multiple Chemical Sensitivities (informative)
Information
Table of contents
Technical committee members
- Amy Pothier Kelly, Senior Manager, Customer and Inclusive Design, Metrolinx
- Brad Humphrey, Architect, AIBC, Jensen Hughes
- Brieann Ventura, Building Code and Accessibility Consultant, LMDG Building Code Consultants Ltd.
- Christelle Montreuil, Founder and Senior Consultant in Inclusive Design and Universal Accessibility, Idéaux
- David Pereyra, Project & Outreach Coordinator, Inclusive Design Research Centre. OCAD University
- Dominic Esposito, Senior Project Consultant, Jensen Hughes
- Harold Locke, Consultant, Locke & Locke Inc.
- Julie L. Sawchuk, Principal, Sawchuk Accessible Solutions
- Linnie Tse, Provincial Barrier-Free Administrator, Government of Alberta
- Monica A. Contreras, Senior Manager, Facilities Infrastructure, Lead Architect Architectural Project Delivery, Bell Canada, Bell Real Estate Services
- Philip Rizcallah, Chief Executive Office, Engineers Canada
- Samiddha Aryasinghe, Senior Project Manager, Tiree Facility Solutions Inc.
- Sherry Hastings, Functional Planner – Capital Planning, Saskatchewan Health Authority
- Taghreed Al-Zubaidi, Accessibility Specialist, City of Mississauga
This Annex is not a mandatory part of this Standard.
15.1 Scope
This informative Annex provides guidance for creating dwelling units that are accessible to people with Multiple Chemical Sensitivities (MCS). It supports the objectives of CAN‑ASC-2.8:2025 by specifying strategies that reduce exposure to airborne chemical contaminants and promote healthier indoor environments. This Annex applies to new construction, renovations, and retrofits of residential buildings intended to meet this Standard.
People with MCS experience a wide range of triggers and sensitivities. This Annex is intended to support self identified or otherwise identified occupants with MCS and related environmental sensitivities. It is intended to be applied in a way that respects lived experience, acknowledges intersection with other disabilities, and allows occupants as much choice and control as possible over solutions.
15.2 Terms, definitions and abbreviations
15.2.1 Definitions
For the purposes of this Annex, the following terms and definitions apply:
Air Change per Hour (ACH) —a measure of how many times the entire volume of air in a room or space is completely removed and replaced in a one-hour period.
Flush-out —a period during which the building is ventilated before occupancy to remove pollutants from new materials. It is a process of replacing existing indoor air with outdoor air to reduce concentrations of VOCs and other pollutants released from new materials, which typically give off gas at a much lower rate the longer they are in use.
Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value (MERV) — a measure used to rate the effectiveness of air filters.
Multiple Chemical Sensitivities (MCS) — a chronic condition characterized by adverse health effects from exposure to low levels of environmental chemicals.
Off-gassing — the release of airborne chemicals from materials, finishes, and products into the surrounding air.
15.2.2 Abbreviations
The following abbreviations apply to this Annex:
PM 2.5 / PM 10: Particulate matter (≤2.5 or ≤10 microns).
TVOC: Total Volatile Organic Compounds
15.3 General design principles
The following general design principles provide a foundation for reducing chemical exposures and supporting healthier indoor environments.
- Minimize chemical exposures through material selection and source control strategies (e.g. scent‑free policies).
- Ensure ventilation and filtration strategies provide consistently clean air.
- Support ease of maintenance and adaptability for individual sensitivities.
- Provide transparency to occupants about material use, maintenance practices, and performance.
15.4 Indoor air quality and ventilation
15.4.1 Ventilation
The following strategies outline ventilation measures that can reduce chemical exposures for occupants. Indoor spaces with MCS‑friendly features should:
- provide continuous mechanical ventilation exceeding local code minimums where feasible;
- Where local codes enforce a maximum ventilation rate for energy conservation purposes, alternative compliance paths may be pursued. Examples include additional wall insulation, higher performance windows, or improved heat recovery ventilators (HRV) and energy recovery ventilators (ERV).
- integrate an air quality monitoring system with the HVAC system to improve indoor air quality by detecting and automatically responding to VOCs and other pollutants; and
- have air quality readings and ventilation controls available through interfaces that are accessible to people with disabilities (e.g. high‑contrast displays, tactile or auditory feedback, and digital controls compatible with assistive technologies).
Note 1: Operable windows may be included to allow natural ventilation and improved air circulation. Outdoor air quality monitoring should be used to manage risks for occupants with MCS when windows are open.
