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When it comes to housebuilding, the bottom line is toxic materials can ultimately affect the health of the inhabitants. It might not be an overnight thing, but the consequences are real - so why are we still building this way? From short term changes like allergies to long-term impacts like asthma - these health concerns can pass on from one generation to the next. The answer? It's time to turn our backs on toxic materials in the construction sector - read on to learn more about better, more comfortable building.

The reality of toxic housebuilding

Last year the government's motto was '' Stay Home, Stay Safe ''; after all, it's the safest place in the world. But what if it isn't? And if it isn't, what do we do? It's time to stop playing about with our health. With chemical production set to double every 25 years, many of these will be specifically used in construction. It's, therefore, important we have the data available to tell us the true impact on health, so we can then at least try to prevent the detrimental effects. The Living Building Challenge (LBC) Red List represents the 'worst in class' elements you could use in housebuilding. These are chemicals and materials known to pose a serious threat - let's take a look at what the Red List includes.

Chemicals and materials on the dangerous 'Red List'

There's nothing like the smell of a newly built home, but unfortunately, the reality is, this is the smell of a highly toxic environment. In fact, over 88,000 chemicals can be used in the building process, and many present a significant risk to our health. Acetone, ammonia and formaldehyde are just three, not to mention the VOC's found in adhesives, plastics, and paints. Although many won't harm us immediately, some have the potential to release chemical compounds and compromise air quality.

Just as it has done for the last hundred years, the housebuilding sector continues to use common materials that can be found on this Red List. It's time the industry came together and said no to noxious materials by choosing healthier alternatives instead.

3 ways to make your house build more 'human friendly'

Use natural materials like stone

In general, natural materials like stone that are not processed provide the best non-toxic option for surfaces in a new dwelling. If they're organic and responsibly sourced then they shouldn't contain any glues or processing chemicals such as formaldehyde. There is also an abundant supply of natural stone, and its use will not only improve your credentials but will also go towards a more sustainable build. Natural stones like marble and granite contain no harmful toxins at all, so you can be rest assured that the interior environment will be a healthy one.

Use recycled materials wherever you can

New building materials are culprits for harmful chemicals, and so it's better, if you can, to go down the route of recycled instead. Using reclaimed materials can help curb greenhouse gas emissions and other pollutants; just be sure to check any salvaged items don't contain toxic substances that will render them unusable. Commonly recycled materials include glass tiles, insulation, drywall, steel and kitchen countertops. Through this reuse of construction components, you'll lower your carbon footprint and even your total costs.

Be wary of those GREEN claims

With the use of GREEN building products more apparent than ever, sometimes it's easy to fall into the trap of 'it's eco, so it must be non-toxic'. Actually, products can still contain harmful substances even when the label says GREEN, and so it's always best to check the claims by the manufacturer. At FILA, our water-based sealers and cleaners have been developed with the contractor in mind to keep surfaces in the best condition. Our GREEN LINE not only respects the nature of the material being treated but also the environment and the health of the person applying the products.

FILA GREEN LINE range | Products with low environmental and health impact

When an ordinary detergent or protector won't do, you can rely on the FILA GREEN LINE for water-based sealers and cleaners. Many products to clean and treat natural stone contain chemicals like solvents, but thankfully with green products, you can make living spaces more comfortable for inhabitants. Take FILA's green protector MP90 ECO XTREME or CLEANER PRO , both of which will keep natural stone and the environment in the best condition. This pH-neutral cleaner, in particular, has also been classified as Climate Pledge Friendly by Amazon.

Try our pH-neutral cleaner and green protector from the FILA GREEN LINE - contact our technical team for more product assistance. Thank you for reading.