LEED Homes May Not Be Less Toxic

EMSL Analytical offers LEED testing solutions for both new and existing commercial and residential properties.

Cinnaminson, NJ

Environmental and Human Health, Inc. (EHHI), a nonprofit organization dedicated to protecting human health, recently released a study that questions whether LEED certified homes are less toxic than average homes. The U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) established the LEED® (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) Green Building Rating System and it has become a leading certification method used to rate both new and existing buildings across the globe.

According to the study entitled, LEED Certification - Where Energy Efficiency Collides with Human Health, it states, “As demonstrated in this report, LEED standards are clearly insufficient to protect human health, yet they are being adopted by many levels of government as law.” The report goes on to say, “The LEED credit system is heavily weighted to encourage energy-efficient building performance. Nearly four times as many credits are awarded as energy conservation technologies and designs (35 possible credits) as for protection of indoor environmental quality from hazardous chemicals (8 possible credits).”

LEED certified buildings are a financial incentive for builders and property owners due to their increased value. They are also good for the environment since they typically use less energy. However, regarding the indoor environment the EHHI report states, “The Green Building Council’s award of “platinum,” “gold”, and “silver” status conveys the false impression of a healthy and safe building environment, even when well-recognized hazardous chemicals exist in building products.”

“EMSL Analytical can help ensure the safety of the indoor air quality (IAQ) of LEED properties and the company has extensive expertise in the LEED process,” reported Joe Frasca, Senior Vice President for EMSL Analytical. “The laboratory offers field test equipment such as PIDs, gas monitors and personal PM-10 monitors. Analytical services range from PM-10 particulate analysis, TVOC and formaldehyde testing to the identification of microbial contaminants and allergens” There are many inherent advantages in doing a complete IAQ testing program, most importantly the prevention of future workplace health complaints, preventative actions to reduce IAQ issues and positive morale among staff on the quality of their work environment.

To learn more about LEED or other testing needs please visit www.EMSL.com, email info@EMSL.com or call (800) 220-3675.

About EMSL Analytical, Inc.
EMSL Analytical is a nationally recognized and locally focused provider of consumer product, environmental, industrial hygiene, food and materials testing services and products to professionals and the general public. The company has an extensive list of accreditations from leading organizations as well as state and federal regulating bodies.

Contact Information

Joe Frasca

Senior Vice President, Marketing

EMSL Analytical, Inc.

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