chemicals

Fresh flowers, on a weekly basis, can get expensive quickly. With this in mind, when an undesirable smell (after say a trip to the bathroom or burnt soup in the kitchen), the most affordable thing to do is spray a little air freshner. Thanks to a new study from the National Resources Defense Council (NRDC), the "cost" of those few sprays may be much more than we first thought. Spray and solid air freshners were tested, 14 in all, and 12 of them were found to have phthalates in them (even the "all-natural" and "unscented" ones).

Phthalates are known to interfere with hormone and testosterone production. Children and unborn babies are particularly vulnerable to the toxins. The State of California notes that five types of phthalates - including one detected in air fresheners - are "known to cause birth defects or reproductive harm." Still, phthalates are used in many common consumer products -- to soften plastics in children's toys, as sealants and adhesives in nail polish, and as solvents in perfumes and fragrances.

NRDC's testing was limited, but the results do suggest that more comprehensive, in-depth testing of air fresheners is warranted. NRDC and other groups are petitioning the EPA and the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission to do more comprehensive testing and to take action to protect the public from dangerous chemicals in air fresheners. While consumers should be concerned about the chemicals, NRDC stressed that there is no cause for panic. The chemicals pose their greatest risk over long term repeated exposure.

Of all the widely-available freshner tested, those made under the Walgreens store brand had the highest level of phthalates. In swift response to the study, Walgreens has already agreed to pull said air freshners off their shelves.

From personal experience, I recommend the Mate Mist line; one bottled lasted nearly 6 months in my apartment (and that includes usage by two adult males). How do you keep your home smelling sweet? Candles? Incenses? Sprays?

A chemical used in the manufacture of food packaging, bisphenol A, has recently been shown to cause all sorts of ill effects in infants:

...everyone who drinks from hard plastic bottles or eats canned food has minute amounts of this hormone-like chemical in their bodies.

Now, a federal advisory panel is warning that the chemical could be causing neurological and behavior effects in unborn babies and young children.

Bisphenol A is a high production volume chemical used in the production of polycarbonate plastics and epoxy resins.

Polycarbonate plastics are used in food and drink packaging; resins are used as lacquers to coat metal products such as food cans, bottle tops, and water supply pipes.

When I was in India, the roadside chai shops used to serve beverages in disposable clay cups that looked a bit like tiny flowerpots. I can't vouch for the safety of the clay, which may for all I know have been full of pesticides and what have you, but it seemed an elegant solution to the very real need for disposable drinking vessels. And as usual, the healthier solution is also the more aesthetically pleasing one...

Cross-posted from my site. Enjoy.

Part 4 - Indoor Air/Environmental Quality

Where does indoor air quality fit into all of this and how does this pertain to me?

The one reoccurring theme throughout any of the previously stated guidelines, or pertaining to green building in general; is the importance of good indoor air and environmental quality. When one delves into the health statistics stemming from environmental exposure, it’s easy to see why the need for awareness is so much greater. Take for instance:

- Of chemicals commonly found in homes, 150 have been linked to allergies, birth defects, cancer, and psychological abnormalities. (Source: Consumer Product Safety Commission)

- Cancer rates have increased since 1901 from only 1 in 8,000 Americans, to 1 in 3 today. By the year 2010, this disease will afflict 1 of every 2 individuals. (Source: American Cancer Society)

- In the past 50 years more than 75,000 chemicals have been introduced into the environment. Today 300 synthetic chemicals are found in the bodies of humans. Even newborn babies have synthetic chemicals passed on from their mothers. (Source: REACH (Registration, Evaluation, and Authorization of Chemicals, a European Union program)

- At any given time, there is 3.36 million tons of household hazardous waste to contend with in our country. Source: Chec's Health House, the resource for Environmental Health Risks Affecting Your Children)

Prevention of poor indoor air and environmental quality plays a large role in the green building movement. Occupant comfort is also addressed in this category which would include thermal comfort and daylighting.

