The National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences (NIEHS) was formed in order to reduce the burden of human illness and dysfunction from environmental causes by understanding each of these elements and how they interrelate. Research shows that environmental factors trigger diseases like cancer. The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services has identified 246 carcinogens. On this list are items as common as textile dyes, paints and inks, industrial chemicals such as those used in wood preservatives, moth repellants and toilet bowl deodorants, coloring agents for ceramics and tiles, glues and adhesives, and drying agents in inks and paints. Many of these chemicals are found in building materials, and therefore “gas off” into the air that occupants breathe.
Polluted air and water are detrimental to human health, not just to the environment. Pollutants in the air damage fragile lung tissue and trigger asthma, chronic bronchitis, and other respiratory diseases. Ground-level ozone (smog) is Maryland's most significant air pollution problem. But it is not just the transportation sector that creates what is commonly known as smog. Because Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) are considered a precursor for ground-level ozone, they are listed as one of the six “Criteria Air Pollutants” which dictated the health-based national air quality standards. VOCs are organic compounds that evaporate easily. Ozone is formed when nitrogen oxides (from fuel burning sources like utilities and automobiles) and volatile organic compounds (from sources such as gasoline, paints, inks and solvents) react in the presence of sunlight. But VOC’s are not just an air quality issue. The EPA estimates that VOCs are present in one-fifth of the nation’s water supplies.
VOCs are generally found in cleaning and liquefying agents in fuels, degreasers, solvents, polishes, cosmetics, drugs, and dry cleaning solutions and can have adverse effects on human health. Many VOCs are classified as toxic and carcinogenic. Those of significance to human and environmental health include benzene, toluene, ethylbenzene, and xylenes (BTEX), methyl t-butyl ether (MTBE) methylene chloride, chlorobenzene, trichloroethylene (TCE) and perchloroethylene.
Health hazards specifically related to the construction industry include Environmental Illness, Multiple Chemical Sensitivity, and Chronic Fatigue and Sick Building Syndromes. These new diseases, which baffle doctors and are generally untreatable, justify the rapidly growing Green Building trend across the nation. The quality of the air we breathe has a great impact on the health of our lungs and strength of our immune system. Fragile lung tissue is easily damaged by pollutants in the air, resulting in increased risk of asthma and allergies, chronic bronchitis, lung cancer and other respiratory diseases. Toxic substances such as formaldehyde, benzene, and arsenic are commonly used in the production of building materials, (such as wood and vinyl products, and carpeting and upholstery), and gas off for years after installation. Modern structures are wrapped in moisture barriers that prohibit natural "breathing", virtually trapping these toxins in the indoor air that we breathe the majority of our lives. Green products do not use these harmful substances in the manufacturing of building materials.
There also is concern regarding the biological and health effects of electric and magnetic fields (EMFs) from sources such as power lines, electrical wiring, and appliances. Therefore, Green Building provides that measures are taken to limit occupant exposure to EMF's.
Green Building encourages the installation of easy cleaning
air distribution and ventilation systems, and discourages mechanical equipment
that emits combustion gases or products that offgass toxins such as particleboard,
vinyl flooring and countertops, carpets, adhesives, and paints. Moisture is
minimized in environmental design by introducing natural day lighting in order
to prevent the growth of mold and mildew.