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:
-
the burgeoning green chemistry movement
-
tools like Health Product Declarations that tell us what’s in products
-
formaldehyde
-
polyvinyl chloride
-
bisphenol-A
-
flame retardants
-
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:
- Blog Post (4) Apply Blog Post filter
- Feature Article (31) Apply Feature Article filter
- Feature Short (7) Apply Feature Short filter
- Infographic (3) Apply Infographic filter
- News Analysis (77) Apply News Analysis filter
- News Brief (118) Apply News Brief filter
- Op-Ed (11) Apply Op-Ed filter
- Primer (26) Apply Primer filter
- Product Review (52) Apply Product Review filter
- Reports, Courses, Study Guides, Live Webinars (1) Apply Reports, Courses, Study Guides, Live Webinars filter
- Webcast (4) Apply Webcast filter
-
10,000 Cancers in Canada: Building Hazards a Major Job Risk
News Brief
Many carcinogens associated with buildings and construction are to blame for a variety of cancer cases. -
Home Depot Discontinues PFAS-Laden Carpets and Rugs
News Brief
Home Depot will no longer sell floor coverings with PFAS stain and dirt repellents—part of a larger campaign to rid its products of toxics.
-
Liquid Linoleum: Seamless Natural Flooring
Product Review
Linoleum’s natural ingredients often make it the best resilient flooring option. Corques Liquid Linoleum is a fluid-applied version for seamless applications.
-
The BuildingGreen Guide to Insulation
PDF Report
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.
-
A More Sustainable Fluorinated PVDF Metal Coating
Product Review
With the PVDF coating Fluropon Pure, “fluorinated” does not necessarily mean persistent, bioaccumulative, and toxic.
-
The Cost of Comfort: Climate Change and Refrigerants
Feature Article
Refrigerants with very high global warming potential can negate the energy-efficiency benefits of many HVAC systems, including popular heat pumps.
-
Chlorine and Plastic: Part Two
News Brief
The Healthy Building Network has released an extensive study detailing Asia’s chlorine production used to make PVC and other plastics.
-
Do Flame Retardants Work? Putting Foam Insulation to the Test
News Analysis
A deeper look at California’s decision to allow flame-retardant-free foam under concrete slabs
-
Better Steel, Lower Impacts
Feature 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.
-
California Approves Flame-Retardant-Free Insulation Below Grade
News Brief
Though products are not yet on the market, a state commission has given the go-ahead for select foam insulation without flame retardants or fire testing.
