LEED Report - Environment & Human Health, Inc.

The Green Building DebateChemicals Often Found in Buildings and Their HealthEffects—Not Necessarily in LEED Buildings (cont’d)ChemicalPotential IndoorBuilding SourcesPotential Health RisksLead 8Paints, enamels, surface coatings on furniture.Adverse health effects of lead on thenervous system are well-documented,and there is no “safe” level of exposure.MercuryPesticidesPhthalatesPolyfluoroalkylchemicals(PFCs) 13Fluorescent lamps, high intensity dischargelamps, mercury-containing switches, mercurycontainingthermostats, silent wall switches,commercial/industrial HVAC equipment, freezers,sensors, switches, meters, manometers/barometers, pipes, thermometers, rubber floors,sump pumps and septic tanks.75% of U.S. households used at least one pesticideproduct indoors during the past year. 10Phthalates are added to soften and make PVCmore pliable; also used in latex adhesives, vinyltiles, carpet tiles, fragrances and air fresheners;widespread in indoor air.Produced since the 1950s to make productsthat resist oil, stains, heat, water and grease,including stain-resistant carpets and fabrics.Tremors, emotional changes; insomnia;neuromuscular effects, sensorydisturbances, headaches; devices canbreak and release mercury vapor to theair, particularly in warm or poorlyventilated indoor spaces. 9Headaches, dizziness, muscle twitching,weakness, tingling sensations, andnausea; may cause long-term damage tothe liver and the central nervous system,and increased risk of cancer.Developmental and reproductive effects;infertility; sperm damage; childhoodstudies link phthalate exposure to risk ofasthma and allergies. 11 Prenatal exposureand reduced anogenital distance in boys. 12Limited animal studies available; not allPFCs have been tested. Some studies showthat some types of PFCs can cause tumors,damage to the liver and other organs, anddevelopmental and reproductive effects.Volatile organicchemicals(VOCs)Found in a wide variety of commercial, industrialand residential products, solvents, cleanersand degreasers and pesticides. Estimated thatindoor air concentrations of VOCs are muchhigher than concentrations found outdoors.62Asthma 14 , headaches; nausea; damage toliver, kidney and central nervous system.Some organics are suspected or known tocause cancer in humans. 15