Review material safety data sheets
Manufacturers provide valuable information about potential risks
Building products may contain chemicals associated with certain health risks. A material safety data sheet (MSDS), which lists hazardous chemical ingredients, is available from the manufacturer or online. A MSDS also contains important information about storage, handling, and use (such as whether the area must be well ventilated or whether respirators are required). The information can be useful in choosing less toxic products. The data has limits, however. Compounds present only in very small amounts may not appear on the MSDS, even if they are highly toxic. Some proprietary ingredients may not be detailed.
Learn more in the Green Building Encyclopedia
