Materiales Saludables para la Construcción: Guía WELL v2™ para Reducir VOC, Plomo y Químicos Tóxicos

¿Y si las paredes, pisos y muebles a tu alrededor ocultaran amenazas invisibles para tu salud?

Imagina construir o remodelar un espacio… y sin darte cuenta llenar el aire, el agua y las superficies de tu hogar con químicos invisibles que afectan tu bienestar todos los días.
Durante décadas, materiales como el asbesto, el plomo, el mercurio y los compuestos orgánicos volátiles (VOC) fueron comunes en la construcción. Hoy sabemos que dañan la salud respiratoria, afectan la función cognitiva e incluso aumentan el riesgo de cáncer.

The MATERIALS El concepto de Materiales en WELL v2™ no solo busca eliminarlos de los nuevos proyectos, sino también identificar y gestionar riesgos en edificios existentes. Se trata de elegir materiales más seguros, transparentes y optimizados, desde la pintura en tus paredes hasta el sofá de tu sala.
It’s about choosing safer, more transparent, and optimized materials — from the paint on your walls to the sofa in your living room.

Because a healthy space starts with what you can’t see… but you breathe, touch, and live in.

The WELL v2™ Materials concept aims to change that — protecting people by reducing exposure to hazardous chemicals in both new and existing buildings.

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Why Materials Matter

Materials are everywhere: in paints, coatings, adhesives, furniture, flooring, insulation, plumbing, cleaning products, and even pesticides. Many contain chemicals that:

• Persist in the environment (legacy contaminants).
• Accumulate in the human body.
• Cause diseases, from asthma to neurological damage.

Did you know? Lead exposure alone accounted for an estimated 1 million deaths in 2017, even in places with regulations.

WELL’s Approach

The Materials concept tackles this issue with two key strategies:

1. Transparency – Promoting ingredient disclosure so we know what’s in the products we use.
2. Optimization – Choosing materials that are tested, certified, and proven safer for people and the environment.

Key Features of WELL v2™ Materials (X01–X12)

• X01–X03: Restrict and manage hazardous substances (asbestos, mercury, lead, PCBs, CCA).
• X04: Site remediation for contaminated land.
• X05–X06: Limit modern risks like PFAS, flame retardants, phthalates, and VOC emissions.
• X07–X08: Promote materials transparency and optimization with certifications like Declare, HPD, Cradle to Cradle.
• X09–X11: Manage waste, pesticides, and cleaning products responsibly.
• X12: Reduce human contact with pathogen-carrying surfaces.

Impact on Health & Environment

By implementing the Materials concept, projects can:

• Improve indoor air quality (IAQ).
• Protect workers, occupants, and nearby communities.
• Prevent exposure to toxic compounds.
• Drive market transformation towards green chemistry and safer products.

Practical Application

• Specify low-VOC paints, adhesives, and finishes.
• Choose furniture and flooring with third-party certifications.
• Avoid products with PFAS, HFRs, or phthalates.
• Implement sustainable waste and pest management.
• Use safer cleaning protocols and low-hazard products.

Conclusion

Healthy buildings start with healthy materials.
Every choice — from the paint on your walls to the chair you sit on — has the power to either harm or protect human health.

The WELL v2™ Materials concept helps ensure that what we can’t see, but touch, breathe, and live in is safe for all.

👉 Ready to make your next project WELL-aligned? Discover our free resources on healthier materials.

🛠️ WELL Materials Starter Kit

Transform your space with healthier materials and simple product swaps aligned with the WELL v2™ Materials concept:

💡 Philips LED Light Bulbs

Mercury-free, energy efficient, and safer than old CFL bulbs.

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🌬️ Amazon Smart Air Quality Monitor

Track VOCs, humidity, CO₂, and fine particles to protect your health.

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🎨 Bonus Tip: When painting, always choose Low-VOC or Zero-VOC paints to protect your indoor air quality.