Environmental Trade-offs
COLLAPSE
To meet our Material needs, we frequently have to make trade-offs by accepting some risk/danger in exchange for safety or other benefit. Buildings are a great example of this–living inside buildings is safer, and certainly preferable, to living in a cave or outdoors in the elements. But many building materials carry some level of risk to our health. In this discussion, you will explore an environmental exposure commonly found in building materials or inside homes.

Last name S-C: Formaldehyde
Last name D-H: Asbestos
Last name K-R: Flame retardants (PBDEs)

Research the benefits and potential risks of your assigned exposure. What is it used for in buildings/home? What else is it commonly used for? What are the benefits and risks? Share whether you support using/continuing the use of the product, or whether you feel the trade-off is too great and we should discontinue/ban use.

EXAMPLE
Benefit: fire prevention, decrease fire damage, filling material
Potential Risks: effects on the body ( endocrine and thyroid disruption, impacts on the immune system, cancer, reproductive toxicity, neurologic function), contain bromine, and increase amounts of carbon monoxide and hydrogen cyanide.
Where it is used: furnishings, mattresses, carpets, curtains fabric blinds, electronics and electronic devices, building and construction materials, transportation products.