Whether the goal is general health benefits, employee productivity, less absenteeism for students or employees, or a combination of all of the above; many of the studies which have been conducted are showing amazing results.

- A study by Carnegie Mellon University measuring the relationship between increased lighting control and productivity showed an average increase of 7.1% in productivity. (Source: eBIDS.)

- Sales in stores with skylights were up to 40% higher compared to similar stores without skylights (Source: California Board for Energy Efficiency Third Party Program).

- Students with the most daylighting in their classrooms progressed 20% faster on math tests and 26% faster on reading tests in one year than those with the least day lighting. (According to a Heschong Mahone Group study, “Day lighting in Schools,” conducted on behalf of the CA Board for Energy Efficiency).

Common and possible sources of indoor pollutants would include: biological contaminants (including mold, bacteria, etc.), radon, carbon monoxide, volatile organic compounds, pesticides, and of course asbestos and lead in older homes.

Careful planning and implementation of viewing the project as a “whole building system,” is done from the beginning of the design phase, through the selection of interior products, HVAC design, and use planning.

Where do IAQ Professionals fit in to the green building industry?

According to U.S. Green Building Council statistics, the annual market for green building in products and services is $7 billion, representing 37% growth over the prior year (based on 2004 figures). This figure is expected to climb – and climb quickly. While cost will always be part of the equation; just like eating organic foods can be more expensive, the same may be expected when it comes to safer, alternative building materials for your client’s home or building, as well as the products and furnishings that go into it. For many people, the slightly higher cost is worth it for any number of reasons including: occupant comfort and improved health, energy and water savings, and of course adds value to their investment.

Many building teams (which would include the architect, builder, interior designer, etc.) understand the value and need for an IAQ/IEQ Professional. Who can better explain the importance of a healthy home!

Along those same lines, many builders are often willing to employ a consultant to teach them about preventative measures which can be utilized within the building process.

Interior designers can also benefit from the assistance of an IAQ/IEQ professional. With so many new products out there, many people can become quickly confused, and with green going “mainstream” we are bound to see an increase in “greenwashing.” Greenwashing is a term used to describe the “green” benefits of a product, that can often times only be sorted out by researching the particular product and delving into the MSDS. Again, teamwork comes into play with both the aesthetics coupled with occupant comfort and safety.

As IAQ/IEQ professionals, we have the opportunity on a daily basis to help make a difference. Simple things like recommending the use of no or low VOC paint, sealers, and other products can play a part in improving the indoor environment. Recommending clients upgrade their air intake filters to HEPA and installing carbon monoxide detectors is another good example. Asking your clients about their choice and use of cleaning products and giving them safer alternatives has the ability to potentially save a child’s life. You can perform preventative healthy home assessments with unlimited possibilities to make a positive impact.

Where do we go from here?

If interested in green building, I would encourage you to attend a green building conference such as West Coast Green or Greenbuild to learn more.
Green building is a definite win-win situation for all of those involved in the process. We have come a long way and still have a much longer way to go…

The question is, will you walk, or ride a bike???

As Mahatma Gandhi once said; “You must be the change you wish to see in the world.” Think green!

Cross-posted from my site.

I read this tragic story today and can not stress enough the important message of how dangerous some of these chemicals may be. A Texas family was given a commercial grade pesticide which they then used in their home. As a result, their two year old child died. Just because something is available, EPA registered, FDA approved, etc. etc. etc. - does not necessarily mean it is SAFE. The applicator's manual for the product this family was given is 43 pages long! http://www.plunketts.net/phos_pellet-l-0104.pdf

The person who supplied this family with the pesticide is facing criminal charges, as they should be. Always remember that "cide" literally translates to kill. In this case, it was an innocent child.

The news story can be read here: http://tinyurl.com/2cnttr

Beyond Pesticides (http://www.beyondpesticides.org) has some very good information to help you educate yourself.

Please keep this Texas family in your thoughts and prayers.