Sustainable Development and Society - GSA

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Sustainable Development and Society Building Rating Tool encourages the use of low-emitting materials. Building materials manufactured with chlorine represent another class of chemical use with direct links to the persistent bioaccumulative toxins (PBTs) cited above. Noting that “virtually all chlorinated organic compounds that have been studied exhibit at least one of a wide range of serious toxic effects such as endocrine dysfunction, developmental impairment, birth defects, reproductive dysfunction and infertility, immunosuppression, and cancer, even at extremely low doses,” the American Public Health Association passed a resolution in 1996, “to become involved in this global effort to eliminate or reduce to the greatest extent possible the discharge of POPs (persistent organic pollutants) into the environment.” Polyvinyl chloride (PVC) is responsible for 42% of chlorine use in the United States, according to the American Chemical Society’s Chemical and Engineering News. Roughly 75% of all PVC manufactured is used in building materials. One of the processes used to manufacture chlorine – the chloralkali process – results in the annual release of many tons of mercury into the environment. Mercury, like the dioxin by-products of chlorinated compounds, is classified as a persistent organic pollutant. Summary The life-cycle consequences of continued dispersion of, and exposure to, persistent chemicals and other toxins are both immediate and long term. For example, occupational exposure to POPs, such as for electricians who routinely put lead stabilized PVC-jacketed wire cable in their mouths in the course of their daily work, can result in immediate health repercussions. For others, cumulative exposure may result in health decline over a longer time frame, such as impaired male reproductive health, that may not be immediately evident. Eliminating the worst-in-class POPs, PBTs, carcinogens, and reproductive toxicants in the manufacturing sector is a primary driver behind green building. As the hazards associated with these chemicals become more widely recognized, so does an evaluative framework for defining “green” materials and processes – not as options, but as prerequisites in protecting the public health. Notes: 1. EPA Fact Sheet on EPCRA Section 313 Rulemaking, Persistent Bioaccumulative Toxic Chemicals, http://www.epa.gov/tri/lawsandregs/pbt/pbtrule-fs.pdf. 39
Sustainable Development and Society Toxics Pollution Prevention and Worker Protection: The Importance of Integrating Occupational and Environmental Health. Richard Correll, “Log Bucker,” GSA Fine Arts Program.
Page 1 and 2: GSA Office of Governmentwide Policy
Page 3 and 4: Foreword and Acknowledgements Alber
Page 5 and 6: Contents Hugh Pearce Botts, “Cons
Page 7 and 8: Sustainable Development and Society
Page 9 and 10: Preface Lillian Richter, “Childre
Page 23 and 24: True Life Cycle Costing Socio-Econo
Page 33 and 34: True Life Cycle Costing Toxic Data
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Case Studies and Strategies Stanley
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Smarter Solutions October 2004 GSA
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Sustainable Development and Society - GSA

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