Item 2: Citizen Paul Robbin's Presentation — original pdf

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Resource Management Commission Alternatives to Toxic Chemicals in Building Products Paul Robbins February 15, 2022 Pathway 1: Chemicals in Air Pathway 2: Chemicals in Dust Pathway 3: Chemicals from Combustion and Floods Pathway 4: Chemicals from Contact Pathway 5: Chemicals in Water Pathway 6: Chemicals from Landfill Fire Pathway 7: Chemical Emissions from Chemical Factories PVC (Polyvinyl Chloride) • Developmental toxin • Respiratory toxin • Internal organ toxicant • Highly Carcinogenic when burned (dioxin emissions) • Potent Endocrine Disrupting Chemical when burned (dioxin emissions) • Blinds & Curtains • Shower Curtains • Carpet Backing • Fence Material • Sheet Flooring • Plumbing Pipe • Siding • Wallpaper • Windows & Doors Chlorine fire and leak at Louisiana chemical factory Perfluorocarbons (Teflon) • Carcinogen • Developmental toxin • Reproductive toxin • Internal organ toxicant • Persistant Bioaccumulative Toxin • Carpet Coatings • Countertop Coatings • Paint • Caulking & Sealants • Adhesives • Window gliders • Plumbing Tape • Roof coatings • Solar module coatings Antimicrobials 21 Separate Chemicals including Triclosan, Formaldehyde, Silver Nanoparticles, and OBPA Aquatic Toxicant, Carcinogen, Developmental Toxicant, Mutagen, Endocrine Disruptor, Mammalian Toxicant, Eye and Skin Irritation, Internal Organ Toxicant, Neurotoxin, Persistent Bioaccumulative Toxin, Reproductive Toxicant, Asthmagen and Respiratory Sensitizer, Skin Sensitizer • Carpets • Concrete • Countertops • Door handles • Light switches & covers • Paints • Tile • Toilets & toilet seats • Wallpaper • Wood products Antibiotic Resistant Super Bugs Wallboard w/ Coal Ash • Arsenic • Cadmium • Lead • Mercury All are Carcinogenic, Developmental Toxins, Endocrine Disruptors, Internal Organ Toxins, Neurotoxins, Reproductive Toxins, and Persistent Bioaccumulative Toxins Flooring • Over 70% in 2016 was carpet or PVC • Carpet often has antimicrobials, PVC or styrene backing, coal ash fillers with heavy metals, flame retardants, phthalate plasticizers, organotin stabilizers, VOC emissions, and Teflon stain resisters • PVC often has phthalate plasticizers, organotin stabilizers, and VOC emissions • Imported glazed tile can contain lead pigments • Wood floors finished onsite have VOC emissions Caulking • Almost all are petrochemically based and emit VOCs • Various products contain toxic solvents, biocides, phthalate plasticizers, organotin catalysts, isocyanates, antifreeze, and flame retardants. Some even include PVC. Reasons for Staff Opposition State Law Prohibits Building Materials in Code But Green Building is not a code Builders are “clients” Austin citizens are the clients Equity in Toxic Building Materials? The Resource Management Commission should advise City Council to: 1) Prohibit all voluntary participants from using building materials made with specific chemicals; OR 2) Create a new category for toxic materials, with progressively stricter prerequisites and requirements for each higher Star level. This should start at the beginning of FY 2023. environmentaldirectory.info/ For More Information, contact: Paul Robbins • (512) 447-8712