OVERVIEW
There are tens of thousands of unregulated chemicals used in our building products, so how do you know which ones are hazardous?
These articles look at some of the most-toxic chemicals, why they are hazardous, which product groups contain them, and alternatives to using them.
You’ll learn about:
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the burgeoning green chemistry movement
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tools like Health Product Declarations that tell us what’s in products
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formaldehyde
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polyvinyl chloride
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bisphenol-A
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flame retardants
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perfluorinated compounds (PFCs)
We also offer guidance on design decisions that can reduce or eliminate the need for many of these problematic compounds.
IN-DEPTH
Filter results:
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New Insulated Metal Panels without Halogenated Flame Retardants
April 4, 2018Product Review
Kingspan and Centria IMPs are using halogen-free flame retardants, resulting in less toxic, better performing insulated cladding.
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California Eyes Regulation of Stain-Resistant Carpet
April 4, 2018News Brief
California may make carpets with PFAS stain-resistance treatments a priority product.
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Composite Wood: EPA, California, and LEED v4 Requirements
March 6, 2018Product Review
EPA criteria are similar to CARB’s and create a federal formaldehyde standard for composite wood. We explain the LEED ramifications of these emission standards.
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The BuildingGreen Guide to Insulation
Report/Course/Study Guide/Live Webinar
The BuildingGreen Guide to Insulation provides detailed guidance on insulation products and practices, including cost comparisons and detailed recommendations on what insulation to use, and what to avoid.
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The Cost of Comfort: Climate Change and Refrigerants
November 6, 2017Feature Article
Refrigerants with very high global warming potential can negate the energy-efficiency benefits of many HVAC systems, including popular heat pumps.
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Better Steel, Lower Impacts
May 2, 2017Feature Article
Steel’s reputation for high embodied energy and carbon emissions are well documented, but improvements in processing, product selection, and end use can minimize these impacts.
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An Embarrassment of Riches: Products and Materials at Greenbuild 2017
November 2, 2017Blog Post
A new focus on embodied carbon and LEED v4 are driving designers to dive deep into what we choose for our buildings
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California Law Closes Carpet Recycling Loophole, But Problems Remain
November 6, 2017News Brief
The new law no longer allows incineration, but health advocates say the carpet industry needs radical change before recycling can work.
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Pest Prevention: Steps Designers Can Take
December 5, 2016Feature Article
Integrated pest management (IPM) design strategies can reduce structural damage and unsanitary conditions, and improve our community’s health.
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VOCs: Why They’re Still Here and What You Can Do About It
October 4, 2016Feature Article
“Sick building syndrome” was one of the first problems the green building community tried to solve. We’ve come a long way, but we’re not done yet.
