In an article for Health Care Design magazine, contributing editor Janet Brown discusses the challenge of finding materials to create "healthier interiors" in healthcare facilities.
Brown advocates choosing safer materials and avoiding certain chemicals when selecting building materials, furniture, fabrics and finishes.
According to Brown, in addition to varying toxicity issues, there is also concern whether materials are renewable, recycled or regional.
The article discusses the pitfalls of using materials that have fire retardants in them that degrade rapidly and can be found in dust and on surfaces, moving to our hands and food, thus easily ingested.
Also of concern are perfluorinated compounds which are used to make materials water and stain resistant. Studies are underway regarding the health effects to material users and the environment.
Additionally worrisome is Polyvinyl chlorides (PVC), used in materials found throughout healthcare environments, including flooring and fabrics. Life cycle issues associated with PVC include the formation of Dioxin, a deadly group of chemicals.
To avoid using such materials, Brown offers designers several resources to help them find green alternatives.
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