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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Can We Replace Foam Insulation?
Feature Article
There are a lot of reasons to avoid foam, but its high performance can make it a hard habit to kick, as designers are finding out.
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Innovative Products and Technology from the Greenbuild Expo
Feature Article
Our product editors pick some winners from the expo floor at Greenbuild 2013 while raising questions about some materials.
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The PVC Debate: A Fresh Look
Feature Article
PVC is banned by some green building programs and simply reviled by some groups. How did we get here, and has anything changed since vinyl became the enemy?
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Behind the Logos: Understanding Green Product Certifications
Feature Article
The number of environmental product standards and certifications is growing rapidly, putting numerous different "green" logos on products. This article reviews the key programs and evaluates their rigor, and offers guidance in using them to accomplish project goals.
Quick Takes
Jump straight to the essentials with these short explanations of green building concepts.
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Phthalate Plasticizer Toxicity Explained
Explainer
Phthalates are used as plasticizers in vinyl. Some are toxic, some less so—yet many manufacturers are avoiding them altogether.
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TSCA Reform: Chemical Regulations, at a Cost
Explainer
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.
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VOC Testing: What It Can and Can’t Tell You
Explainer
“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.
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Circular Economy: Better Design from Start to … Start
Explainer
“Circularity” is about more than just recycling. It means building and buying things only when necessary—and without wasting anything.
Product Guidance
Unbiased information from our product experts helps you separate green from greenwash.
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Hands-Free Parking
Product Review
The AutoMotion Parking System creates an automated parking garage, offering advantages including indoor environmental quality benefits.
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SierraPine Bets on Phenolic Particleboard
Product Review
Encore particleboard, containing 100% recycled wood fiber, is made with a phenol-formaldehyde binder.
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Carnegie Introduces Surface IQ Wallcoverings
Product Review
Surface IQ polyethylene wallcoverings use natural clay fire retardants and offer optional microperforations to reduce the risk of moisture buildup.
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Search for Green Wiring Gets a LifeGuard
Product Review
Although not yet widely used in building applications, LifeGuard nonhalogenated cable offers a green alternative to PVC cable.
In The News
We break news down to the essentials and provide expert analysis.
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PureBond Exempt From CARB Testing Requirements
News Analysis
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Dirty-Dozen List of POPs Expanded
News Analysis
Nine chemicals have been added to the "dirty dozen" list of the Stockholm Convention on Persistent Organic Pollutants (POPs), including the pent and octa forms of PBDE flame retardant and the fluoropolymer PFOS.
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Restrictions on Widely Used Chemicals Sought
News Analysis
Seven chemicals, including the flame retardant HBCD that is used in polystyrene insulation, are being recommended for inclusion in the EU's REACH "Authorization List."
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EPA Seeks Stronger Regulation of Chemicals
News Analysis
EPA Administrator Lisa Jackson outlined a broad set of principles that will guide Administration efforts to reform the 30-year-old Toxic Substances Control Act.
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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