X10: Volatile Compound Reduction

(3 points)

INTENT

Minimize the impact of hazardous volatile and semi-volatile organic compounds (VOCs and SVOCs) on indoor air quality.

SUMMARY

This WELL feature requires the restriction of hazardous VOC and SVOC compounds, halogenated flame retardants (HFRs), urea-formaldehyde and select phthalates commonly used in building materials and products.

ISSUE

Exposure to HFRs is thought to result from dust and leachates. Inhaled and ingested dust is a major route of exposure. Polybrominated biphenyl (PBB) flame retardants are classified as probable carcinogens. Animal studies have also shown some evidence of carcinogenicity for decabromodiphenyl ether (decaBDE), one of the most commonly used commercial polybrominated diphenyl ether (PBDE) flame retardants.

Several human studies have linked phthalates with adverse reproductive and developmental effects. Data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination survey indicate extensive exposure of the general population to phthalates, including several types of phthalates in utero and from infancy to adult life. The effects of phthalates may be cumulative. Animal studies evaluating the effects of mixtures of several phthalates on testosterone production, fetal mortality and female and male reproductive development have demonstrated that all mixtures were cumulative for negative health effects. Routes of exposure to phthalates include inhalation, ingestion and dermal contact. Phthalates that are more volatile, such as diethyl phthalate (DEP), dimethyl phthalate (DMP) and dibutyl phthalate (DBP), tend to be found in higher concentrations in indoor air, while the heavier, less volatile phthalates, including Bis(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP) and benzyl butyl phthalate (BBP), tend to be present on indoor surfaces and in dust. One of the most well-studied and widely used phthalate plasticizers, DEHP, is typically used at about 30% of the PVC product by weight in flooring products and is commonly present at levels many times higher in household dust. This presents a significant risk, particularly for infants and toddlers who test at higher levels of DEHP than any other subgroups.

Formaldehyde is known to cause cancer of the nasopharynx and has also been shown to have a role in sinonasal cancer. Additionally,  exposure to formaldehyde can cause eye, nose and throat irritation and respiratory sensitization. Lastly, there is some evidence for occupational asthma and asthma or asthma-like symptoms in children exposed to formaldehyde in the home.

SOLUTIONS

The restriction of materials and products containing halogenated flame retardants (HFRs) can help to minimize the amount found in indoor dust. For example, HFRs like Tris(1,3-dichloroisopropyl) phosphate and Firemaster 550 (a mix of halogenated and non-halogenated flame retardants) can migrate from upholstery foam into indoor dust. Similarly, phthalates can migrate from materials in which they are used and accumulate in indoor dust. The restriction of phthalates across building materials helps to minimize their presence in indoor dust and reduce the risk of exposure to occupants.

Indoor air is a main route of formaldehyde exposure for the general population, and major sources include furniture and furnishings, pressed wood materials and laminates, paints, wallpaper, fiberglass products and varnishes, among others. Formaldehyde emissions from newly installed building materials and products, especially those using formaldehyde resins and adhesives, typically emit at a high rate initially and decrease with time. Reducing indoor sources of formaldehyde helps to minimize the risk of exposure to the chemical. Differences in the age of the indoor environment, air exchange rate and other considerations such as humidity and temperature can significantly impact the level of the compound found indoors.

IMPACT

Restriction of select, well-studied VOCs and SVOCs commonly used in building materials and products limits their presence in indoor air and dust, thereby helping to mitigate associated exposure and health hazards.

REQUIREMENTS

Part 1

Manage Volatile Organic Compounds (2 points)

Verified by Architect

For All Spaces 

The following requirements are met:

1. At minimum, 20% by cost of the following newly installed components contain halogenated flame retardants at less than 100 ppm or the extent allowable by local code:

   1. Furniture.
   2. Window and waterproofing membranes, door and window frames and siding.
   3. Flooring, ceiling tiles and wall coverings.
   4. Piping and electrical cables, conduits and junction boxes.
   5. Sound and thermal insulation.
   6. Duct and pipe insulation.

    

2. At minimum, 20% by cost of the following newly installed components contain urea-formaldehyde at less than 100 ppm or the extent allowable by local code:

   1. Composite wood products.
   2. Laminating adhesives and resins.
   3. Thermal insulation.

   Note: Projects can disclose or report ingredients listed here using labels approved for use in Part 1: Promote Ingredient Disclosure in Feature X14: Material Transparency to earn points toward that feature.

ADDITIONAL POINT OPPORTUNITY
To earn an additional point for Commercial Core, projects must also comply with requirements in leased spaces.

Part 2

Manage Semi-Volatile Organic Compounds (SVOCs) (1 point)

Verified by Architect

For All Spaces

The following requirements are met:

1. At minimum, 20% by cost of the following newly installed components contain total phthalates at less than 100 ppm or the extent allowable by local code:

   1. Flooring, including resilient and hard surface flooring and carpet.
   2. Wall coverings, window blinds and shades, shower curtains, furniture and upholstery.
   3. Plumbing pipes and moisture barriers.

2. All newly installed electrical components contain total phthalates at less than 1000 ppm or the extent allowable by local code in the following: 

   1. Fire alarms, meters, sensors, thermostats and load break switches.

Note: Projects can disclose or report ingredients listed here using labels approved for use in Part 1: Promote Ingredient Disclosure in Feature X14: Material Transparency to earn points toward that feature.

ADDITIONAL POINT OPPORTUNITY
To earn an additional point for Commercial Core, projects must also comply with requirements in leased spaces.

Part 3

Purchase Compliant Products (1 point)

Verified by Policy Document

For All Spaces

Note: Projects may only receive points for this part if Part 1: Manage Volatile Organic Compounds or Part 2: Manage Semi-Volatile Organic Compounds (SVOCs) is also achieved.

Projects have a program in place that specifies the following:

1. Future purchasing for repair, renovation or replacement of building materials and products that complies with requirements for 100% of components listed in Part 1: Manage Volatile Organic Compounds and Part 2: Manage Semi-Volatile Organic Compounds (SVOCs). 

ADDITIONAL POINT OPPORTUNITY
To earn an additional point for Commercial Core, projects must also comply with requirements in leased spaces.

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