Hylea
Building & Renovation
Construction materials, flooring, insulation, paints, sealants, and home improvement products. Many building materials contain chemicals that off-gas into indoor air for years and can affect installers, residents, and the environment.
Products in This Category
Resilient Flooring (Vinyl, Linoleum)
Flexible flooring products including vinyl (PVC), linoleum, rubber, and newer PVC-free options....
Insulation
Materials used to reduce heat transfer in walls, attics, and floors. Options range from mineral...
Interior Paint
Wall and ceiling coatings for indoor spaces. Modern latex/acrylic paints have replaced high-VOC...
Sealants & Caulk
Products used to fill gaps and joints around windows, doors, tubs, and other building elements....
Countertops
Kitchen and bathroom work surfaces made from stone, quartz composites, laminate, solid surface,...
Cabinetry & Millwork
Kitchen cabinets, bathroom vanities, built-in shelving, and other interior woodwork. Typically...
Water Pipes & Plumbing
Piping materials for potable water including copper, PVC, CPVC, PEX, and polypropylene....
Composite Wood Products
Engineered wood products including plywood, MDF (medium-density fiberboard), particleboard, and...
Carpet & Carpet Tile
Soft floor covering made from natural or synthetic fibers with various backing materials. May...
Wood Stains & Finishes
Coatings applied to wood surfaces for protection and aesthetics including stains, polyurethane,...
Drywall & Wall Panels
Gypsum board used for interior walls and ceilings. Generally low-concern but some specialty...
Roofing Materials
Exterior roof coverings including asphalt shingles, metal, tile, and single-ply membranes....
Category Overview
Building materials can contain formaldehyde in composite wood, isocyanates in spray foam, PFAS in stain treatments, and VOCs in paints and finishes. These affect indoor air quality and worker safety during installation.
Tips for Safer Choices
- ✓Choose low-VOC or zero-VOC paints and finishes
- ✓Select formaldehyde-free (NAF) composite wood products
- ✓Prefer mineral-based or natural insulation materials
- ✓Avoid vinyl (PVC) flooring and choose linoleum or natural alternatives
- ✓Look for GREENGUARD Gold or CDPH-certified products
- ✓Allow new materials to off-gas before occupancy when possible