Individual Health Needs

Healthy Construction must address individual health needs when they arise. Many individuals are susceptible to health hazards that do not seem to affect the general population. In these highly specialized cases the builder is responsible for knowing how to build so as to eliminate the hazard. This requires a wealth of specialized knowledge and education.

The average person does not react to ingesting trace amounts of copper. In fact, for most people, copper is a required mineral. However, some individuals are unusually susceptible to its effect. Allergic reactions to copper can be associated with Wilson's Disease. In these cases the only healthy building choice is to eliminate copper pipes, wires, and fixtures entirely. To date, many jurisdictions do not allow use of alternate piping or wiring materials. Special permits are often required. Builders must be able to present a compelling case for use of unconventional, unapproved materials.

Concrete is usually considered a healthy construction material because it produces less offgassing than wood or composite materials. However, some individuals are sensitive to emissions from commonly used concrete admixtures ( superplasticizers include such sulfonated melamine-formaldehyde and/or sulphonated napthalene formaldehyde condensates). Selective use of admixtures and/or use of sealers should be considered when building for extra-sensitive individuals.

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Individual Health Needs (continued)

More examples of special-case Healthy Construction problems and their solutions:

Polyurethane is a particularly confusing allergic agent. The confusion occurs when planning a building project for an individual who exhibits allergic reactions to latex. Typical latex paints contain synthetic (polyurethane) rubber particles. A significant number of people are allergic to polyurethane. Therefore, a builder might choose by default a paint containing natural plant-based rubber particles (latex). If however, the future occupant of this building is allergic to latex, the builder has inadvertently introduced a lasting toxin into the life of an unaware sufferer. Latex outgassing from plant-based paint can continue, diminishing over time, for at least one year. Paints should be carefully chosen by an expert, with the individual occupants' needs in mind.

Migraines are launched by different triggers in different people. One unusual trigger is 60-cycle flicker. In the U.S. all indoor electrical systems operate at 60 cycles per second. This cycle is slow enough for the human eye to detect. our eyes actually discern the flickering of lights. Some individuals seem to "feel" the 60-cycle field reversals that occur constantly in house wiring, electrical motors, transformers, etc. Particularly sensitive individuals experience debilitating migraines when in proximity to 60-cycle systems. In these cases it is advisable to convert alternating current to direct current well outside the building. Be sure the direct current is modulated so that all 60-cycle fluctuations are removed.

RJD Construction is the industry leader in implementation of Healthy Construction practices. We provide consultation services to builders and governmental agencies. Our expertise extends to specialized, one-of-a-kind cases. Call us for solutions.