Toxins to Avoid in a New Home Construction

When building a new house and aiming to avoid toxins, it’s essential to be aware of a variety of materials and substances that could pose health risks. Here’s a comprehensive list of toxins and harmful substances to watch out for, along with suggestions for non-toxic alternatives.

Toxins to Avoid in a New Home Construction:

1. Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs)

• Sources: Paints, varnishes, adhesives, sealants, flooring, and cleaning products.

• Health Risks: Eye, nose, and throat irritation, headaches, dizziness, long-term exposure may lead to liver, kidney, or central nervous system damage.

• Alternatives: Low-VOC or VOC-free paints, adhesives, and finishes; natural paints made from clay, lime, and minerals.

2. Formaldehyde

• Sources: Pressed-wood products like plywood, particleboard, and MDF; some insulation and fabric treatments.

• Health Risks: Irritation of the eyes, nose, and throat; long-term exposure can lead to cancer.

• Alternatives: Use formaldehyde-free building materials like solid wood, non-toxic MDF, or plywood. Look for products labeled as low-emitting.

3. Asbestos

• Sources: Older materials, especially in insulation, flooring, roofing, and wall materials.

• Health Risks: Lung cancer, mesothelioma, asbestosis.

• Alternatives: Ensure all materials are asbestos-free; consult professionals if renovating or restoring old buildings.

4. Lead

• Sources: Lead-based paints, plumbing pipes, and fixtures (in homes built before 1978).

• Health Risks: Brain and nervous system damage, developmental delays, especially in children.

• Alternatives: Use lead-free paints, and ensure that plumbing materials are lead-free. For older homes, hire a professional to remove or remediate lead.

5. Flame Retardants

• Sources: Foam insulation, furniture cushions, mattresses, textiles, and carpet padding.

• Health Risks: Hormonal disruption, developmental and behavioral problems, cancer risk.

• Alternatives: Use natural or non-toxic flame retardant alternatives (such as wool or cotton) or those treated with safer methods. Avoid foam insulation that contains harmful chemicals.

6. Phthalates

• Sources: Vinyl flooring, wallpaper, paints, and certain plastic materials.

• Health Risks: Hormonal disruption, reproductive issues, and developmental problems in children.

• Alternatives: Choose phthalate-free vinyl products or natural materials like cork, bamboo, or linoleum flooring.

7. Radon

• Sources: Naturally occurring radioactive gas from soil and rock beneath the foundation.

• Health Risks: Lung cancer (second leading cause of lung cancer in the U.S.).

• Alternatives: Test for radon levels before building or after construction; install a radon mitigation system if needed.

8. Chlorinated Paraffins

• Sources: Some sealants, paints, and water-resistant finishes.

• Health Risks: Carcinogenic, liver and kidney toxicity, endocrine disruption.

• Alternatives: Use non-toxic sealants and finishes, often labeled as "green" or eco-friendly.

9. Toluene

• Sources: Paints, thinners, adhesives, and some types of wood finishes.

• Health Risks: Headaches, dizziness, liver and kidney damage, neurological issues.

• Alternatives: Use water-based or solvent-free paints and adhesives. Look for non-toxic and low-odor products.

10. Mercury

• Sources: Some lighting fixtures (especially older fluorescent lights), electrical switches, and thermostats.

• Health Risks: Nervous system damage, developmental issues, especially in children.

• Alternatives: Use LED lights and mercury-free thermostats.

11. Mold

• Sources: Moisture problems in basements, walls, or ceilings.

• Health Risks: Respiratory issues, allergies, asthma.

• Alternatives: Ensure proper ventilation, moisture control, and use mold-resistant building materials.

12. Pesticides and Herbicides

• Sources: Landscaping materials, wood treatments, and building materials.

• Health Risks: Endocrine disruption, cancer, neurological effects.

• Alternatives: Opt for organic landscaping, non-toxic wood treatments, and pest management systems that do not rely on harmful chemicals.

13. Polyurethane

• Sources: Flooring, furniture finishes, and some insulation products.

• Health Risks: Can release harmful VOCs; respiratory and neurological issues.

• Alternatives: Use natural oils, waxes, or low-VOC finishes for wood surfaces.

14. PVC (Polyvinyl Chloride)

• Sources: Pipes, flooring, roofing, and some wall coverings.

• Health Risks: Releases harmful chemicals during manufacturing, installation, and disposal.

• Alternatives: Choose alternative piping materials like PEX or copper and natural flooring options like cork or bamboo.

15. Acrolein and Other Air Pollutants

• Sources: Gas stoves, fireplaces, and certain heating systems.

• Health Risks: Respiratory irritation, headaches, and long-term lung damage.

• Alternatives: Opt for electric stoves or use high-quality, well-maintained ventilation systems to reduce indoor air pollution.

16. Toxic Insulation Materials

• Sources: Fiberglass insulation, spray foam insulation with harmful chemicals.

• Health Risks: Skin and eye irritation, respiratory issues, carcinogenic properties (in some types of foam).

• Alternatives: Use cellulose, sheep’s wool, or cork insulation.

17. Synthetics in Carpet and Upholstery

• Sources: Synthetic carpets, rugs, and upholstery treated with toxic flame retardants or dyes.

• Health Risks: Release of VOCs, irritation, allergies.

• Alternatives: Choose natural fiber carpets (wool, cotton, jute) and upholstery materials.

18. Perfluorinated Compounds (PFCs)

• Sources: Stain-resistant fabrics and carpets, water-repellent materials.

• Health Risks: Hormonal disruption, liver damage, potential cancer risk.

• Alternatives: Look for PFC-free fabrics, use natural fibers, and avoid stain-resistant treatments.

General Tips for Reducing Toxins in a New Home:

1. Proper Ventilation: Ensure adequate ventilation during and after construction to expel any harmful fumes or gases.

2. Opt for Eco-Friendly Certifications: Look for certifications like LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design), Green Seal, or Greenguard to ensure low-toxicity materials.

3. Use Natural Materials: Incorporate non-toxic natural materials such as wood, stone, clay, and cotton.

4. Test Before You Build: Test your building site for radon and other environmental toxins before starting construction.

5. Non-Toxic Cleaning and Maintenance: Use green cleaning products to avoid introducing more chemicals into the home.

These are just a few of the many toxins to avoid in a new home construction. By being mindful of the materials and products you choose, you can significantly reduce the exposure to harmful toxins and create a healthier, safer living environment in your new home.

Want to know more about how to minimize toxin exposure during your new home construction process? Check out our post on How to Minimize Toxin Exposures in a New Construction Home!