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Disadvantages of Green Building

What are the disadvantages of Green Building? As we have seen, there are certainly many important advantages to Green Building, but what some of us may not know is that there are also disadvantages.

One of the most common disadvantages of Green Building and the most heard criticism is the additional costs. This is an important consideration because, although the additional costs are usually balanced out by the energy savings, it is still extra money coming out of your pocket. So I suppose this indeed is a valid criticism.

The good news is that recently the green market is becoming a much more competitive market and therefore, we could possibly see a significant decrease in Green Building costs in the near future. In fact, it is already evolving and the competition is driving the prices down. It won’t be too long before your local homebuilding super store will have a green building section where these products are readily available at a competitive price.

But one of the greatest disadvantages of Green Building happens to be its main focus, the environment. That is kind of an odd statement since anything benefiting the environment must be good, right? Well yes, it is good, as long as it is not at the expense of our health.

In recent years America’s homes have become more and more energy efficient which has added to the problem of Indoor Air Quality. Our homes have become so sealed that we are literally choking on the indoor pollution. Green Building although it does address the issue of indoor air quality, focuses mainly on the overall impact the building and building process has on the environment and does not have the health of the occupants as its priority. So, at times, this focus can be at the expense of indoor air quality and ultimately our health.

A good example of how a green builder may sacrifice indoor air quality for environmentally friendly building practices is the use of recycled products. In some instance a green builder may use a recycled product containing chemicals that emit volatile organic compounds (VOC) that have been found to be toxic to humans instead of choosing a non-toxic variation of the same product.

Also, a green builder may choose to replace all the light bulbs with energy efficient florescent lights which are known to emit more radiation when studies have shown that radiation can potentially cause health problems. So, even though Indoor Air Quality is a consideration in Green Building, it is not the focus or main emphasis. And in my book these are pretty big disadvatages of Green Building.

With all the publicity surrounding “Green Building” and the legitimate general concern on preserving the environment, it’s easy to see how energy or water conservation and using recycled products can take a priority over Indoor Air Quality. It’s also easy to see how it can get shuffled to the background even though the EPA has recently stated that indoor air pollution is widely recognized as one of the most serious potential risks to human health!

On the other hand, Green Building doesn’t totally neglect the issue of Indoor Air Quality. You will find that most guides to Green Building have a section on Indoor Air Quality, ventilation, filtration systems, and suggestions for low or no VOC products in the building process. But its main emphasis remains on protecting the environment and, unfortunately, at times it is at the expense of the occupant’s health. Additionally, Green Building neglects to focus on the general contents and products (furnishings, rugs, cleaning products, etc) used in the home all of which impact the indoor air quality.

Studies have shown a direct correlation between the increases in asthma and indoor air pollution. In the last 20 years alone, an increase of 70% of childhood asthma has been documented as a result of the indoor air pollution. Because of this, Indoor Air Quality must be elevated to be the top priority in the Green Building Process.

Based on my research, let’s look at some of the facts about Indoor Air Quality and the products we use:

• An EPA survey concluded that indoor air was 3 to 70 times more polluted than outdoor air.

• Another EPA study stated that the toxic chemicals in household cleaners are 3 times more likely to cause cancer than outdoor air.

• Houses today are so energy efficient that "out-gassing" (the toxins that a product emits into the air) of chemicals has no where to go, so it builds up inside the home.

• We spend 90% of our time indoors, and 65% of that time at home. Moms, infants and the elderly spend 90% of their time in the home.

• The National Cancer Association released results of a 15-year study concluding that women who work in the home are at a 54% higher risk of developing cancer than women who work outside the home.

• Cancer rates have almost doubled since 1960.

• There has been a 26% increase in breast cancer since 1982. Breast cancer is the Number ONE killer of women between the ages of 35 and 54. Primary suspects are laundry detergents, household cleaners, cosmetics and pesticides.

• There has been a call from the U.S./Canadian Commission to ban bleach in North America. Bleach is being linked to the rising rates of breast cancer in women, reproductive problems in men and learning and behavioral problems in children.

• Chemicals get into our body through inhalation, ingestion and absorption. We breathe 10 to 20 thousand liters of air per day.

• Since 1980, asthma has increased by 600%. The American Lung Association directly links Indoor Air Quality to the increase in asthma.

• ADD/ADHD are epidemic in schools today. Behavioral problems have long been linked to exposure to toxic chemicals and molds.

• Formaldehyde, phenol, benzene, toluene, xylene are found in common household cleaners, cosmetics, beverages, fabrics and cigarette smoke. These chemicals are cancer causing and toxic to the immune system.

• Chemicals are attracted to, and stored in fatty tissue. The brain is a prime target for these destructive organics because of its high fat content and very rich blood supply.

• The National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health has found more than 2500 chemicals in cosmetics that are toxic, cause tumors, reproductive complications, biological mutations and skin and eye irritations.

• Prior to World War I the world was largely free of man-made chemicals. Currently, there are more than 4 million registered. 80,000 of these are in common use. Less than 1,000 have ever been tested for their effects on the human nervous system.

• There is no toxicity data on 4 out of 5 of the most commonly used chemicals.

• 250,000 new chemical substances are created each year

• Although chemicals acting in combination can drastically increase the toxic affects of one another (a well known fact in the pesticide industry) there has never been any study on the effects of chemicals in common use in new construction acting synergistically in a new building (although scientist are currently working on this).

• The National Academy of Sciences has estimated that 15% of the population suffers from chemical sensitivities.

Just a little food for thought…..

And, while were are at it we should take a look at some of the chemicals that are in our home building materials and the products we use every day.

• Formaldehyde and other Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs)- Formaldehyde is a strong-smelling, colorless, water-soluble gas that is often considered separately from other VOCs because of its wide use. There are hundreds of other VOCs (such as benzene and styrene), which are organic chemicals that readily off-gas at room temperature.

What products contain formaldehyde, VOC’s and PCB’s? Particleboard, fiberboard, some plywood, adhesives, fabrics, furniture, some insulation, secondhand smoke, personal care products, cleaners, glues, sealants, paints and paint strippers, dry-cleaned clothing, hobby supplies, plastic food storage containers, plastic storage bags, PVC. The list is truly endless.

How can it affect my health? Eye, nose, and throat irritation; headaches; skin rashes; nausea; central nervous system damage; nasal cancer; other cancers and birth defects; behavioral disorders; asthma. This is by no means a complete list. Studies are being done everyday showing more and more deadly affects of these chemicals.

• Household Chemicals and Pesticides- Toxic, hazardous chemicals such as methylene chloride, mercury, and lead arsenate used in the home and garden.

What are some of the sources of these chemicals? Cleaning agents, pesticides, paints, and personal care and hobby products. These are just a few of the potential sources.

How can it affect my health? Central nervous system effects; dizziness; nausea; allergic reactions; skin, eye, nose, and throat irritations; kidney or liver damage.

Here is the good news, there may be disadvantages of Green Building but it is evolving daily as builders and consumers begin to understand more about indoor air quality, its impact and its health hazards. More and more Green Building Guides and organizations are making Indoor Air Quality a priority and I believe that in the future we will find the balance necessary for each us to live healthier lives in a healthy world.

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