Electrical

The plastic insulation and jacketing on electric and data wire and cable can contain lead, plasticizers, flame retardants, and chemicals that may be toxic. Polyvinyl chloride (PVC) and fluoropolymers (Teflon®) are commonly used on wire and cable. Toxic compounds may be released in the event of fire or as the wire jacketing deteriorates over time. Wires and cables are available with nonhalogenated insulation and jacketing and with no heavy metals.

Electrical current flow creates electromagnetic fiels (EMFs), which, according to some experts, may cause a range of adverse health effects. While many studies have been conducted, these health concerns have yet to be proven to the satisfaction of mainstream scientists. Due to the uncertainty surrounding this issue, it makes sense to take steps to minimize exposure to such fields, as long as these measures aren’t expensive (a strategy referred to as “produce avoidance”).

Such measures might include locating main electrical service lines away from occupied areas and specifying that wiring be installed in such a way as to minimize EMFs. Electronics may also be sensitive to EMFs, so rooms with computers and other such equipment should be designed with that in mind.

The plastic insulation and jacketing on electric and data wire and cable can contain lead, plasticizers, flame retardants, and chemicals that may be toxic. Polyvinyl chloride (PVC) and fluoropolymers (Teflon®) are commonly used on wire and cable. Toxic compounds may be released in the event of fire or as the wire jacketing deteriorates over time. Wires and cables are available with nonhalogenated insulation and jacketing and with no heavy metals.

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Our guide lists products from the Greenspec® Online Directory of environmentally preferable building products. Manufacturers and/or their representatives should visit this page to learn more about suggesting their products for inclusion.