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Step Beyond Green ~ to Healthy - 2017
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Research & Expert Perspectives
Source 1 Project Solutions believes it is our responsibility to inform you about healthier building materials and practices available. The organizations listed below have found that certain building materials (among other things) are full of chemicals and harming our health, and the health of our families and friends.
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Several others...
The research on chemicals found in building materials and their effects on people is eye-opening.
Brief History of Chemical Toxins
Until about 35 years ago, indoor air pollution was a very limited phenomenon. Since that time two basic things have changed in the way buildings are constructed. First, thousands of synthetic chemicals have been incorporated into building materials. Second, building envelopes are sealed so tightly that chemicals and occupant-generated pollutants remain trapped inside homes, where they are inhaled into the lungs and brian, and absorbed through the skin.
Indoor air pollution can be 10 to 100 times worse than Los Angeles on a bad day...no matter where you live.
The United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) found that a major contributor to indoor air pollution is Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs). These are defined a gases emitted from certain solids or liquids. VOCs included a variety of chemicals, some of which may have short- and long-term adverse health effects. Concentrations of many VOCs are consistently higher indoors than outdoors. VOCs are emitted by a wide array of products numbering in the thousands
Examples include, but by no means are limited to: paints and lacquers, paint strippers cleaning supplies, pesticides, building materials and furnishings, office equipment such as copiers and printers, correction fluids and carbonless copy paper, graphics and craft materials including glues and adhesives, permanent markers and photographic solutions.
The EPA goes on to define some of the symptoms and associated health effects caused by VOCs including:
SYMPTOMS
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Eyes, nose, and throat irritation
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Headaches, nausea, vomiting, nose bleeds
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Loss of coordination
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Allergic skin reaction
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Fatigue, dizziness
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Difficulty breathing
HEALTH EFFECTS
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Allergies
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Asthma
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Autism
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Cancer
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Chronic sinus infections
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Damage to liver, kidney, and central nervous system
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Heart disease
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Obesity
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Reproductive problems
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Altered levels of substance that is in your blood helping the nervous system to work proper
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...and many other health problems
PRODUCT EXAMPLES
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Paints, lacquers, paint stripper
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Cleaning supplies
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Pesticides
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Building materials and furnishings
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Office equipment printers, copy machines, correction fluid, carbonless copy paper
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Glues, adhesives, permanent markers
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Wax
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Cosmetics
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Hobby products
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Fuels
More Than VOCs
Some chemicals that do not produce VOCs are still toxic to humans and causing medical problems. For example, many chemicals that cause asthma do not produce VOCs and therefore can have low-VOC certifications.
Unfortunately, there are not clear indications on most products that identify healthy materials, but what we can do is examine each product that goes into our living spaces. While this may seem like a daunting task Source 1 Project Solutions has done it for you. We are continuously reviewing and researching new and old products to see determine if they are appropriate in install in a non-toxic home.
Contact Source 1 Project Solutions for more information.
Quotes & Expert Perspectives
Building Materials
"New furniture, carpets, and building products may give off chemicals that were used in their making. Some of these chemicals can harm people, especially children."
–University of Wisconsin Extension
"It is prudent to try to improve indoor air quality in your home even if symptoms are not noticeable."
–U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)
"In the opinion of some World Health Organization experts, up to 30% of new or remodeled buildings worldwide may be the subject of excessive complaints related to indoor air quality."
–U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)
"The means by which a building is constructed may affect the quality of the indoor air. The choice of materials, component detailing and material installation play a role in potentially affecting the air quality. Building materials may be sources of pollution within the indoor environment."
-Berkeley University of California
"Architects must realize the impact their material selections have on indoor air quality and occupant health."
-Berkeley University of California
Kid's Health
"For their size, children breathe up to twice as much air as adults. That means children are at greater risk for health problems that come from indoor air pollution."
–University of Wisconsin Extension
Health Care Cost
The U.S. can potentially save billions in healthcare per year by creating healthier homes.
-U.S. Dept of Housing and Urban Development
Source 1 Project Solutions, Inc. is dedicated to helping people design, remodel and build using healthier building materials and processes. We will make every effort to help you choose healthier options; however, our assistance is not specific medical advice for any one person and/or medical condition. For specific medical advice, contact your physician. The information provided by Source 1 Project Solutions, Inc. is for your information; your decision to apply any information provided is your responsibility entirely.
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3315 N. 124th Street - Suite A - Brookfield, WI 53005 | P: 262-402-6600 F: 262-922-4202 | info@source1projectsolutions.com
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