Links of Interest
Links of Interest
Note: We want to provide links of interest to our readers, and to those of you who happen upon our website. If you know of a website that promotes healthy, non-toxic household or building products and feel it should be included on this list, please contact the webmaster.
Note: Please feel free to link to this website if your site promotes healthy building materials and practices, and if your site covers the adverse health impacts of the built environment on human health.
To reach George Swanson, retailer of nontoxic, breathable building materials discussed in "Breathing Walls," contact him at 512-653-8624
Email georgeswanson245@yahoo.com
Website: www.geoswan.com
Mailing address: 6705 Hwy 290 West, Suite 502
Austin, Texas 78735
Building Materials -- Thick Wall
Durisol
Makers of Durisol brand Low-Density Cement-Fiber Wall Form Systems.
Based in Ontario, Canada. ICC rated; 905-521-0999.
ShelterWorks
Makers of Faswall brand Low-Density Cement-Fiber Wall Form Systems.
Based in Corvallis, Oregon; 541-929-8010.
Building Materials -- Thick Wall -- Autoclaved Aerated Concrete (AAC) Producers
SafeCrete, Ringold, Georgia
Makers of Autoclaved Aerated Concrete; 706-965-4587.
Xella Aircrete North America, Atlanta, Georgia
Makers of Autoclaved Aerated Concrete; 888-935-5287.
Aercon Florida, Haines City, Florida
Makers of Autoclaved Aerated Concrete; 863-422-6360.
E-Crete, Scottsdale, Arizona
Makers of Autoclaved Aerated Concrete; 866-508-5803.
Autoclaved Aerated Concrete Products Association (AACPA),
Haines City, Florida
Promoting AAC Products in North America through research, education and standardization.
Building Materials -- Thick Wall -- Log Homes Resources
National Builders Association, Log Homes Council
A national organization with membership comprised of manufacturers of log homes;
800-368-5242, Ext. 8577.
Building Materials -- Magnesium-Based Boards
An excellent review article on magnesium boards appeared in Walls and Ceilings magazine in their November 2007 issue, simply entitled, "MgO Board," by Robert Thomas. To read the article, click here.
Dragonboard
Makers of Dragonboard brand magnesium oxide 4X8 foot boards for sheathing, wallboard, subfloors and roofing panels, imported from China. Importer located in New York. These boards have thermal mass, do not outgas toxic fumes, and are water, mold, fire and insect-resistant. ASTM testing data available on website. The company has applied for ICC rating. Available through George Swanson (see above);
866-447-3232
MagBoard
Nevada-based makers of MagBoard brand magnesium oxide 4X8 foot boards for sheathing, wallboard, subfloors and roofing panels. These panels have thermal mass, do not outgas toxic fumes, and are water, mold, fire and insect-resistant. Testing data available on website;
775-338-2252
Magnesiacore
Canadian makers of Magnesiacore brand magnesium oxide 4X8 foot boards for sheathing, wallboard, subfloors and roofing panels. These panels have thermal mass, do not outgas toxic fumes, and are water, mold, fire and insect-resistant. Testing data available on website.
Magnesium-Based Cement and Stucco
George Swanson, an Austin, Texas-based Building Biologist and builder (512-653-8624; www.geoswan.com; georgeswanson245@yahoo.com) is now offering a full range of magnesium oxide stuccos, joint compounds, grout and mastics. He calls them "Magna-Blends, All Natural Mineral Based Powder Mixes;"
512-385-4326.
Grancrete
North Carolina-based maker of magnesium phosphate building products, including exterior stucco that is all natural, non-toxic, durable, waterproof yet breathable, and impact and crack resistant;
919-597-2500.
Gigacrete
Nevda-based maker of magnesium building products, including Stucco Max, an all purpose, one coat, impact resistant exterior and interior stucco material. Shrink and crack resistant; also insect, mold, and moisture resistant. Affordable at $10 for a 50 pound bag;
702-643-6363.
Bindan
Chicago-based maker of magnesium oxide-based building products;
630-734-0277.
CeraTech
Virginia-based maker of magnesium oxide-based rapid-hardening materials for the repair of horizontal, vertical and sloped surfaces. Can be used as a parge layer; 800-581-8397.
Mineral Stucco-Paints
Keim
A potassium silicate bio-compatible natural mineral stucco-paint. Penetrates and bonds to the substrate (cement, wood, steel) rather than just coating it. Will not fade, peel, mold or crack. Used over 125 years in Europe. When used over magnesium oxide board, will provide a strong mineral to mineral bond. Fully tintable. 100% waterproofing but 98% vapor permeable. Keeps rainwater out, but fully allows moisture vapor within the wall to get out. (It all depends upon water molecule size.)
Available to clients throughout the US from George Swanson in Austin, Texas (512-653-8624) as well as Keim Mineral Coatings of America, Inc. in Charlotte, North Carolina;
866-906-5346; 704-588-4811.
