Avoid VOC-containing materials; specify low-VOC finishes

Description

Avoid products, materials, and finishes (including furnishings) containing volatile organic compounds (VOCs). Specify low-VOC or zero-VOC paints, adhesives, sealants, and engineered-wood products with no-added-urea-formaldehyde (NAUF) cores. Consult EPA / Health Canada / WHO testing data for material safety prior to specification.

Why this exists

VOC off-gassing degrades indoor air quality for months to years after installation. The NKBA 4th ed flags this as a wellness baseline; the alternatives are widely available at price parity in 2024+.

Categories

Source

Solver enforcement

Browsable only — the solver does not currently enforce this directive (no spec-level data to check against). This entry exists so the architect personas can cite it in conversation and the user can read what the rule says.

Related directives

• Design HVAC for 69-80°F comfort range, 30-65% relative humidity · NKBA 4th ed §4.5 Human Comfort Zone
• All ventilation equipment must exhaust to the exterior of the building envelope · NKBA 4th ed §8.1 Ventilation Planning