Note 2: Consider separate exhaust systems or airlocks for units occupied by individuals with severe MCS sensitivity.
15.4.2 Airtightness
MCS-friendly spaces should:
- target an airtightness level of ≤ 1.5 ACH@50Pa where achievable, through careful design and construction; and
- balance airtightness with controlled ventilation strategies (e.g. mechanical ventilation with filtration) to mitigate moisture and pollutant accumulation.
Note 1: This reduces the infiltration of outdoor pollutants and allows better control of indoor air quality.
Note 2: Achieving a level of airtightness more stringent than that of the building codes (which is typically 2.5‑3.0 ACH@50Pa) requires intentional selection and installation of insulation, sealing of joints, and high‑performance materials. Note that some energy efficiency programs may require an airtightness of < 0.6 ACH @50Pa and some constructions have been measured to have an airtightness of 0.15 ACH @50Pa.
15.4.3 Air filtration
Air filtration measures should meet or exceed the following requirements to support occupant health:
- Use MERV 13+ filters. In highly polluted regions, gas-phase filtration (e.g. activated carbon) can increase air purity.
- Ensure filters are accessible and replaced every three to six months.
Note 1: High-efficiency filters help capture fine particulates and pollutants that may otherwise trigger sensitivities.
Note 2: MERV ratings indicate a filter’s ability to capture particles of specific sizes. However, use of filters with higher MERV ratings can reduce system performance and increase strain if the HVAC was not designed for that filter level.
15.4.4 Air quality monitoring
Air quality monitoring strategies can be used to measure indoor pollutants. The information collected can guide adjustments to ventilation systems or other measures so that air quality is improved when pollutant levels increase. The following recommendations support the monitoring and interpretation of indoor air quality data.
- Sensors should monitor levels for as many pollutants as deemed reasonable by the occupant throughout the main occupancy spaces (e.g. main living spaces), depending on whether the sensitivities are to known chemicals or not.
- Readings should be made accessible to occupants through displays or connected applications.
- Where monitoring drives automatic responses, occupants should retain the ability to temporarily adjust settings to address individual sensitivities within safe operating limits.
- Recommended maximum pollutant concentrations are provided below for reference and general guidance. Individual requirements vary.
- PM2.5: ≤ 15 ug/m3
- PM10: ≤ 50 ug/m3
- CO: ≤ 10 mg/m3 (9 ppm)
- O3: ≤ 100 ug/m3 (51 ppb)
- TVOC: ≤ 500 ug/m3
- Benzene: ≤ 10 ug/m3
- Formaldehyde: ≤ 50 ug/m3
- Toluene: ≤ 300 ug/m3
Note 1: Continuous indoor air quality monitoring helps track pollutant levels and supports responsive ventilation strategies. Information collected from these systems provides early warnings of potential air quality issues that may affect sensitive individuals.
Note 2: Achieving the lowest possible level is the preferred and desired approach. These limits, however, may provide guidance for when the lowest value may be higher than desired and where additional work may be required to mitigate the impacts.
Note 3: Exposure to animals such as dogs and cats can be debilitating for people with MCS. Pet-free zones and pet-free floors should be considered.
15.4.5 Outdoor air quality considerations
Outdoor air quality directly influences indoor environments. The following should therefore be considered:
- Where possible, site projects away from known outdoor pollution sources (e.g. highways, industrial zones).
- Avoid placing outdoor air intakes near parking lots, exhaust vents, or other pollutant-emitting sources.
- Reference local air quality indices where available, such as the AQHI (Air Quality Health Index) and the AQI (Air Quality Index) when determining ventilation schedules and filter selection.
- Select non-toxic plantings and trees in outdoor landscape.
Note: The quality of outdoor air directly affects indoor environments, especially when natural or mechanical ventilation is used. Monitoring and filtering outdoor air accordingly are essential to protect occupants with chemical sensitivities.
15.5 Material selection and finishes
15.5.1 Low-emission materials
When selecting materials and finishes, the following criteria should be applied to minimize chemical emissions into the space:
- Seek flooring, cabinetry, and wall finishes tested using protocols such as:
- CDPH/EHLB Standard Method V1.2 (California Section 01350)
- ANSI/BIFMA M7.1/ X7.1 (furniture)
- ISO 16000 series (Indoor air)
- Where possible, use products that have been certified by a recognized third-party program demonstrating compliance with the protocols.