Edison Coatings
A bio-compatible natural mineral stucco-paint. Penetrates and bonds to the substrate (cement, wood, steel) rather than just coating it. Will not fade, peel, mold or crack. When used over magnesium oxide board, will provide a strong mineral to mineral bond. Fully tintable. Also makers of Rosendale cement. 100% waterproofing but 98% vapor permeable. Keeps rainwater out, but fully allows moisture vapor within the wall to get out. (It all depends upon water molecule size.)
Made in Plainville, Connecticut;
800-697-8055.
Silacote
A silicate bio-compatible natural mineral stucco-paint. Penetrates and bonds to the substrate (cement, wood, steel) rather than just coating it. Will not fade, peel, mold or crack. When used over magnesium oxide board, will provide a strong mineral to mineral bond. Fully tintable. 100% waterproofing but 98% vapor permeable. Keeps rainwater out, but fully allows moisture vapor within the wall to get out. (It all depends upon water molecule size.)
Offices throughout North America;
800-766-3157.
Eco House, Inc.
A potassium silicate bio-compatible natural mineral stucco-paint. Penetrates and bonds to the substrate (cement, wood, steel) rather than just coating it. Will not fade, peel, mold or crack. When used over magnesium oxide board, will provide a strong mineral to mineral bond. Fully tintable. 100% waterproofing but 98% vapor permeable. Keeps rainwater out, but fully allows moisture vapor within the wall to get out. (It all depends upon water molecule size.)
Made in Fredericton, New Brunswick;
877-ECO-House.
Pervious Cement
Ecocreto
Manufacturer of 100% pervious pavement which is stronger than concrete; lets rainwater flow through quickly and completely;
866-326-2738.
Building Materials -- Ecological, "Green" and Non-Toxic -- Retailers
Livingreen
A Southern California green building materials retailer with stores in Culver City (greater Los Angeles area), Santa Barbara
and Montecito. Livingreen carries a full line of non-toxic building materials including wall coverings, flooring and
countertops, as well as home furnishings, cleaners, and items for garden and landscape, and nursery and kids;
866-966-1319.
Green Building Supply
Retail supplier of a complete line of environmentally friendly and non-toxic building products
by AFM, Dunn-Edwards, Bio-Shield and other manufacturers including flooring, paints, adhesives, and insulation, as well as plumbing fixtures and cabinetry. Located in Fairfield, Iowa. Ships nationwide;
800-405-0222, 641-469-5558.
Natural Built Home
A Minneapolis, Minnesota-based retailer of safe, sustainable and eco-friendly building supplies and materials, including natural flooring, safe paints, plasters, countertops, lighting and non-toxic cleaning supplies. Ships nationwide;
612-605-7999.
eco-terric
Providing natural beauty for natural homes. Offering green and healthy home furnishings, floor and window coverings, design services and consultation. Located in Bozeman, Montana. Ships nationwide;
406-582-7643.
Building Materials -- Non-toxic Paints and Finishes
Note: The following three companies design their products specifically to be tolerated by multiple chemically sensitive clients (but always test their products for individual sensitivity in all cases):
American Formulating and Manufacturing (AFM)
San Diego, California-based manufacturer of low and no toxicity products including
paints, adhesives, tile grout, varnishes and finishes as well as cleansers and mold inhibiters;
619-239-0321.
BioShield
Santa Fe, New Mexico-based maker of non-toxic paints, stains, finishes and cleaners;
800-621-2591.
Mythic
Hattiesburg, Mississippi-based maker of non-toxic paints;
888-714-9423.
These companies also make zero-VOC, non-toxic paint products:
Yolo Colorhouse
Portland, Oregon-based maker of non-toxic paint and finishes;
877-493-8275.
Ecoprocote
Phoenix, Arizona maker of Dura Soy One brand and other non-toxic biological-based paint, stain and finishes made from soy, not petroleum. Allows you to avoid use of primer;
877-366-7547.
Dunn-Edwards
Los Angeles, California-based maker of non-toxic paint and finishes;
888-337-2468.
Additional manufacturers of non-toxic paint and wall coverings:
Back to Nature
Environmentally safe paint and varnish removers, and other specialty products;
732-792-2001.
The W.W. Henry Company
Makers of a complete line of environmentally friendly flooring adhesives (generally "low-toxocity" but not non-toxic);
800-232-4832.
Eco-Friendly Painting Resource Guide. A history of eco-friendly paint provided by the folks at Moloney Painting of Victoria, British Columbia.
Building Materials -- Environmentally-Friendly Wood Products and Furniture
The Collins Companies
A 150 year old company producing Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) certified soft and hardwood lumber products.
"All three Collins forests-Pennsylvania, Almanor, and Lakeview-have been independently certified by Scientific Certification Systems (SCS) in accordance with the principles and criteria of the Forest Stewardship Council.
