Many people point out the cost effectiveness and sustainability that come along with green building as being one of its great benefits. Although most people who decide to go green in the building process will benefit from both of these things, a major positive that is often overlooked in green construction are the health benefits of this type of building. Using alternatives in some of the minor aspects of the building process, such as the type of paint and insulation being used can help prevent common health risks, while still being high in sustainability and cost effectiveness.
Regular types of paint can often be one of the most dangerous materials in the building process, with regards to exposure. For most of the regular paint that is bought off the shelves of major hardware stores, they will run the possibility of being exposed to toxins and Volatile Organic Compounds. These VOC’s are very high in paint and a repeated exposure could possibly lead to some health risks. The health risks associated with exposure to VOC’s could range from severe to minimal. The minimal risks of VOC exposure include headaches, dizziness, and fatigue, while the long term health risks that could be possible are kidney or liver damage.
Luckily there are a high number of safer options in paint available today. Most of the major hardware stores will carry paint alternatives that will be low in VOC’s. It’s important to look on the label for low VOC options, as well as organic paints. Making this switch can certainly cut down on the chance of developing health risks with VOC exposure.
Looking to find insulation replacements and alternatives that are organic is also a good way to go green, while cutting down on toxins, and reaping health benefits at the same time. For many older homes in the remodeling process, their insulation could include toxic asbestos material. This was used throughout the past 100 years as a major building material, but now its use is low because of its connection to health problems such as respiratory issues, asbestosis and mesothelioma. Some of the low risk health problems such as dizziness and nausea may be disregarded, but the serious consequences are not to be ignored. Mesothelioma life expectancy is very severe and short, for example. Using organic options in insulation is an excellent way to prevent any further health risks in the remodeling or building process.
Fortunately, organic insulation is not only becoming popular because it does wonders for the sustainability of houses, but also because it’s helping people prevent health issues. Luckily, organic insulation options are also some of the most cost effective routes of insulation. Among the popular options are lycnene and cellulose. Lycnene is a version of the spray foam form of insulating. This is often viewed as the most sustainable because of its ability to fill any and all cracks and seeps, keeping air trapped. Cellulose is probably the most popular green insulation type, as it’s developed from newspaper and other recycled paper.
The aspects of green building that may benefit your health reach beyond just alternative options to paint and insulation, yet these two can be great first steps whether you are going through a remodeling or building process. Combined with the common knowledge of long-term cost efficiency and home sustainability, reduced health risks are continuing to help green building become even more popular.
