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 Takes Action on Spray-Foam Health Risks
News Analysis
EPA takes another look at spray foam after increasing consumer health complaints. The action plan leaves open questions about how far EPA will go to clamp down on these products, but it's safe to think of this as a shot across the bow from EPA for the SPF industry.
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New Polystyrene Flame Retardant Uses Old Chemistry
News Analysis
Dow releases a new brominated flame retardant, which sparks watchdog groups concern.
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New Flame Retardant for Polystyrene-Too Much Like the Old?
News Analysis
Dow releases a new brominated flame retardant, which sparks concerns amongst watchdog groups.
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To Be Banned in Europe: Which Chemicals? Which Building Products?
News Analysis
The European Union (EU) has announced that it will restrict the use of six chemicals used in common building materials.
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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