This is a legacy version of the WELL Building Standard. Please check the latest version here.

Enhanced material safety

Enhanced material safety

Intent: 

To minimize the impact of hazardous building material ingredients on indoor air quality and protect the health of manufacturing and maintenance workers.

BACKGROUND

Some of the chemicals used in building materials have not been fully evaluated for safety and may carry potential health risks. Off-gassing from such materials can contribute to SBS (sick building syndrome) and associated respiratory, neurotoxic and dermatologic symptoms. A precautionary approach—taking reasonable steps to minimize risks and avoid hazards—suggests substituting potentially dangerous materials with safe ones when possible. Various voluntary programs in the market allow suppliers that have carefully screened the composition of their products and avoided potentially harmful substances to be recognized for their achievements.

Part 1
Precautionary Material Selection

At least 25% of products by cost (including furnishings, built-in furniture, all interior finishes and finish materials) meet one or more of the following requirements:
a.13
Have a Declare: Living Building Challenge Red List Free, Declare: Living Building Challenge Compliant, or Living Product Challenge label.
b.1
Have a Cradle to Cradle™ Material Health Certified with a V2 Gold or Platinum or V3 Bronze, Silver, Gold or Platinum Material Health Score.
c.1
Have no GreenScreen® Benchmark 1, List Translator 1 or List Translator Possible 1 substances over 1,000 ppm, as verified by a qualified Ph.D. toxicologist or Certified Industrial Hygienist.