As people have become aware of the issues with IAQ in homes I am amazed at the amount of misinformation on the subject. I get many calls each month asking which caulking is non-toxic yet the major polluting sources are missed.

Formaldehyde is the most common chemical used in homes. I estimate 75 percent of manufactured wood products used in a home have a Formaldehyde binder. There are two kinds of resin used. Exterior and interior rate.

The exterior rated releases less gas. The green movement has been pounding on the manufactures and educating consumers of the health risk of the binders used. Washington State has completely ignored the health risks in their energy code putting home buyers at greater risk. There is a trend to remove the current binders for less toxic.

From insulation to formaldehyde-free cabinets, new materials are being offered. As consumers, we need to ask for these innovative products from our supplier or builder. Reducing chemical emissions in materials and installing a quality venting system is the basis for better air quality and overcoming a bad energy code. Recovery from a sick home is less desirable to prevention of one.

(Editor’s Note: Rick Courson, owner Cedar Bay Homes, is a pioneer in the Green Building movement and a nationally recognized authority on Green Building and sustainable construction practices. He may be reached at r_courson@msn.com.).