This course covers a wide range of concepts related to toxicology and the chemistry of healthier materials. You learn about toxic substances in the built environment, the impact of specific chemicals on human health, unsatisfactory substitutions, and barriers to change. Finally, you examine ways to remove chemicals of concern in common building products. This course is designed to give you a basic understanding of chemistry in the built environment. This course is intended for anyone, but experience in design, architecture, or a similar field will be beneficial.
Material Chemistry and Sustainable Building
Material Chemistry and Sustainable Building
This course is part of Healthier Materials and Sustainable Building Specialization
Instructors: Alison Mears AIA, LEED AP
Included with 
Gain insight into a topic and learn the fundamentals.
4.7
(11 reviews)
Intermediate level
Recommended experience
11 hours to complete
3 weeks at 3 hours a week
Flexible schedule
Learn at your own pace
What you'll learn
Develop a scientific understanding of toxic chemicals in building materials and their impact on human health
Explore chemical innovations in healthier and more sustainable building materials
Apply strategies for reducing exposure to toxic chemicals in the built environment
Details to know
Shareable certificate
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Assessments
3 assignments
Taught in English
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This course is part of the Healthier Materials and Sustainable Building Specialization
When you enroll in this course, you'll also be enrolled in this Specialization.
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There are 3 modules in this course
Welcome to Chemistry of Building Materials and Human Health. In this module, we'll learn about the essentials of chemistry, materials, and human health. We will analyze the implications of toxic chemicals in the built environment. By the end of this week, you will know how Green Chemistry can be used to create healthier materials. Let's get started!
What's included
11 videos6 readings1 assignment4 discussion prompts
Welcome to Toxicology of the Built Environment. In this module, we'll learn about the principles of toxicology and how to evaluate the toxicology of chemicals. You will gain an understanding of how hormone disrupting chemicals pose a specific risk in the built environment. We will see why this is especially important to consider in the context of vulnerable populations. Let's get started!
What's included
7 videos4 readings1 assignment3 discussion prompts
Welcome to Understanding Chemicals of Concern and Driving Change. In this module, we'll learn about chemical classification for safety, the specific classes of chemicals of concern, and how to take action through tools for evaluating materials and chemicals. We will then explore how to reduce exposure to the chemical classes of concern. You will discover how to screen and evaluate chemicals in building materials. Let's get started!
What's included
8 videos3 readings1 assignment1 peer review3 discussion prompts
Offered by
Recommended if you're interested in Public Health
Parsons School of Design, The New School
Parsons School of Design, The New School
Parsons School of Design, The New School
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