How To Reduce
Indoor and Environmental Pollution
Healthy buildings
are largely a result of healthy materials choices. Minimize use of high-emission
carpet, paints, adhesives, ceiling tiles, wood composite products, acoustic
materials and insulation materials. Choose low-emission materials by
a recognized selection procedure, such as low-toxicity rated products,
or a pick list of low-emission materials by “generic type”
i.e. by product category.
Some of the most
important healthy materials to select are those which are “applied
wet”, such as paints, sealers, adhesives and caulking, and those
used in large quantities, such as floor coverings, ceiling coverings,
wall panel systems and furniture. Safer “wet products” are
generally those that contain the least amount of volatile organic compounds
(VOCs) which evaporate and pollute indoor air. Many low emission paints
and adhesives are now available or are required for use in Southern
California under air quality legislation by the SCAQMD (Southern California
Air Quality Management District). These are much safer for people and
the environment than the solvent-based products they replace.
Healthy floor, ceiling
and wall coverings are also those that release the least dust and do
not support microbial growth. Hard and resilient floor coverings, such
as linoleum and tile, have inherent health advantages over carpet, since
they do not trap dust and contaminants. Where carpet is necessary, select
products that minimize chemical emissions and have high recycled content.
Some furniture manufacturers have designed their systems using chemically
safe wood fiberboard made with formaldehyde-free glue, low-odor plastic
foams and upholstery fabrics to minimize volatile emissions.
“Generic”
healthier materials are generally those which are hard, non-porous and
made from metals, glass, ceramics, solid woods, stone and cement, or
are designed to release minimal gases and dusts:
- paints and adhesives
formulated to “zero VOCs” or “low VOCs” standards.
- insulations containing
no glass or mineral fiber, which are totally contained by a permanent
barrier when installed, or made from plastics formulated for low chemical
emissions and fire resistance.
- carpets tested
to comply with low-emission carpet rating standards. Carpet with factory-
installed dry adhesive is safer than field-applied wet adhesive.
- engineered wood
products containing no supplementary adhesive, or those using
formaldehyde-
free or other low-emission adhesives meeting HUD or European E1 standards.
Cautions
- Materials are
only a part of the healthy building picture. Healthy mechanical systems
and maintenance practices are also necessary.
- Materials covering
the largest surfaces are the most critical for safe selection. Be
cautious about carpet, rubber flooring and particleboard which may
have very prolonged emissions.
- Some materials
have volatile emissions for a short period but are safe after the
curing period.
- Pre-selecting
and specifying as many healthy materials as possible is essential
so that construction is not delayed by ordering and delivery problems.
