Parsons Healthy Material Lab Study Finds Toxic Plastics in US Manufactured Homes
A recent report from Parsons School of Design's Healthy Material Lab reveals concerning findings about the safety of prefab homes across the United States. The study uncovers the presence of dangerous substances, particularly petrochemical plastics and toxic compounds found in materials used for kitchens and bathrooms, including polyethylene, polyvinyl chloride, and polypropylene. Jonsara Ruth, who evaluated a home by Northstar Systembuilt in Minnesota, emphasized that cost-cutting measures often jeopardize health standards. The research calls for the adoption of safer building materials, referencing past issues like those related to FEMA trailers post-Hurricane Katrina. Manufacturing of such homes has decreased significantly since the 1970s.
Key facts
- Parsons School of Design's Healthy Material Lab released a study on health and environmental impacts of building materials in manufactured homes.
- The study found petrochemical-based plastics and toxic additives in flooring, paint, cabinetry, and insulation.
- Polyethylene, polyvinyl chloride, and polypropylene were the main plastics identified, mostly in kitchens and bathrooms.
- The sample was a single affordable home from Northstar Systembuilt in Minnesota; researchers posed as buyers to obtain material information.
- Manufactured home deliveries peaked in the 1970s at up to 500,000 per month, now around 100,000 per month according to US Census Bureau data.
- Jonsara Ruth, executive design director of Healthy Material Labs, said affordability drives material choices that externalize health and environmental costs.
- The study suggests healthier alternatives like linoleum flooring and wood finishes instead of plastic.
- Northstar Systembuilt did not respond to Dezeen's request for comment.
Entities
Artists
- Jonsara Ruth
- Shanna Swan
- Roger Starnes Sr
Institutions
- Parsons School of Design
- Healthy Material Lab
- Northstar Systembuilt
- US Census Bureau
- Green Science Policy Institute
- FEMA
- Enterprise Community Partners
- Clayton Homes
- National Institute for Health
- Natural Material Studio
- Dezeen
Locations
- Minnesota
- United States
- Denmark
Sources
- Dezeen —