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Chemicals

Chemicals

The substances found in building materials have a major influence on air quality indoors, the wellbeing of those installing them, and the health of the final occupants. For interior designers, getting to grips with toxic chemical content, pushing for transparency from manufacturers and using certification is important for making responsible and informed specification choices.

This section highlights the most pressing chemical issues and transparency tools available to support sustainable material specification.

Facts

  • Pollutant levels can be 2–5 times higher indoors than outdoors  Most enclosed spaces have a wide range of indoor emissions including from buildings materials, furnishings, the use of combustion appliances such as gas and solid fuel cookers, boilers and stoves, the consumption of solvent-containing products, and the use of consumer products (e.g. cleaning and personal care products) (SOURCE)
  • Up to 30% of the weight of the foam in our furniture can be chemical flame retardants. Many of the chemicals currently used as flame retardants are hazardous to both wildlife and humans, contributing to the growing chemical pollution crisis.  (SOURCE)

Key Points

The Green Science Policy Institute has grouped chemicals used in products we use every day to understand chemicals of concern, avoid their use and prevent a cycle of ‘regrettable substitution,’ whereby a phased out harmful chemical is replaced with a closely related ‘chemical cousin’ which is likely to cause similar harm.

  1. PFAS Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances are a group of over 10,000 industrial chemicals used in many everyday items that now pollute air, soil, and water around the world. These ‘forever chemicals’ build-up along food chains, causing harm to both people and wildlife.
  2. Antimicrobials associated with developmental, hormonal, and reproductive problems and can be found in some paints, textiles, worktops, flooring. Avoid products that are advertised as ‘antimicrobial’, ‘antibacterial’, ‘antiviral’ or ‘anti-odour.
  3. Flame retardants  Outdated and ineffective fire safety regulations mean furniture sold in the UK contains some of the highest levels of chemical flame retardants anywhere in the world. These standards are currently under review.
  4. Bisphenols and Phthalates are hormone disrupting chemicals found in some adhesives, caulks, vinyl flooring, PVC pipes. Try to opt for inert alternatives. Tell regulators and manufacturers that you want products without bisphenols and phthalates when possible. Some solvents used in consumer products are linked to neurological problems and increased cancer risk. These solvents can be found in some adhesives, wood finishes, paint strippers, oil based paints, sealants, cleaning products
  5. Certain metals such as mercury, arsenic, cadmium, and lead present still in old paint or lead windows can cause health harm. Renovations, repair jobs and paint jobs in pre-1978 homes and buildings can create significant amounts of lead-based paint dust. In these homes, contractors should be trained in lead-safe practices.

RESOURCES

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