The “red list” may sound like something from the Cold War. But it has nothing to do with politics, it has something to do with chemistry. The Red List is actually a list of the “worst in class” materials, chemicals and elements in the green building industry. I’ll try to avoid it. And even if you’re not a construction expert, knowing these materials and what products are made from them will help you make your home and your home improvement projects safer and sustainable.
Red List
Red list is generated by International Living Future Institute A certification system that requires buildings to achieve pure positives for energy, water and waste as part of the Living Building Challenge. Updated every year LBC Red List We encourage builders to avoid the worst materials and chemicals used in construction. Download the full list here. It may be impossible at this point to completely eliminate all of this from building your home. However, this list provides a target for improvement. For homeowners, this list will inform you of project remodeling and help you guide safer household items. For more information, see this simplified version of Red List.
asbestos
asbestos is a mineral that has been used in thousands of products, particularly since the 1930s and 1970s, most famously popcorn ceilings. The US banned asbestos in 1991, but the ban was overturned, and yet It is in the product From insulation to vinyl tiles. Small fiber It is easy to inhal asbestos and can cause mesothelioma and other diseases. Protective equipment is required when working around asbestos. It should be disposed of as dangerous waste.
cadmium
Cadmium is a heavy metal Related Influenza-like symptoms due to acute exposure and cancer, kidney, bone, and lung disease due to chronic exposure. Nonetheless, cadmium is found in cooking utensils, home electronics, and of course batteries. Cadmium is also used Pigment It can lead to exposure through chipping paint and paint dust created during construction.
Chlorinated polyethylene and chlorosulfonated polyethylene
Chlorinated polyethylene (CPE) is an inexpensive variation of polyethylene plastic, but its chlorine content is about one-third. Like regular polyethylene, Versatilitywire and cable jackets, roofs, hoses, tubes, etc.
Chlorosulfonated polyethylene (CSPE) is a base polymer in synthetic rubbers. It is sold under the brand name HypalonIt was commonly used to insulate wires and cable jackets. It was abolished in 2009 due to production safety issues, lead content and the highly toxic smoke that releases when burned.
CPE and CSPE are sustainable organic source materials and contribute to the creation of Dioxin and Fran At various points in the life cycle.
Chlorofluorocarbon (CFC)
Although CFCs were banned in 1987, the hydrochlorofluorocarbons (HCFCs) and fluorocarbons (HFCs) that replaced them are still used in aerosols, refrigerators and air conditioners. HFCs aren’t as bad for the ozone layer as CFCS, but both long-lived chemical groups are still strong greenhouse gases. Other countries have agreed to phase out HFCs.
Chloroprene
Chloroprene It is used to make neoprene. Neoprene is best known for use in wetsuits and fishing waders. I also use it Seal the waterproof roof and windows. Neoprene is chemically inert, but chloroprene is an inhalable carcinogen that can be entered through the skin. It is a sustained organic source of contamination that contributes to the creation of dioxins and furans at various points in the life cycle, such as manufacturing in cancer alleys in Louisiana.
Formaldehyde
Formaldehyde It’s a Voc Known human carcinogens associated with nasal cancer and leukemia. It also acts as a trigger for asthma and a skin irritation. Can be found and manufactured in insulation Architectural Products Like composite countertops, particle boards, laminates. It is also home items such as mattresses and upholstery items, such as adhesives, paints, and caulk.
Halide flame retardant
Halide fireproofing agents (HFRs) are persistent bioaccumulation toxins that have a negative effect on neurological development and reproduction. It can cause destruction of thyroid hormones and potential liver toxicity. When burned, they release dioxins and furans. They can be found including child car seats, including insulation, foam, electronics, and upholstery. That’s true for certain HFRs It is prohibited in some statesin some cases, it may be necessary to meet legal fire safety standards.
lead
In the past, we added lead to gasoline and paint. It still exists In an old house. Houses built before 1986 are more likely to have lead pipes, equipment and solder that can enter drinking water. Toxic heavy metals, lead exposure, damages the human body, especially all organs and systems of the brain and central nervous system. Impact is the deepest for young people.
mercury
Yet another highly toxic heavy metal, mercury, is a bioaccumulation material. harm The nervousness, digestive system, immune system, and even the most frighteningly low levels of exposure can cause death. Nevertheless, it is still in household items that need to be disposed of carefully, from light bulbs to thermostatics. Avoid leaks.
Phthalates
Phthalates are almost ubiquitous in the US population and are the highest concentration in children and women aged 6-11. National Research Council In 2008, I urged the EPA. Pursuing a “cumulative risk assessment” of these chemicals. The agency has finally been released Draft Phthalate Assessment for December 2024. Under constructionPhthalates are mainly used to use PVC or vinyl, more flexible, durable, and roof, adhesive and sealant, floor and wall coverings.
Polyvinyl chloride (PVC)
PVC and other chlorinated polymers are known to be building blocks Cancer from humans. PVC is a persistent organic source of contamination often containing other red list components such as heavy metals and phthalates. Its production and disposal could result in the production of bioaccumulated dioxides. PVC is best known as a material for siding Most Used Plastics For building products. It is located on pipes and fittings, floors, window and door profiles, roof membrane.
Wood treatments containing creosote, arsenic, or pentachlorophenol
The properties that make traditional wood treatments effective against rot and insect damage also make them toxic. Studies have linked creosote exposure to certain cancers in humans, liver, kidneys, and pregnancy problems in pregnant animals. Inorganic arsenic is not just acute toxins. It is a known human carcinogen. Research links pentachlorophenol to the liver, leading to damage to the human immune system and damage to the reproduction and thyroid glands of experimental animals. The material that was treated is Most frequently used For outdoor projects, it can be used anywhere that the wood can get wet, such as when a post is buried on the ground.
Editor’s Note: This article was originally published on January 7th, 2022 and updated in March 2025.
