Red List

Concept of Red List Free Materials:
- Designing homes that are healthier for individuals and better for the environment.
- A core idea is to select materials that do not contain harmful chemicals, thus improving the overall health of occupants.

Red List materials help meet standards like the Living Building Challenge:
- Emphasizes buildings that contribute positively to their surroundings.
Established by the International Living Future Institute (ILFI).
- Purpose: Identify chemicals in building products harmful to human health and the environment.

Includes substances known to be hazardous:
- Formaldehyde:
  - Found in pressed wood products.
- Phthalates:
  - Commonly used in plastics.
- Heavy Metals:
  - Includes mercury and cadmium.
Definition of Red List Free:
- A material classified as red list free means it does not contain any red list chemicals.

Natural and minimally processed options:
- Untreated Wood:
  - Sourced sustainably.
- Clay Plasters:
  - Used for wall finishes.
- Linoleum:
  - Often free from harmful chemicals.
Benefits of Using Red List Free Materials:
- Improvement in indoor air quality.
- Reduction of health risks for inhabitants.

Living Building Challenge Requirements:
- 90% of building materials (by cost) must be Red List free.
- Exceptions allowed for small components or complex products documented thoroughly.
Manufacturer Transparency:
- Importance of detailed ingredient disclosures.
- Programs like the Declare label aid this transparency by listing all product ingredients.

Increasing availability of Red List Free materials but research may be required:
- Builders are encouraged to inquire about ingredient lists.
- Search for third-party certifications.
Temporary exceptions may exist but the underlying goal remains the same: trending towards safer options.

Supporting healthier indoor environments through material choices aligns with sustainable building practices:
- Promotes energy-efficient construction.
- Aims for regenerative building outcomes.
Urgency and necessity of restorative action:
- Current environmental crisis necessitates the choice of safer materials in construction projects.

Overview of chemical use in products:
- Chemicals are ubiquitous in daily life, e.g., fabrics, furniture, food packaging.
- Approximately 86,000 chemicals reported by the EPA under the TSCA inventory.
- As of 2023, over 42,000 of these are active but many lack adequate risk evaluation.

Definition of the Red List:
- A comprehensive list citing serious health risks and environmental hazards.
- Contains over 800 chemicals known to be toxic.
- Mandates that 90% of material costs must not involve Red List chemicals for certification.
Common Red List Chemicals:
- Asbestos:
  - Historically used for insulation; known carcinogen.
- Lead:
  - Found in paints and pipes, responsible for various health issues.
- Vinyl Plastic (PVC):
  - Associated with health concerns and environmental persistence.
ILFI's Management of the Red List and Declare Program:
- The Declare label enhances product transparency to help builders select safer materials.

Using Declare labels as a straightforward resource:
- Products can be Declared as Red List Free or with temporary exceptions.
- Comprehensive checks are required for Red List compliance, promoting sustainable material use (recycled, salvaged, responsibly sourced).
Certification Recognition:
- Sustainable programs like LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) also recognize Declare labels.

Need for consumer awareness and engagement with sustainable materials:
- Ask manufacturers for ingredient transparency.
- Think critically about materials used in both personal and professional settings.
Urgent action is required to transition to a regenerative society:
- Encourage manufacturers to innovate and adopt safer materials.
- Collective responsibility to support businesses that prioritize health and the environment.