Human Impact Partners Evidence Base
Articles in The choices of building materials can seriously impact health.
Lead paint in homes can results in lead poisoning, learning disabilities, seizures, and even death.
US Environmental Protection Agency. Lead in paint dust and soil. Available at: http://www.epa.gov/lead/pubs/leadinfo.htm#facts. Accessed July 1, 2009.Children are most vulnerable to toxics such as lead and asbestos because they have small, but quickly growing bodies.
US Environmental Protection Agency. Lead in paint dust and soil. Available at: http://www.epa.gov/lead/pubs/leadinfo.htm#facts. Accessed July 1, 2009.Asbestos, used for thermal insulation, can cause lung cancer, asbestosis, and mesothelioma.
US Environmental Protection Agency. Asbestos. Available at: http://www.epa.gov/asbestos/pubs/help.html#Info. Accessed July 1, 2009.Carbon monoxide from improper heating devices can lead to respiratory ailments.
United States Consumer Product Safety Coalition. Carbon monoxide questions and answers. DPSC Document #466. Available at: http://www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/pubs/466.html. Accessed July 1, 2009.Certain materials used for building can be hazardous: pesticide residues can cause neurological disorders, pressure-treated wood can contain arsenic (a known carcinogen), and carbon monoxide from improper heating devices in the home have caused respiratory ailments and even death.
Healthy Building Network. Issues: pressure treated wood. Available at: http://www.healthybuilding.net/arsenic/index.html. Accessed July 1, 2009.
Landrigan PJ, Claudio L, Markowitz S, et al. Pesticides and inner-city children: exposures, risks, and prevention. Environ Health Perspect. 1999;107 Suppl:431-437.