CHOOSING HEALTHY MATERIALS ON YOUR NEXT PROJECT: A HOW-TO GUIDEWEBINAR FOR BUILD IT GREEN

Friday, February 13, 2015

Melanie Loftus

• Healthy Materials• Green Building

Consultant• LEED AP BD+C• Living Building

Challenge Volunteer Ambassador

• Contributor• Yale School of Forestry

and Environmental Studies

Why Is This Important?

Photo: Allen Bellew

ACOG/ASRM Committee Opinion “Environmental exposures can have a profound and lasting impact on the health of our patients and future generations”

Courtesy of Tracey Woodruff, UCSF School of Medicine

U.S. Regulatory Environment

• The U.S. Toxic Substances Control Act (1976)

• 62,000 chemicals in commerce “grandfathered”

• 20,000 new chemicals have been introducedo 85% have no health datao 67% have no data at all

• 700 new chemicals added each year

Michael Wilson, Green Chemistry in California: http://coeh.berkeley.edu/news/06_wilson_policy.htm

HEALTH AND THE BUILT ENVIRONMENT

Terminology and Toxicology

• VOC – volatile organic compounds

• SVOC – semi-volatile organic compound

• POP – persistent organic pollutants

• PBT – persistent, bioaccumulative, toxic chemical

• Endocrine disruptor

• Mutagen

• Reproductive toxicant / Neurotoxicant

Marketing Terminology• Safe

“Safe is not a scientific word, it is a political word.”

• Non-toxic

• Low VOC

May only mean it is compliant with SCAQMD rules, but PVC glue limits are 510 g/L and architectural coatings’ limits are 250 g/L.

• Recycled Content

Consider the waste stream. Often hazardous waste from industrial processes is resold as recycled content.

Marketing Terminology, continued• Zero VOC

Still can contain significant amounts of non ozone-forming or “exempt” volatile organic compounds.

• Biodegradable

Without meeting ASTM D6400, this may only mean that the product breaks down into infinitely smaller particles without actually degrading.

• Bio-based (i.e. soy-based)

For some product categories, products can be marketed as bio-based with a minimum of 7% bio-based ingredients per USDA guidelines.

USDA Biobased Products

• Look for label:

• Consider the source

Source: USDA BioPreferred Program

Identifying Health Hazards in the Built Environment

• Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs)

• Semi-Volatile Organic Compounds (SVOCs)• Halogenated Flame Retardants• Phthalates and plasticizers• Fluorochemicals• Bisphenol A

• Other hazards• Polyurethanes (Isocyanates)• Nanomaterials• Antimicrobials• EMF

Photo: Topos Architecten

Volatile Organic Compounds

• Easy to quantify and measure (g/L andEPA Method 24)

• Overall, a lot of progress

• By creating smog rules, we “backed into” improving Indoor Air Quality

Photo: Michael Cory

Semi-Volatile Organic Compounds

• Large, heavy molecules attach to particles in the air and settle into household dust

• No regulations to measure SVOC content in materials

• SVOCs behave less predictably than VOCs and do not decrease off gassing over time

• PBTs, endocrine disruptors

• Avoidance is best policyPhoto: Interface FLOR

Semi-Volatile Organic Compounds

• Halogenated Flame Retardants

• Phthalates and plasticizers

• Fluorochemicals

• Bisphenol A

Photo: Interface FLOR

Other Issues of Concern• Nanomaterials

These materials are so small that they bridge cell walls. Current science finds behavior is similar to endocrine disruptors.

• AntimicrobialsTriclosan levels already found in the urine of Americans are high enough to potentially cause health effects, including allergies, hypothyroidism. Endocrine disruptors, thyroid-blocking. Not bioaccumulative, but persistent.

• IsocyanatesIncludes MDI, Severe respiratory irritants.

• EMFAC Magnetic Fields and Radio Frequency Radiation (2012 Bioinitiative Report). Radio Frequency Radiation is classified by the International Agency for Research on Cancer as possibly carcinogenic to humans.

