LEED Report - Environment & Human Health, Inc.

The Green Building Debatestatements concerning the potential risks of PFOAs or recommendationsregarding avoidance of the chemical. There is no certificationprogram that guarantees that PFOAs are not used.The Carpet and Rug Institute (CRI) has launched a Green Label program totest carpeting and certify that it meets stringent criteria for low chemicalemissions. The Green Label Plus testing program, adopted by LEED,does not test carpet for PFOA. CRI claims that the carpet industry hasceased using the chemistry that produced the PFOA found in carpettreatments and notes that “… even when the industry did utilize theprocess that produced these very small traces of PFOA, based on all theinformation available, there was never any health or safety risk.” 46Both DuPont and 3M have produced PFOAs—and are members of CRI.DuPont has claimed that exposures to PFOA do not present a humanhealth risk. Three years ago DuPont committed to no longer make, useor buy PFOA by 2015, or earlier “if possible.” 47Artificial TurfArtificial turf is manufactured from synthetic fibers made to resemblenatural grass. The material is used in sports arenas, residential landscapingand commercial applications. Most synthetic turf systemsinclude a drainage layer, a multi-layered backing system, and plasticor nylon grass blades that are infilled with a granular filler to resemblenatural turf. This “infill” is often granulated recycled rubber tires.Buildings that use carpetsthat do not contain PFOAsreceive no bonus pointsfrom LEED, and theUSGBC has not publishedstatements concerning thepotential risks of PFOAsor recommendationsregarding avoidanceof the chemical.Despite debate over whether plastic grass is safe or a health risk,artificial turf can earn multiple points toward LEED certification.Hazardous chemicals contained in the crumb rubber can volatilize, andbe tracked into buildings and homes on clothes and gear.37