Hi Daisyblue, good job on your research. I think you are asking some important questions. I just left a comment on some of the major drawbacks of ICF in the below thread.

Its common for people to obsess over the exterior walls influence on Interior Air Quality IAQ but it actually has very little impact on the big picture. According to NIOSH, building materials account for only 4% on a home's Indoor air problems.

The best path to better Indoor Air Quality is providing mechanical ventilation or outdoor air introduction. ASHRAE 62.2 is what International Building Codes recognize and is currently the best ventilation standard in the country. I just wrote two fairly detailed blog entries on the subject but I cant post them here as GW considers it advertising. They are easy enough to find by searching my name and keywords if youre interested.

Here is a link that might be useful: Garden Web thread on

Somehow, I overlooked your response earlier Brian. Thank you for taking the time to reply. I have bookmarked your blog to read more in depth after my little one goes to bed.

Thanks again for sharing your thoughts!