Building for the Future: Green Construction Standards and the Fight Against Endocrine-Disrupting Chemicals
Over the past 50 years, chemicals—both synthetic and natural—have become an intractable element of our society. Indeed, advances in chemical technology have enabled us to enjoy vast improvements in quality of life by enhancing agricultural production, lengthening food shelf life, increasing the efficiency of pharmaceutical drugs, and improving sanitation standards. Currently, the chemical output of the United States is valued at $674 billion per year—approximately 20% of total global chemical production. Estimates place the domestic contribution of the chemical industry…