The materials we select and specify to make up our buildings have a real meaningful impact on human health and the environment. Unfortunately, due to a lack of material transparency, that impact is frequently negative, damaging the environment and harming populations across the globe.
In February of this year, Chinese authorities were forced to face the tragic facts and admit that “cancer villages” existed in areas where harmful chemicals, many of which are banned in developed nations, are prevalent in current manufacturing processes. There are many that believe these chemicals are contributing to make cancer the number one killer in China, surpassing cardiovascular disease.
China’s problem is not a singular occurrence. The effects of harmful chemicals have been prevalent around the world and throughout history. For example, Jacobs Drive, a street in St. Gabriel, Louisiana with numerous manufacturing plants nearby, is often referred to as “cancer alley” due to its high death rate from cancer compared to other areas in the state and country. In 1987, 15 cancer victims lived on one block of Jacobs Drive and another seven a block over.
