I am interested in finding out about building a healthier home. Can you advise me on where to get information on this?   For example, what are the top ten building products to eliminate from your home and why?

 
Great question! We couldn't find a simple "top ten" list for you, but we can offer these terrific websites which will get you the information you are looking for.

1) Healthy Building Network is an organization advocating for the phase out of toxic materials in the building industry. They have put together their list of the "worst in class" chemicals found frequently in building materials, such as PVC plastic, fabrics containing flame retardant chemicals and VOC-emitting paints.   This site also includes information on why these materials are hazardous.

2) The American Lung Association offers their Health House program, which provides information on how to design homes with indoor air quality in mind. They address issues of both toxics, as well as mold and mildew and other air contaminants. Their website includes the following helpful resources:

• Top Ten Questions to Ask Your Builder

• Identifying Home Pollutants

• Tip sheets on creating healthier indoor air quality in your home.

 
Lastly, while we can't endorse any specific vendors - here are websites for two "green building materials" outlets which offer information and research about the green building products they sell.  These sites may also be of use to you just to see what alternative products are out there.  But please note that we haven't done any market research that says whether these are the best outfits to purchase from, but the information they provide may be useful and seems user-friendly.

Environmental Home Center in Seattle, WA

Green Building Supply in Fairfield, IA

If you have a question for Alex, we’ll try our best to answer it - or find resources which will be useful to you.  Send your question to:  wve@womenandenvironment.org with the words "ASK ALEX" in the subject line.