In Search of High-Quality Hazard Data: HPDs Have Promise, but Most Aren’t Helpful Yet

In an attempt to find healthier materials, the building community has relied on everything from material safety data sheets (which focus primarily on worker safety) to VOC testing results (which only predict certain types of emissions) and product certifications (whose underlying methodology may be difficult to find or understand). Instead of creating clarity about chemicals in building products, the multiple formats have left many people more confused than ever.

Enter the Health Product Declaration (HPD). The intent of HPD version 1.0 was to provide the first standard format for disclosing ingredients and hazards in our building products.