Health Product Declaration

HEALTHY MATERIALS BY PRODUCT CATEGORY

Concrete

• Form Release

• Concrete Stains

• Concrete Sealers

Photo: Sam Javanrouh

Concrete: Form Release

• High VOC form release agents

• Inability to reuse formwork for interior applications

• Use:• Low and zero VOC form

release• Biobased form release

Photo: Chris McSorley

Concrete: Stains and Sealers

• High VOC stains and sealers

• Polyurethane finishes • Epoxy sealers• Maintenance

• Use:• Low and no-VOC stains and

finishes• Biobased finishes• Can you finish concrete

without epoxy or polyurethane?

Photo: Sam Javanrouh

Concrete: ManufacturersForm Release Manufacturers

WR Meadows SoyCleanReal Milk Paint Company: Linseed Oil

• Low VOC • Low VOC • Zero VOC

• Biobased • 100% Biobased

Stain and Sealant Manufacturers

WR Meadows EcoProcote Ecos Paint Company

• Low VOC • Zero VOC • Zero VOC

• Biobased (Soy based)

• Health Product Declarations

Stone and Grout

• Grouts

• Grout Sealers

• Stone sealers

Photo: floorsmk

Grout, Stone and Grout Sealants

• Antimicrobials in grouts and admixtures

• High VOC grout and stone sealants

• Fluorochemical grout and stone sealants

• Nanoparticle coatings

• Polyurethane grouts do not require sealant but contain isocyanates, antimicrobials

Photo: floorsmk

Stone and Grout: ManufacturersGrout Manufacturers

Laticrete and TEC Accucolor Bostik

• Sanded and Unsanded grout without admixtures contain no antimicrobials but require sealing

• Quartzlock polyurethane grout does not require sealant but contains antimicrobial

Stone and Grout Sealant Manufacturers

Miracle Sealants (511)

Aqua Mix Sealer’s Choice AFM Safecoat EcoProcote

• High VOC penetrating sealer

• Low VOC • Low VOC • Zero VOC

• No fluoro-chemicals or nano

• Contains fluoro-chemicals

• No fluoro-chemicals or nano

• No fluoro-chemicals or nano

Structural Framing

• Plywood

• OSB

• Engineered Lumber

• Construction Adhesives

Photo: nfg25

Structural Framing: Plywood, OSB, and Engineered Lumber

• Formaldehyde

• Use:• Lower-emitting sheet

goods• Consider encapsulation

for sensitive owners• Consider 2x decking,

open web trusses, laminated timber, and other design changes to avoid formaldehyde

Photo: nfg25

Formaldehyde In Composite WoodStructural (Softwood) Architectural (Hardwood)

Uses Subfloor, sheathing, roof deck Cabinetry, vanities, trim and woodwork

Formats Plywood: flat strips of wood glued together in a stack to make a board

Plywood: flat strips of wood glued together in a stack to make a board

Oriented Strand Board (OSB) contains scraps of wood glued together.

Medium Density Fiberboard (MDF) contains tiny pieces of wood glued together.

Highest CH2O- Emitting Glues

Urea formaldehyde Urea formaldehyde

Lower CH2O-Emitting Glues

No Added Urea Formaldehyde (NAUF), or CARB Phase II “exempt”

No Added Urea Formaldehyde (NAUF), or CARB Phase II “exempt”

Non CH2O-Emitting Glues

N/A No Added Formaldehyde (NAF), also CARB Phase II exempt

Formaldehyde in Composite WoodHighest Formaldehyde Emissions

Lower Formaldehyde Emissions

Lowest Formaldehyde Emissions

Urea formaldehyde No Added Urea Formaldehyde (NAUF)

No Added Formaldehyde (NAF)

Phenol formaldehyde Soy-based binder or Isocyanate binder

Highest Potential Emissions

Lower Potential Emissions

Lowest Potential Emissions

Medium density fiberboard (MDF)

Oriented Strand Board (OSB)

