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Driving Sustainability, Resiliency, Health & Wellness

Understanding the Role of Chemistry in Interior Design

With a focus on sustainability, “well building” design and the latest trends that enable resilient, more efficient homes, schools and workplaces, interior designers have the power to make choices that can transform commercial and residential building spaces in innovative ways.

The products of chemistry are an essential component of this transformation. Chemicals are the building blocks for many high-performing materials that contribute to durable carpet and flooring, comfortable furniture, energy efficient lighting and bright, bold paint colors.

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Making plans to attend NeoCon 2021?

From health and wellness to diversity and inclusion and resilient design, NeoCon 2021 will bring together leading product manufacturers and design experts to address some of our world’s greatest challenges, exploring the role of design in shaping the future. Read below for information about how chemistry materials help designers drive sustainability in the built environment and make design bright.
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Chemistry in Materials Selection & Specification

The products of chemistry have an important role in advancing sustainability, health and wellness in the building, design and construction space. Check out the new issue brief from the American Chemistry Council and The American Society of Interior Designers on the connection between chemistry and materials and learn more on questions interior designers should consider when specifying products.
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How and where are chemicals used in interior design?

Materials made possible by chemistry are used all over a building’s interior – from paints and wall coverings, to carpets and composite flooring, to kitchen and bathroom countertops, as well as furniture and lighting in every living space.
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How should designers make decisions about chemicals in building materials and interior products to protect occupant health and safety?

Designers are sometimes asked to consider how future occupants may be exposed to chemical ingredients used in building materials and interior products. Will the product make life easier and more convenient? Conversely, are there any concerns associated with the products and materials being used? While designers are not expected to be experts on chemical materials, they are increasingly asked to make materials selection decisions.
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Are there hazardous chemicals that interior designers should avoid?

Chemical ingredients are the backbone of a host of innovative products and materials used in interior design. But some designers may have concerns about the possible health effects of some chemical ingredients used in everyday products. It is important to remember that the mere presence of a chemical ingredient in a building interior material or product does not mean that the chemical will cause harm to building occupants. The level of risk posed by a chemical ingredient is not just determined by the physical properties of the chemical itself but depends on a range of factors, including how a person is exposed to the chemical, at what concentration and for how long.
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