Note 1: It is important to consider that when using third-party certified products, individual MCS related requirements may still not be met. It is important to consider and implement other protocols, and not to rely solely on product labelling.
Note 2: It has been common to have labels and certifications that may insinuate a certain performance (labels such as eco, green, etc.) however, the labelling program itself may have requirements that may not match that performance. As such users, specifiers, and designers should be familiar with what the requirements are to understand the level of performance that can be expected.
15.5.2 Avoiding hazardous substances
The following substances are known triggers and should be avoided:
- Added formaldehyde
- Halogenated flame retardants
- Phthalates
- Isocyanates
- Antimicrobial surface treatments (unless required)
Note 1: These compounds are not only common triggers for individuals with chemical sensitivities but can contribute to poor indoor air quality.
Note 2: This is a non-exhaustive list. Particular emphasis should be placed on avoiding known triggers to the specific occupant(s).
15.5.3 Finishing surfaces
Surface finishes should be selected to reduce the accumulation and reintroduction of airborne or surface contaminants by implementing the following strategies:
- Use smooth, nonporous, cleanable surfaces.
- Implement natural finishes or those treated with non-toxic sealants.
15.6 Construction and renovation practices
15.6.1 Flush-out recommendations
The following flush-out procedures are recommended to reduce indoor pollutants before occupancy:
- After installation of finishes, ventilate the space continuously for a minimum of 14 days using fresh outdoor air.
- Alternatively, ventilate the space to achieve an outdoor air flush volume equivalent to three full air changes per hour for 48 hours, or per manufacturer recommendations for product off‑gassing where available.
- Where product-specific flush-out guidance is not available, refer to established methods aligned with existing standards.
- High-emission components should be off-gassed off-site before installation where feasible.
- Measuring pollutant levels using a temporary (or permanent) device during flush-out can aid in determining if additional time is necessary. The flush-out can typically be considered complete once pollutant levels fall within acceptable thresholds. It should also be confirmed that the rate of decline in pollutant levels has slowed to near asymptotic levels.
Note: Methods for flush-out may vary based on climate, equipment, and specific product emissions.
15.6.2 Site protocols
During construction and renovations, the following site protocols should be enforced to minimize exposures:
- Prohibit smoking and fragranced products on-site during and after construction. These are frequent sources of airborne irritants and residual contaminants.
- Use dust management and local exhaust ventilation during installation.
- Clean only with fragrance-free, non-toxic cleaners.
15.7 Furnishings and appliances
15.7.1 Furniture recommendations
Furniture should be selected with the following considerations to reduce off‑gassing and chemical triggers:
- Choose solid wood or metal furniture where possible.
- For composite wood, select fully sealed or certified low-emission options.
- Where possible, use products that have been certified by a recognized third-party program.
Note: Solid wood and low‑emission certified furniture reduce the amount of off-gassing from composite wood and foam materials.
15.7.2 Appliances
Appliance selections should minimize combustion sources and support cleaner indoor air through the following approaches:
- Use electric or induction cooking equipment with direct-vent range hoods.
- Avoid unvented combustion appliances.
15.8 Operations and maintenance
15.8.1 Cleaning
Cleaning practices should limit chemical exposures by following these recommendations:
- Use fragrance-free, low-toxicity cleaning agents.
- Where applicable, provide occupants with a list of compatible cleaning products.
- Open windows and use kitchen and bathroom fans when cleaning to remove VOCs from products used at a faster rate.
- Cleaning of common use areas, such as elevators and lobbies, should be prioritized.
15.8.2 Pest management
Strategies to address pest management in an MCS-friendly manner include the following:
- Use Integrated Pest Management (IPM) practices.
- Avoid chemical pesticides unless alternatives fail.
Note 1: IPM is a proactive, holistic strategy that prioritizes prevention and non-chemical solutions to manage pests. It includes methods such as sealing entry points, reducing food and water sources, using traps, and monitoring pest activity before applying treatments. In the event chemical interventions are determined to be necessary, IPM encourages the use of the least toxic and most locally targeted methods. This approach is particularly beneficial for MCS‑sensitive environments, as it significantly reduces reliance on chemicals while also managing pests, which can create triggering conditions.
Note 2: If chemical pesticides are deemed necessary, residents should be warned or informed, or both so that they can make alternate accommodation plans.
15.8.3 Maintenance plans
Maintenance plans should ensure long-term compliance with MCS-friendly practices by including the following:
- Develop a clear and actionable maintenance schedule for HVAC, filters, and sensors.