Plywood

Structural Framing: Adhesives

• Formaldehyde

• Isocyanates

• Use:• Polyether adhesives

Photo: nfg25

Structural Adhesives: Manufacturers

Polyether Construction Adhesive Manufacturers

AFM Safecoat Chemlink Ecobond

• Low VOC • Low VOC • Zero VOC

Waterproofing

• Hot asphalt• Isocyanates• Chlorinated plastic

membranes• Contractor familiarity and

liability

• Use:• Non-chlorinated

membranes• Elastomeric sealants• Tadelakt

Photo: Marlene Manto

Waterproofing: Manufacturers

Waterproofing Manufacturers

QuickdrainCustom Building Broducts

Tadelakt

• Proline waterproofing membrane

• RedGuard, 5 g/L • Plaster

Insulation

• Rigid Insulation• Flat roof• Sub slab• Exterior

• Cavity Insulation• Walls• Ceilings

Photo: Knauf Insulation

Insulation

• Halogenated Flame Retardants (rigid foam and spray foam)

• Isocyanates (spray foam)• Formaldehyde

(fiberglass, mineral wool)• Use:

• Biobased insulation• Rapidly renewable

insulation• Insulation that promotes

good indoor air qualityPhoto: Knauf Insulation

Insulation: ManufacturersRigid Insulation Manufacturers

Cork Mineral WoolRigid Fiberglass

Cellular Glass

• Amorim Thermacork

• Roxul • Knauf (NAF) • Foamglas

• Johns Manville

Cavity Fill Insulation Manufacturers

Cellulose Blown-In Fiberglass Fiberglass Batt

• GreenFiber • JM Spider • Knauf

• Johns Manville

Carpet

• Phthalates and plasticizers• Recycled content from

tires• Fluorochemicals• Carpet adding contains

halogenated flame retardants

• Use:• Wool• Hard surface flooring• Area rugs

Photo: Matthew Benton

Carpet: Manufacturers

Carpet Manufacturers

Earth Weave Carpet Mills

Nature’s Carpet Peace Industry

• 100% wool • 100% wool • Wool felt area rugs

• Untreated all natural backing

• Range of backings from synthetic to all natural

• Traditional felting process

Carpet Padding Manufacturers

Earth Weave Carpet Mills

• 100% wool padding

Paints and Primers

• VOCs• Mildewcides• Ethylene glycol• Heavy solvents (Oil-based

primers)

• Use:• Plaster• Natural and bio-based paints• Zero VOC interior paints• Low VOC exterior paints• Low VOC acrylic primers

Photo: Lance

Paints: ManufacturersPaint Manufacturers

Bioshield Auro Ecos Paint

• 100% solvent free • All natural paints made in Germany

• Contains mildewcides

• Clay paints • Health Product Declarations

Plaster Manufacturers

American Clay Plaster

EcoStucco TransMineral USA

• Natural earth plaster

• Natural earth plaster

• St. Astier natural hydraulic limes (NHL)

Hardwood Floor Finish

• Isocyanates• High VOC stains and finishes

• Prop 65 chemicals

• Use:• Non-polyurethane, all

natural finishes• Zero VOC polyurethanes• Zero VOC stains

Photo: Aaron van Dorn

Hardwood Floor Finishes: Manufacturers

Floor Finish and Stain Manufacturers

Rubio Monocoat

Auro Bioshield Ecos Paint Co

• Zero VOC polyurethane

• All natural floor finishes made in Germany

• All natural floor finishes

• Non-polyurethane wood varnish

• Non-polyurethane

• Non-polyurethane

• HPDs

Plumbing

• High VOC plastic glues• Glue contaminants in drinking water

• Pipe leaching

• Use:• Copper• Polypropylene• PEX

Photo: Nik Stanbridge

Plumbing: Manufacturers

Plumbing Manufacturers

Worthington Cylinder Corporation Aquatherm Pipe

• Copper soldering accessories • Polypropylene

• Lead free solder and water soluble soldering flux

• Heat fusion avoids high VOC plastic glues

RESOURCES

Additional Resources

• SixClasses.org 30-minute lectures on hazardous chemical classes in consumer products

Additional Resources

• BuildingGreen whitepaper, “Avoiding Toxic Chemicals in Commercial Building Projects”

• Prescriptions for a Healthy House by Paula Baker-Laporte

Thank You!

Contact me:

melanie@melanieloftus.com