[Greenbuilding] Chemical Sensitivities

[Stephen Collette]

Hello Joshua,

I do not, unfortunately recommend the book by CMHC on Environmental  
Hypersensitivity. They took the middle of the road approach and caved  
to manufacturers, and as such, the book is not as helpful as it could  
be. They are working on a revision right now (I applied, didn't get  
it, but had this discussion with tremendously talented Virginia  
Salares, who is running the IAQ side there) I believe the revision  
will be more helpful than the current one.

It is more important to understand exactly what triggers your client  
has, and then try to remove those materials from the build. Difficult  
at best, complex at worst. There are of course some basics, like zero  
VOC everything, especially caulkings and seals. Finishes are becoming  
easier to source.

Paula Baker-Laporte's Prescription for a Healthy House has just come  
out with a 3rd edition. She is a brilliant architect who is also  
chemically sensitive. It's a great place to start.

If I can be of more help, please email me off list.

Stephen

Stephen Collette BBEC, LEED AP
Principal
Your Healthy House - Indoor Environmental Testing & Building Consulting
www.yourhealthyhouse.ca
stephen at yourhealthyhouse.ca
705.652.5159