Overview
Chemicals, like plastics, are everywhere in our lives. We encounter a wide variety of chemicals in our home, at work, in our cars, through processed and packaged foods, clothing, furniture, carpet, toys, et cetera. Chemicals are part of assembled and formulated products (e.g., computers and cleaning products respectively). They are the building blocks of all industrial systems and material life cycles.
Like plastics, chemicals are generally useful to our modern lifestyles. However, many classes of chemicals are harmful to people, environment and ecology. Those that are known to have known toxic properties and cause health effects are regulated. Many more have little or no publicly available information, making informed choices difficult. Understanding the various routes of exposure is critical to making informed choices in our personal and professional lives, and for informing forward-looking policies that enhance wellbeing. A material systems perspective can allow us to consider chemicals as part of the broader product stewardship story.
Relevant research and resources
- 2026-27 Reuse, Reduce, Reimagine, Materials Management Grant Cycle: “Built for Well-Being” Emphasizing the reduction of exposure to toxicants and chemicals of concern in the built environment.
- Research: “Wellbeing in Building Materials.” This research will look beyond carbon impacts of high-demand materials used in Oregon through their global material systems to understand impacts and burdens on place and people. The study will research labor and human rights issues, pollution, short- and long- term health concerns and ecosystem damage. (under planning)
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Impacts of Housing Materials: Chemicals of concern in the built environment. 2023