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
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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.
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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.
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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.
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California Law Bans Future Flame Retardants
News Brief
AB 2998, by prohibiting whole classes of flame retardant chemicals, aims to reduce regrettable substitutions.
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AIA Writes ‘Prescription’ for Healthier Materials
News Brief
A new publication published by AIA provides guidance on how to put healthier material selection into practice.
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Plastic Production Releases Mercury, Asbestos, PFAS
News Brief
Producing chlorine for PVC and other plastics has toxic impacts.
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San Francisco Sets High Bar for Carpet
News Brief
San Francisco now requires carpet installed in public projects to be Cradle to Cradle certified and meet other criteria for health and sustainability.
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California Eyes Regulation of Stain-Resistant Carpet
News Brief
California may make carpets with PFAS stain-resistance treatments a priority product.
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California Law Closes Carpet Recycling Loophole, But Problems Remain
News Brief
The new law no longer allows incineration, but health advocates say the carpet industry needs radical change before recycling can work.