WELL Materials

TG 10 Wellbeing in Buildings, A BSRIA topic guide, written by Sorcha Redmond and published in January 20205 states:

The WELL Materials concept aims to reduce human exposure (either direct or through environmental contamination) to chemicals that may impact health during the construction, remodelling, furnishing and operation of buildings.

It promotes a precautionary approach, favouring substitutions of certain materials where safe replacements are available.

WELL delivers two strategies for selecting building materials and products aimed at bridging data gaps in the supply chain, supporting innovation in green chemistry and advancing market transformation.

1. Increase literacy on materials by promoting ingredient disclosure.
2. Promote the assessment and optimisation of product composition to minimise impacts to human and environmental health.

Context

• The chemicals industry has been integral to improving the global economy, life expectancy and life quality. However, despite the ubiquity of many chemicals in modern society, their impact on health and the environment is unknown.
• Legacy chemicals refer to chemicals that were commonly used in the past but were found to be toxic, enduring and prone to bioaccumulation. Examples include lead, asbestos and mercury.
• Perfluorinated alkyl compounds (PFCs), orthophthalates, some heavy metals and halogenated flame retardants (HFRs), can be harmful to human health and environment.

Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) comprise a large group of chemicals abundant in indoor environments due to various source materials, including insulation, paints, coatings, adhesives, furniture and furnishings, composite wood products and flooring materials. They can significantly affect respiratory health and even increase cancer risks. WELL encourages use of products tested for low VOC emissions.

--BSRIA

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