"The 295,000 acres of Collins timberlands are biodiverse, multi-layered, canopied forests, not single-species tree farms. They are self-sustaining, containing more wood today than they did over a hundred years ago. They are home to bald eagles, black bears, wild turkeys, rubber boas, beavers, great blue heron rookeries and the endangered Goose Lake redband trout. They are enriched by meadows, springs, creeks, rivers, and lakes. They are naturally healthy forests-growing trees only from sunshine, water, and nutrients from fertile soil."
800-329-1219, 503-417-7755.
Agriboard Industries
Makers of environmentally-friendly floor, wall and roof panels made of compressed wheat or rice straw. Located in Wichita, Kansas;
866-247-4267, 316-630-9223.
Baltix
Makers of sustainable and non-toxic office furniture. From the company website: "Baltix offers a new and fresh approach to the commercial furniture marketplace. We offer a closed-loop solution that eliminates the requirement for the harvesting of trees and the need to throw things 'away' in landfills at the end of useful life.
Baltix uses sustainable natural materials that contain no harmful adhesives, formaldehydes or VOC's, which makes our unique offering good for you and good for the environment. Our products are highly functional modular in design, aesthetically pleasing and are offered in a wide range of colors and material options to best meet your requirements and your budget." Located in Long Lake, Minnesota;
763-210-0155.
Waterproofing Materials
Cosella-Dorken
Manufacturers of Delta-MS residential foundation water proofing dimple mats;
888-433-5824.
Cetco
Manufacturers of Texdrain (dimple mat) and Claymax mats, sold as Volclay and Aquadrain, for moisture control in foundations;
800-527-9948.
J-Drain
J-Drain carries a full line of horizontal and vertical dimpled waterproofing materials;
800-843-7569.
BASF Building Systems
(formerly Chemrex)
Makers of Thoroseal cementitious foundation water proofer, which is water vapor permeable to allow substrates to dry out and is environmentally friendly (no asphalt);
952-496-6000.
Miracle Cover
A fully breathable non-toxic water-based silicon rubber sealer and waterproofer. Enhances the water resistance of a mineral/stucco paint. Mix this into the mineral/stucco paint so that later you can paint over it and change the color. If you apply this full strength over your stucco/paint, you can never change the color, as nothing bonds to it. It is an excellent breathable waterproofer that makes rain drops bead up, but allows moisture vapor to escape from inside;
800-304-7325.
Website for the International Institute for Bau-biologie® and Ecology
International Institute for Bau-Biologie® and Ecology (IBE)
A national resource of information and products for healthy buildings. Offering courses & seminars in building biology®.
727-461-4371
Other Books Written by Our Authors as well as by Building Biologists and Healthy Home Experts
"Dome Scrap Book" by George Swanson
The Dome Scrap Book, published in 1981, was inspired by the works of Buckminster Fuller. It distills George’s experiences designing and participating in building more than 300 geodesic dome structures in the Pacific Northwest from 1974 to 1981.
"Prescriptions for A Healthy House" by Paula Baker-Laporte, Erica Elliott, MD, and John Banta
Considered the bible on building a non-toxic healthy home. The authors include an architect and Bau-biologist, a family physician trained in environmental medicine, and an indoor environmental expert.
"Eco Nest -- Creating Sustainable Sanctuaries of Clay, Straw and Timber" by Paula Baker-Laporte and Robert Laporte
A beautiful compendium of the living spaces created by architect and Building Biologist, Paula Baker-Laporte and her builder husband, Robert Laporte. These buildings are built with nontoxic materials in a way that respects the environment around them and makes wise use of resources.
"The Good House Book: A Common Sense Guide to Alternative Homebuilding" by Clark Snell
This builder experienced in natural materials describes the use of straw bale, straw clay, cordwood and other time-tested building methods.
"Homes That Heal (And Those That Don't): How Your Home May Be Harming Your Family's Health" by Athena Thompson
An easy-to-understand introduction to the science of Building Biology® and how it applies towards new construction, remodels and the daily maintenance of a home. Solution-oriented and humorous, this book is full of advise and stories that empower people to take back their health on a daily basis. Includes a Healthy Home Quiz to get you started."
"Healthy Living Spaces -- Top 10 Hazards Affecting Your Health" by Daniel Stih
Dan takes you through a step-by-step analysis of the causes of ill health in your home and what you can do to eliminate them. He covers mold, indoor air quality, toxic cleaning products, and other important topics.
"Just Green It!" by Ron and Lisa, Beres
Written by a husband and wife team of building biologists located in Irvine, California, this book presents "Simple Swaps to Save the Planet and Your Health." From their website, "'Just Green It!' is a unique guide to eco-friendly lifestyle choices which offers hundreds of simple product swaps. It compares brand-name products side-by-side, making it easy for consumers to make environmentally-friendly choices on everything from light bulbs and mattresses to baby food. Along the way, Ron and Lisa debunk the 'greenwashing' that is so prevalent in modern marketing."