Is glass in our windows making us sick with Joe Menchefski

Glass, Sunlight & Human HealthIn the first episode of Series 2, we’re joined by daylighting expert and chemical engineer Joe Menchefski to explore a critical but often overlooked topic in modern building design: glass.While low-E glass and LED lighting have dramatically improved energy efficiency, emerging research suggests they may also filter out parts of the light spectrum essential for human health.Are our buildings optimized for energy — but not for biology?🌞 What We CoverWhy humans now spend 90–95% of their time indoorsHow low-E glass works — and what it blocksThe possible link between filtered light and rising childhood myopiaWhy full-spectrum sunlight matters for eye developmentThe impact of LED lighting on circadian rhythmsBlue light, red light, and mitochondrial healthThe balance between energy efficiency and human wellbeingVacuum-insulated glass (VIG) as a potential breakthroughPassive design, orientation, and smarter daylight strategiesWhy architects are beginning to rethink glass design🔬 Key ThemesFull-spectrum natural light is not just visual — it’s biologicalBuildings without proper daylight may impact sleep, metabolism, and productivityEnergy efficiency alone is not a complete design strategyHealth-optimized building design is an emerging frontier🏗 Why It MattersFrom rising myopia rates in children to circadian disruption in adults, the way we design windows, façades, and lighting systems may be shaping long-term public health outcomes.This episode kicks off Series 2 by asking an essential question:Are we designing buildings for performance metrics — or for people?Read the accompanying blog here: https://shadowmap.org/learn/are-our-windows-making-us-sickSunlight Matters is a podcast exploring the role of the Sun in human health, architecture, cities, and everyday life.Through conversations with scientists, architects, and technologists, the series examines how natural light shapes our bodies, our buildings, and the way we live indoors.Hosted by Dave Wallace, Sunlight Matters asks a simple but overlooked question: what happens when we disconnect from the Sun?Because sunlight isn’t optional. It matters.Please do not forget to Like and Subscribe.