Building Materials and Indoor Furnishings

Chemicals of concern:

Asbestos
Formaldehyde
Metals
Asthmagens
PBT’s
BPA
Flame retardants
Carcinogens, mutagens and reproductive toxicants
PVC

Affected individuals: Healthcare workers, production workers, community members living in production, and disposal sites

Harmful effects:

The construction and use of buildings consumes billions of tons of raw materials, including many toxic chemicals, generates significant waste, consumes a tremendous amount of energy and contributes toxic emissions to the air
Materials and furniture used indoors can degrade indoor air quality contributing to disease

Alternatives: There are significant opportunities to improve environmental quality and human health through green planning, design and construction of healthcare facilities