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
- (-) Remove Primer filter Primer
- 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
-
VOC Testing: What It Can and Can’t Tell You
Primer
“Section 01350” has come a long way since it acquired its curious nickname. Here’s what it can tell you about indoor air quality—and what it can’t.
-
TSCA Reform: Chemical Regulations, at a Cost
Primer
In a world where we can’t even ban asbestos, a new law revamps how the federal government regulates chemicals—but some worry it steps on the toes of progressive states.
-
Phthalate Plasticizer Toxicity Explained
Primer
Phthalates are used as plasticizers in vinyl. Some are toxic, some less so—yet many manufacturers are avoiding them altogether.
-
The High Price of Stain Resistance: Environmental Persistence
Primer
Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances increase product longevity. Though these PFAS don’t last forever on our textiles and carpets, they do stick around in our bodies.
-
Green Chemistry Meets Green Building
Primer
What is green chemistry, and how does it fit into LEED? We explain the relationship—and some tensions.
-
Is Particleboard Deadly? Formaldehyde Emissions Explained
Primer
Formaldehyde emissions from composite wood products will soon be strictly regulated in the U.S., but questions remain.
-
Chemical Footprinting: Companies Take Stock of Their Toxic Impact
Primer
Harmful chemicals are more difficult to quantify than carbon emissions but are equally destructive. Now you can track manufacturers’ chemical footprints.
-
The Five Hazard Warnings You Can Usually Ignore
Primer
Can you identify which toxic chemicals listed on an HPD probably can’t hurt you?
-
The Problem with Red Lists
Primer
Having a short list of toxic chemicals to avoid is convenient, but nasty “alternatives” can sneak in the back door. Hazard screenings help solve this problem.
-
How Environmental Site Assessments Work
Primer
Existing buildings and previously developed sites are great, but they often need environmental cleanup. An ESA is the first step.