By Erin Sanchez
When the environmental movement was born, harmful chemical were the battle cry that pushed public calls for change, resulting in regulation and many market transformations. However, years later there are over 40,000 chemicals on the market, less than 10% of which have been studied for human health impacts. Many of these chemicals are found in our built environment, including building materials and furniture.
According to the Green Science Policy Institute, there are six classes of chemicals that have been identified as highly toxic and harmful: PFAS, antimicrobials, flame retardants, Bisphenols and Phthalates, some solvents, and heavy metals. One class of chemicals that is especially prevalent in our built environment (among other places) is PFAS (Per- or Polyfluoroalkyl Substances). These chemicals are used as water and oil repellants and can be found in carpets and carpet cleaners, furnishings, adhesives and sealants, protective coatings, and many other materials we encounter frequently, such as food packaging and cosmetics. PFAS are harmful multisystem toxicants and are often referred to as “forever chemicals” because of their persistence in our ecosystems.
While this problem may sound overwhelming, it’s not all bad news. In most cases, manufacturers want to provide great products and clear market signals. Scientists, advocates, major companies, and design professionals can work with manufacturers to begin eliminating harmful chemicals. For example, carpet was one of the highest sources of PFAS in building materials and a major exposure source to children. Several major buyers and distributors used their combined purchasing power to build relationships with manufacturers. As a result, the carpet industry has been a leader in eliminating PFAS and Lowes and Home Depot no longer sell carpets which contain these harmful chemicals.
To help scale these types of changes across industry, a multipronged approach will be needed. Certifications are a great way to drive change because of the transparency they provide for consumers and architects. However, sustainability professionals, scientists, and companies need to work with certifications to ensure their thoroughness and constant improvement in addressing harmful chemicals. Instead of simply looking at a narrow list of know harmful chemicals, certification organizations can start to look at entire classes of toxic substances. Product lists are also a helpful way for consumers to have transparency into the products they purchase. Finally, architects and sustainability professionals can work not only to specify healthy materials, but to educate owners and raise awareness of the importance of healthy materials.
With commitment and collaboration across all phases of building design and construction, the market can be transformed and drastically reduce its reliance on harmful chemicals.
To learn more, visit:
greensciencepolicy.org
sixclasses.org
sfapproved.org
sustainablepurchasing.org
The Proliferation of Plastics and Toxic Chemicals Must End (NY Times)