Why is a red list-free declaration important to building product manufacturers?

A Red List Free Declaration is a statement made by a building product manufacturer that their products do not contain any chemicals or materials that are identified on a “red list” of prohibited or restricted substances. These red lists are typically compiled by organizations that aim to improve the sustainability and transparency of the building industry, such as the Health Product Declaration Collaborative (HPDC) and the International Living Future Institute (ILFI).

Red List Free Declarations are important to building product manufacturers for several reasons:

1. Sustainability: By declaring that their products are free of red list chemicals, manufacturers can demonstrate their commitment to sustainability and environmental responsibility. This can be attractive to environmentally conscious customers and help to differentiate the manufacturer’s products from those of its competitors.
2. Customer demand: There is growing demand from customers for products that are free of harmful chemicals and materials. By making a Red List Free Declaration, manufacturers can show that their products meet this demand and are safe for use in buildings and other environments.
3. Certifications and labels: Many sustainability certifications and labels, such as LEED and the Living Building Challenge, require that products be free of red list chemicals in order to be eligible for certification or labeling. By making a Red List Free Declaration, manufacturers can help their products meet these requirements and improve their marketability.

Overall, Red List Free Declarations are important to building product manufacturers because they demonstrate a commitment to sustainability, respond to customer demand, and help products meet certification and labeling requirements.

What are Red list chemicals? 

Red list chemicals are chemicals identified as having potentially harmful effects on human health or the environment. They are often referred to as “red list” chemicals because they are typically listed on a “red list” of prohibited or restricted substances.

There are several organizations that maintain red lists of chemicals, including the Health Product Declaration Collaborative (HPDC) and the International Living Future Institute (ILFI). These lists are typically based on research and data from scientific studies and government agencies, and they are used to identify chemicals that should be avoided or minimized in building products and other consumer products.

Red list chemicals may include chemicals that are known or suspected to cause cancer, reproductive harm, or other health effects, as well as chemicals that are harmful to the environment, such as those that persist in the environment or accumulate in the food chain.

Overall, red list chemicals are substances identified as having potentially harmful effects on human health or the environment. They are often avoided or minimized in building products and other consumer products to protect the health and safety of people and the environment.

Why are red-list chemicals bad?

Red list chemicals are substances that are identified as having potentially harmful effects on human health or the environment. They are often referred to as “red list” chemicals because they are typically listed on a “red list” of prohibited or restricted substances.

There are several reasons why red list chemicals are considered bad:

1. Health effects: Red list chemicals may be known or suspected to cause cancer, reproductive harm, or other health effects. They may also be toxic to humans or animals at certain levels of exposure.
2. Environmental impacts: Red list chemicals may be harmful to the environment, such as those that persist in the environment or accumulate in the food chain. They may also contribute to air or water pollution, or have other negative impacts on the environment.
3. Lack of transparency: Many red list chemicals are not clearly labeled or disclosed on products, which makes it difficult for consumers to make informed decisions about the products they purchase.

Overall, red list chemicals are substances identified as having potentially harmful effects on human health or the environment. They are often avoided or minimized in building products and other consumer products to protect the health and safety of people and the environment.