Material Health
Pursuing material health in the building industry involves avoiding or eliminating toxic chemicals from building products. Toxic chemicals are those that can bring harm to factory workers, installers, or building occupants. There are tens of thousands of unregulated chemicals used in our building products, and they can increase the risk of everything from asthma to obesity to cancer.
Materials containing these toxic chemicals include carpet, insulation, wet-applied products like adhesives and sealants, and many others. It’s possible to improve material health through better design decisions and product selections.
Material Health
Deep Dives
Get up to speed on complex topics. You can also earn CEUs and download PDF Spotlight Reports.
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Quick Takes
Jump straight to the essentials with these short explanations of green building concepts.
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Product Guidance
Unbiased information from our product experts helps you separate green from greenwash.
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In The News
We break news down to the essentials and provide expert analysis.
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EPA Releases Guidelines for Healthier Schools
News Brief
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Phthalate-Free Vinyl Flooring One Step Closer to Mainstream
News Analysis
Tarkett manufacturing in North America will transition to a phthalate-free formulation for virgin vinyl flooring. Used to provide flexibility to PVC, phthalates are endocrine disruptors that may also affect IQ and cause respiratory illness.
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Formaldehyde Causes Cancer; Styrene a Likely Carcinogen
News Analysis
A U.S. agency finally classifies formaldehyde as a carcinogen after years of caving to industry pressure.
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Hoped-For Consensus on IAQ Falls Apart
News Analysis
As the parent organizations behind a consensus standard split up, the stakeholders are asked to choose a side.
Perspective
Thought-provoking opinions from the most trusted minds in sustainability.
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Learning Resources
Syllabus supplements and CEU content, with automatic reporting for AIA and GBCI.
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Just For Fun
Something weird happens every April at BuildingGreen...
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