X01: Fundamental Material Precautions

(Required)

INTENT

Reduce or eliminate human exposure to building materials known to be hazardous.

SUMMARY

This WELL feature requires the restriction of hazardous ingredient components in newly installed building materials, specifically through the restriction of asbestos, mercury-containing lamps and lead in plumbing products and paint.   

SOLUTIONS

Restricting the use of asbestos reduces exposure risk to the substance in instances where it might be disturbed. Limiting the amount of heavy metals used across various building materials also limits chances for exposure. Eliminating the use of compact fluorescent light bulbs (CFLs) removes a potential pathway to direct exposure. In the case of lead in pipes and plumbing, the prevalence of lead in drinking water is linked with corrosion of the lead-containing materials that make up water distribution systems. Minimizing the lead threshold in plumbing materials can help prevent hazardous levels of the substance from leaching into drinking water. Reducing hazards associated with lead also necessitates minimizing lead in other building materials, including paints. Lastly, because there is no known safe level of lead exposure for children and because children are more vulnerable to lead exposure than adults, further precautions must be taken to limit exposure through furniture that might have parts containing lead.

IMPACT

Restriction of known hazardous ingredients found in building materials, specifically in those that are newly installed, aims to reduce risk of exposure, whether directly within the indoor environment or through environmental contamination. This also helps to push for reformulations of key building materials and products and promotes innovation in green chemistry.

REQUIREMENTS

Part 1

Restrict Asbestos

Verified by Architect

For All Spaces

The following newly installed building materials contain asbestos less than 1% by weight:

1. Thermal system insulation (applied to pipes, fittings, boilers, breeching, tanks, ducts or other like components to prevent heat loss or gain).

2. Surfacing material (that is sprayed, troweled or otherwise applied to surfaces, for example acoustical plaster or fireproofing materials).

3. Wallboard/millboard, resilient floor covering, roofing and siding shingles (including metal cladding) and construction mastics. 

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.

Part 2

Limit Mercury

Verified by MEP, Architect

For All Spaces

All newly installed products meet the following: 

1. Illuminated exit signs, thermostats, switches and electrical relays are mercury-free.

2. Low-mercury or mercury-free lamp technology meets the following specifications: 

   Fluorescent Lamp	Maximum Mercury Content
   Compact, integral ballast	3.5 mg
   Compact, non-integral ballast	3.5 mg
   T-5, circular	9 mg
   T-5, linear	2.5 mg
   T-8, eight-foot	10 mg
   T-8, four-foot	3.5 mg
   T-8, two- and three-foot	3.5 mg
   T-8, U-bent	6 mg
   High-Pressure Sodium Lamp	Maximum Mercury Content
   400 W or less	10 mg
   Over 400 W	32 mg

Part 3

Restrict LeaD

Verified by Architect, MEP

For All Spaces

All newly installed building materials meet the following materials composition requirements:

1. Drinking water systems and plumbing products are lead-free as defined by the Safe Drinking Water Act (SDWA) and certified by an ANSI Accredited third-party certification body.

2. Indoor paints and surface coatings contain less than 90 ppm total lead.

 

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 WELL Core and MFR Certification, projects should require compliance in leased spaces.

© International WELL Building Institute