Category Archives: Health
04
Jan
Jan
As the first building product to receive the Green Parents’ List Healthy Home check mark, the PureBond Plywood has no VOC, especially no formaldehyde, a well known respiratory and skin irritant. In order to meet the Green Parent’s List requirement, product must pass the VOC restriction set forth by the U.S. Green Building Council’s Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) standards and also meet additional third party validation.
17
Nov
Nov
Electronic waste, otherwise known as E-waste, is one of the largest cause of waste stream by humans due to advances in technology in which electronic appliances becomes obsolete in a short amount of time. Another significant factor is our need to have the “latest gadget” so even if the electronic isn’t obsolete, it becomes useless in the consumers’ eyes. “Disposing of e-waste in landfills has the potential to cause severe human and environmental health impacts,” says California Department of Toxic Substance Control. Therefore it is essential that e-waste is disposed in the proper manner not only for environmental sake but for health reasons as well.
02
Apr
Apr
Asbestos used to be highly regarded throughout the 20th century as an ideal building and construction material. Today, asbestos fibers can lead to the development of lung ailments and cancers.
29
Mar
Mar
We recently tested several new homes for formaldehyde in the air. The newest home, advertised as a "green" home, had 300 ppb of formaldehyde. Children in homes with only 30 ppb can have decreased lung function. Between 60 ppb and 120 ppb, children are more likely to have asthma and chronic bronchitis. At 100 ppb, most adults experience eye, nose, and throat irritation.
05
Mar
Mar
Recent findings are making the link between vinyl chloride and cancer much clearer.
18
Sep
Sep
This post is a follow-up to The Fight Over Radon in Granite Countertops Heats Up, which will provide some background information on the granite/radon issue. With the legion of both deniers and alarmists out there attempting to monopolize the discussion over the safety of granite countertops, it is difficult to find unbiased information. Peruse the…
24
Jul
Jul
Despite the narrowing gap in cost between green building and traditional “to-code” building, most builders and home buyers still perceive the green option to be significantly more expensive. The reality is that due to increased builder education and an influx of affordable green building products, a building can be built green within the same budget…