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 Proposes Disposal Rules for Coal Ash
News Analysis
EPA has proposed two approaches to regulating coal ash not used in concrete or other materials.
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Congress Takes Steps Toward Stronger Chemicals Regulation
News Analysis
Two Congressional proposals would update a decades-old law regulating the use of potentially dangerous chemicals.
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Southern California Slashes VOC Limits for Paints and Coatings
News Brief
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Master Painters Institute's New "Extreme Green" Standard
News Analysis
MPI has released a new standard with tight restrictions on volatile organic compounds.
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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