Most of us spend 90% of our lives indoors—and breathe over 8,000 gallons of air every day. But the materials inside our homes often make that air less healthy than it should be.
Paints, sealants, flooring, insulation, cabinetry, and adhesives can release harmful chemicals—sometimes for years. And for anyone with asthma, allergies, or chemical sensitivities, these substances aren’t just irritating. They can trigger real health impacts.
At BPC, we design for both performance and wellness. That means choosing materials that support indoor air quality from the start—and monitoring what’s actually in the air you breathe.
The Problem With Standard Materials
Many conventional building materials are designed for cost-efficiency and ease of installation—not long-term health. Common issues include:
- Pressed wood products (like MDF) releasing formaldehyde
- Vinyl flooring and wallcoverings emitting phthalates
- Paints and sealants containing VOCs and microplastics
- Spray foam insulation off-gassing isocyanates and contributing to moisture imbalances
- Synthetic carpets trapping dust and chemicals
- Flame retardants with known health impacts
These materials can continue to affect indoor air quality long after move-in. And in high-performance homes—where airtightness is prioritized—the consequences are amplified.
How BPC Builds Healthier Homes
We integrate material health into every phase of our process. Here’s how:
1. Source Reduction
We avoid products with VOCs, hazardous adhesives, or “Red List” chemicals. We rely on third-party certifications (like Declare, Greenguard Gold, and HPDs) rather than marketing claims.
2. Systems Thinking
We consider materials in the context of how the whole building functions—especially moisture control and ventilation. Materials alone don’t make a healthy home; the assembly and airflow matter too.
3. Smarter Substitutions
We frequently specify:
- Solid wood or FSC-certified cabinetry
- Cellulose or wood fiber insulation
- NO-VOC paints and natural plasters
- Solid hardwood or tile flooring
- Zero-formaldehyde sheathing and subflooring
4. Balanced Ventilation
Every BPC home includes balanced mechanical ventilation with high-performance filtration. Clean materials are essential—but so is filtered, continuous airflow.
5. Ongoing Monitoring
We use tools like AirThings to track indoor air quality metrics (VOCs, radon, CO2, humidity). That way, our clients aren’t guessing—they’re informed.
6. Client Partnership
We guide our clients through material options, balancing health, budget, and aesthetics. This is a collaborative process, not a one-size-fits-all approach.
Why It Matters Now
Search trends show it: more homeowners are researching VOCs, formaldehyde, and “healthy flooring.” That awareness reflects a deeper truth—your home environment directly affects your health.
And in high-performance homes, where we control air movement precisely, the stakes are higher. Healthy materials are non-negotiable.
Let’s Build With Health in Mind
Whether you’re building new or upgrading an existing home, your material choices matter. At BPC, we’re committed to designing homes that feel as good as they look—and protect the people who live in them.
👉 Contact us to learn more about how we approach indoor air quality and material health.
