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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Better Choices in Low-Slope Roofing
Feature Article
There are big differences in environmental impacts of commercial roofing materials, but the biggest variable may be service life.
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The Chemicals on Our Carpets and Textiles
Feature Article
The array of water-, dirt-, and mold-repellent chemicals added to carpeting and fabrics is dizzying. Which are causes for concern, and how can we minimize exposure?
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What's New in Multi-Attribute Environmental Certifications
Feature Article
The industry is increasingly recognizing the need for a more comprehensive review of green products. We don't have perfect programs yet, but we scrutinize the most prominent programs out there and highlight how they're useful.
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Reducing Environmental Impacts of Cement and Concrete
Feature Article
This article explores the environmental footprint of portland cement production and future emissions regulations and looks at the issues surrounding its most common replacement, fly ash.
Quick Takes
Jump straight to the essentials with these short explanations of green building concepts.
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Obesogens-A Fatty Issue
Explainer
A number of common chemicals are being found to influence the development of fat cells and contribute to obesity.
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Nanomaterials: How Big a Concern?
Explainer
Anytime the "nano" label is applied to a product or technology, it's worth getting clear about what it means.
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Why's That on the Red List?
Explainer
Ever wonder why copper and Neoprene are flagged in some green building red lists and rating systems? Although they aren't the worst offenders, they're flagged for a good reason.
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Radon Risks and Prevention
Explainer
Radon, the second leading cause of lung cancer in the U.S., can get into our homes and bodies without us knowing it-and its presence doesn't depend on geology or locale.
Product Guidance
Unbiased information from our product experts helps you separate green from greenwash.
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Interior Paints
Product Guide
These coatings meet the highest industry standards for both indoor emissions and durability.
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Interior Stains and Clear Coatings
Product Guide
These stains and finishes are below SCAQMD standards for VOCs and contain no heavy metals, phthalates, or aromatic solvents.
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Cables and Wiring
Product Guide
When possible, products should meet the European Union’s RoHS standards and be free of halogens and PFAS.
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Blown Insulation
Product Guide
Blown-in products with high recycled content, superior energy performance, and low-toxicity ingredients
In The News
We break news down to the essentials and provide expert analysis.
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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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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
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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.
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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