Why Building Materials Matter
Many building materials release gases or particles into indoor air over time.
These emissions can come from:
Even newly built homes can contain materials that emit volatile organic compounds (VOCs) or other substances. These emissions may originate from:
Our Healthy Spaces Approach
Healthy Spaces applies science-based building practices that prioritize long-term indoor wellness.
Low-Emission Materials
Selecting products designed to minimize indoor emissions.
Moisture-Resistant Design
Reducing conditions that may contribute to mold growth, such as our proprietary foundation seal technology.
Durable Finishes
Choosing materials that maintain performance without frequent chemical treatments.
Integrated Healthy Design
Ensuring materials work together with ventilation, filtration, and humidity control systems.
Materials We Evaluate
When designing healthy homes, we review materials such as:
Paints & coatings
Flooring & carpeting
Cabinetry & composite wood
Countertops & surfaces
Insulation materials
Sealants & adhesives
The goal is to create a balanced indoor environment where materials support overall indoor wellness.
Healthy Home Design Starts With Materials
Healthy Spaces works with builders, architects, and homeowners to design indoor environments where air, water, materials, and building systems work together.
Our Healthy Home approach integrates:
Building Material FAQs
What are healthy building materials?
Healthy building materials are products — such as paints, flooring, cabinetry, insulation, and sealants — designed or selected to minimize emissions of VOCs and other substances into indoor air. Choosing low-emission materials supports better indoor air quality over the life of a home.
What are VOCs in building materials?
Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) are chemicals that can evaporate from paints, adhesives, flooring, and composite wood products into indoor air. Off-gassing can continue for months or even years after installation, which is why material selection matters at build or renovation time.
Do new homes have problems with indoor air quality?
They can. Even newly built homes may contain pressed wood products, synthetic flooring, chemical finishes, and certain insulation materials that emit VOCs. Selecting low-emission alternatives during construction helps reduce these impacts from day one.
How do I choose low-VOC paint and flooring?
Look for products with low- or zero-VOC formulations and third-party certifications, and consider how the material is installed — adhesives and finishes matter as much as the product itself. Healthy Spaces evaluates paints, coatings, flooring, and carpeting as part of a whole-home materials review.
Is formaldehyde in building materials dangerous?
Formaldehyde is a common VOC found in pressed wood products, some insulation, and certain adhesives, and it is a known respiratory irritant. Choosing formaldehyde-free or low-emission alternatives — especially for cabinetry and composite wood — reduces ongoing exposure in your home.
Experience the Healthy Spaces Difference
Visit our Healthy Spaces Experience & Design Center to see how materials, air, and water systems come together to create healthier indoor environments.