Elina Cardet, design director of interiors at Perkins+Will's Miami office, says that most 20th century building materials (steel, wood, glass, concrete) posed little health risk because they lacked synthetic materials (certain adhesives, PVC, volatile organic compounds, formaldehyde, etc.). Such materials can be carcinogenic as the human body has no way to neutralize their toxins.

At the beginning of every project, Perkins+Will talks with the client to establish healthy materials goals. But what are the best ways to minimize health risks? Photo 2 of 5 in Get a Primer on Healthy Materials in Architecture from this Cutting-Edge Design Center by Zach Edelson

Get a Primer on Healthy Materials in Architecture from this Cutting-Edge Design Center

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Elina Cardet, design director of interiors at Perkins+Will's Miami office, says that most 20th century building materials (steel, wood, glass, concrete) posed little health risk because they lacked synthetic materials (certain adhesives, PVC, volatile organic compounds, formaldehyde, etc.). Such materials can be carcinogenic as the human body has no way to neutralize their toxins.

At the beginning of every project, Perkins+Will talks with the client to establish healthy materials goals. But what are the best ways to minimize health risks?