By Michelle Miller
Green building discusses energy efficiency, recycled materials and architecture that better utilize natural resources. But what happens when the green solution conflicts with the safer, non-toxic solution?
For example, what would you do if beautiful wood planned for a living room floor were laced in DDT in a previous use? I'm not suggesting that you reconsider any decision to build green, but you should be aware that green isn't always safer, and that there are ways of being both green and non-toxic.
You, as a contractor, can potentially increase your revenue by becoming aware of safer choices. For example, research at SaferBuilding.com indicates that properties certified to our standards have seen values increased by seven to ten percent.
Here are some tips about materials and methods to help you build houses that are both green and safe:
Choose recycled materials carefully. If you are using a recycled material that is absorbent, such as wood or fabric, find out its original use. If the material was exposed to something toxic, think about using something else — perhaps metal or glass.
Pay attention to indoor air quality and avoiding other pollutants. Remember that building material residue can be toxic. Examples include the dust from sawn particle board, which contains chemicals, and the sealants in kitchen cabinets. Both can get on plates and into food. Showering in hot water opens up pores, so select water-supply lines that don't allow toxic chemicals to leach into the water and get onto skin. Your customers will walk barefoot in their home, and the products used on the floor can be absorbed through their feet. For the majority of houses, which are not air-tight, even outdoor air quality is important, too.
Don't assume that new products are less toxic than older products. When products such as pressure treated wood and pesticides are pulled off of the market, there is no guarantee that their replacements are safer. They may just be newer, so the human health effects haven't yet been discovered or made public.
There's more to low- or no-VOC painting than paint. There is a common misconception that if you use low-VOC (volatile organic compounds) or no-VOC paints, you're not using any toxic ingredients. Without a doubt, these paints are safer and a good starting point; VOCs evaporate into the air and can cause myriad health problems. But primers, caulks, spackle and joint compound are potential sources of VOCs, too, so choose these products carefully.
Wood floor stains. Look for wood that naturally comes in the color that the homeowners want; you might be able to avoid staining altogether. If you are doing a repair and need to match the color of previous wood, try mixing coffee and mustard until the new wood matches the color. Remember to use a less toxic sealant, too.
Remember that most studies are biased. Don't assume that a product must be safe because the manufacturer says so. The manufacturer most likely funded the lab to make safety determination in the first place, so there's a natural bias toward good results. Even scientists have to make a living and watch their bottom line. Look for independent research to verify the manufacturer's safety claim.
Follow safety precautions. Some contractors feel that it is unmanly to take safety precautions when it comes to toxins. Remember that some toxins reduce sperm count, which could also be considered unmanly. You can blame SaferBuilding.com for your insistence on following precautions (if you are a SaferBuilding.com contractor).
Cut wood flooring outside. Typically, when wood floors are installed, the wood is cut where the floor is to be installed, leaving the wood shavings (a carcinogen) under the wood floor. In one test at SaferBuilding.com, we installed two floors in the same residence: one cut outside and one cut the traditional way. The difference was remarkable. We were able to detect residue of the indoor-cut wood shavings for roughly four months. Either cut the flooring outside or vacuum up the shavings.
Many products contain toxic ingredients that leave a residue. Even if you don't mind the risk, your customers, especially those with young children or pregnant, may have adverse reactions to them. The SaferBuilding.com website offers how-to guides for any remodeling project that will help you minimize any toxic effects on your crew and your customers.
Michelle Miller, Ph.D. Cand., is the founder of SaferBuilding.com, a resource for non-toxic building materials and methods. SaferBuilding.com tests the materials and methods for construction/remodeling projects and puts the results in easy-to-use guides intended for contractors, DIYers and homeowners. For more information, visit SaferBuilding.com.
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