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Healthy Buildings Network See Also: Healthy Buildings Conference a Smash Success! Over 325 Architects, Designers, Planners, Governmental and Environmental Leaders Attend Healthy Buildings Conference in San Francisco! Our initial objectives include phasing out four building materials whose lifecycles seriously threaten environmental and human health, and for which safer and ecologically superior alternatives exist: Polyvinylchloride (PVC) plastic, commonly called vinyl, is the worst plastic for the environment and human health throughout its lifecycle. Likely the largest material source of dioxin to the global environment, it contains numerous toxins that are released during manufacture, use, and disposal. It is not effectively recycled and contaminates plastics recycling processes. Plywood and chipboards (including particleboard, fiberboard, and oriented strand board) are often made from materials and methods that endanger the Earth's forests. The wood fiber in these products frequently comes from chip mills and processes, including clearcutting, that are among the most destructive operations currently used by the wood products industry. Formaldehyde, a probable human carcinogen that triggers serious upper respiratory illnesses such as asthma, is frequently added to building materials such as engineered wood products, carpets, and fabrics. It then outgasses from these products and contaminates the indoor air. Consumers and building occupants are rarely informed that formaldehyde is present. Pressure treated wood treated with copper chromium arsenate (CCA) is extremely hazardous to human and environmental health. Arsenic compounds and chromium compounds are recognized human carcinogens, and persistent and bioaccumulative toxic (PBT) chemicals. Inorganic arsenic compounds also are associated with birth defects, neurological damage, and numerous illnesses. Leaching from the wood, the arsenic contaminates water runoff, soil, sawdust, and anything that touches the wood including the hands and clothes of children. Burning CCA wood releases arsenic and chromium into the environment where they enter the food chain. For more information, contact:
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Mission Statement The Healthy Building Network advocates the use of safer, ecologically superior building materials as a means to a healthier indoor environment and global environmental preservation. We will accomplish this mission by:
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