Hardwood products are the leading building material due to its beautiful, natural qualities. On the other hand, some homeowners opt for cheaper hardwood alternatives like vinyl, laminate, or other plastics. However, they can be putting their family's health at risk due to the chemicals used in making the products.
The train derailment in East Palestine, Ohio has shown just how dangerous chemicals like vinyl chloride can be. Not only is it detrimental to the environment but also to the health of workers or communities that are exposed. This also includes the plastics made from vinyl chloride which are found in common household items. Building materials such as flooring, cabinets, doors, window frames, and mouldings are often made from polyvinyl chloride (PVC). Products like these can unknowingly put millions of families at risk when they are used in their home. Chemicals like vinyl chloride are dangerous as it takes a significant time period before the environment is no longer affected. Furthermore, if these chemicals become airborne, they can potentially affect a person’s health.
Hardwoods are a Healthier Alternative to Hazardous Polyvinyl Chloride Products
PVC plastics are created with toxic chemicals, those chemicals are then released into your home as they break down. The most serious problem with these products is that they are also hazardous when burnt. Regardless if the fire is large-scale or simply burnt by dropping something, the air can be contaminated with toxic fumes. On top of the fire hazard, PVC products can break down as dust and create potential respiratory problems over time. Young children are particularly susceptible as they often play on the floor, closer to the source of toxic materials.
Conversely, hardwoods are much safer as they don’t release any harmful gasses since they are natural products! Furthermore when compared to fabric based products like carpet, hardwoods are the healthier option as well. Fabric materials tend to accumulate dust, allergens, and even bugs within its fibers, making it hard to remove from your home. On the other hand, hardwoods are better for anyone suffering from allergies due to its easy-to-clean nature. There’s nowhere to hide or grow on hardwood materials.
Hardwoods Help Reduce Carbon Emissions For a Healthier Environment
The benefits of building your house with hardwoods also extend to the environment. Typically, fossil fuels that release carbon emissions create a significant imbalance in the carbon cycle. This is because the rate of carbon being released into the atmosphere far exceeds the amount that is removed. Additionally, the increased carbon emissions take several years before it becomes absorbed into the soil or plants as nutrients. While all plants utilize carbon in their growth process, trees are the main source of “carbon storage”. In fact, they can store up to 50% of their weight in carbon over their long lifetime! Fossil fuel-intensive products and building materials (steel, concrete, plastic, and more) have a considerable impact on a home’s carbon footprint. Furthermore, products like vinyl are non-biodegradable materials and are practically non recyclable due to the chemicals. Homes that are built with hardwood products can actually lower their carbon impact up to 20 times. Of course wood also releases carbon through burning or decaying. However, by the end of a hardwood product’s lifespan, there will be new trees and plants to absorb the amount of carbon that is released.
Natural Hardwood Products are Created From Sustainable, Managed Sources
Products made from hardwoods beneficial to the environment and human health. When a tree dies, it no longer can absorb carbon in addition to becoming a fire hazard. So cutting down mature trees for hardwood products before they die is actually quite essential for forest health. Once the taller tree is removed, younger trees are able to receive more sunlight to grow more efficiently. The hardwood industry is and works towards responsible forest management. According to the National Wood Flooring Association, more than two trees are regrown for every one that is harvested within the United States.
What’s more is the efficient resource usage of the hardwood industry. Every aspect of the log, branches, twigs, bark, and sawdust is used. From kilns and sawmill fuel or products like wood pellets or animal bedding, this efficiency creates minimal material waste. Compared to fossil fuel created materials, hardwood products use less resources in the production process. So hardwoods help keep your home cleaner, create a better environment, and promote forest management. Together we can make a healthier environment, but only you can make your home safer with the right materials. Contact us at Heritage Oak to learn how to make your home safer with hardwood products.