- Ensure that ventilation systems are accessible for service.
- Include requirements in the maintenance plan to ensure the requirements herein are maintained throughout the lifecycle of the building; however, these requirements should be integrated throughout the plan and not as a separate section.
15.9 Scent-free policies
A scent-free policy should address the following considerations to protect occupants with MCS.
Develop a scent-free policy that considers the following guidance:
- Apply the policy to shared and common-use spaces, both indoors and outdoors, where occupants and visitors may be exposed to fragranced products.
- Minimize exposure to scented personal care products, fragranced cleaning products, and air fresheners by prohibiting their use in common areas and in building operations.
- Require the exclusive use of fragrance-free or verified low‑VOC cleaning, maintenance, and pest management products.
- Provide visible signage and occupant information to raise awareness of the scent-free policy and encourage voluntary compliance.
- Include procedures to respond to concerns from occupants with MCS, including accommodations such as portable air purifiers, designated scent-free zones, or scheduling adjustments.
- Require contractors and service providers to comply with scent‑free practices when performing work in the building.
- Integrate the policy into operational and maintenance plans and review them periodically with resident feedback to ensure effectiveness.
Note 1: Enclosed common‑use spaces such as elevators can be especially problematic.
Note 2: Scent-free policies should be developed and implemented in consultation with residents, including those with MCS and other disabilities, and should emphasize education, proactive accommodation, and non‑punitive measures. Procedures should ensure that residents are not stigmatized or penalized on the basis of disability or cultural practices, while still prioritizing health protection for occupants with MCS.
15.10 Education and support for residents and occupants
Educational resources for residents should include the following to support safe occupancy.
Provide a user guide for residents with:
- product disclosures and materials overview;
- maintenance recommendations;
- indoor air quality monitoring instructions; and
- tips for reducing indoor pollution sources.
Note: These resources should also be provided to owners, building managers, and post occupancy contractors and maintenance contractors.
15.11 Documentation tools
Documentation tools should be used to ensure compliance and transparency, including the following:
- Maintain logs for emissions data, product certificates, and flush-out procedures.
- Support compliance tracking with detailed checklists for each phase of the project, from design through occupancy.
15.12 Additional tips and considerations
The following additional measures may further support the development and maintenance of MCS‑friendly spaces.
- Consider incorporating indoor plants that improve air quality, provided they do not trigger symptoms.
- The use of standalone air purifiers with HEPA and activated carbon filters is encouraged in sensitive zones such as individual offices and bedrooms.
- In multi-unit or shared living environments, provide educational materials to residents about personal product choices and the impact they can have on others.
- In shared working or public environments, provide educational materials to users about personal product choices and the impact they can have on others.
- If practical, allow the future occupant to select finishes known to reduce irritation as a result of their personal MCS triggers.
15.13 Informative references
- WELL Building Standard v2– Air Concept (https://v2.wellcertified.com/en/wellv2/air): Guidelines for improving indoor air quality through ventilation, filtration, and source control.
- RESET Air Standard (https://reset.build/standard/air/): Performance‑based standard focused on continuous monitoring of indoor air quality.
- RESET Embodied Materials Standards (https://reset.build/standard/embodied/): Framework for assessing health and environmental impacts of materials.
- SCS Indoor Advantage™ and FloorScore® Certifications: Third‑party certifications for low-emission materials and furnishings.https://www.scsglobalservices.com/certified-green-products-guide?program=24+25
- GREENGUARD Gold Certification (https://www.ul.com/services/ul-greenguard-certification): Certification ensuring products meet strict chemical emissions limits.
- CDPH/EHLB Standard Method V1.2 (https://www.cdph.ca.gov/Programs/cls/dehl/ehl/Pages/AQS/VOCs.aspx): Standard method for testing VOC emissions from building products.
- SCAQMD Rule 1168 (https://www.aqmd.gov/docs/default-source/rule-book/reg-xi/rule-1168.pdf) and 1113 (https://www.aqmd.gov/docs/default-source/rule-book/reg-xi/r1113.pdf): VOC content limits for adhesives, sealants, and architectural coatings.
- EPA Safer Choice Program (https://www.epa.gov/saferchoice): Product labeling program for safer chemical ingredients.
- EWG Cleaners Database: Resource for evaluating the safety of cleaning products.
- ANSI/BIFMA furniture testing protocols: Standards for emissions testing and sustainability in commercial furniture.