Choosing Healthier Building Materials: What Labels Can and Can’t Tell You

Paint, flooring, cabinets and furniture are part of the air and surfaces we live with every day. When I look at a home or renovation plan, I like to ask what a product is made of, what information is available about its emissions and how it will be installed and maintained.

Balueva Donstein · September 30, 2026

Start with the product, not the marketing language

Terms such as “green,” “natural,” “non-toxic” and “low-VOC” can mean different things. Ask for the exact product name, technical data sheet, safety information and any independent emissions or ingredient disclosure. A broad claim on a label is not a complete description of a product.

Understand VOC content versus emissions

Some paints, adhesives, finishes, furnishings and building materials can release volatile organic compounds. VOC content and what a finished product emits into indoor air are related but different questions. EPA notes that VOCs vary widely and that product labels and certification programs are not standardized across the market. Ventilation and following product instructions matter, especially during installation and painting.

Use certifications for the question they answer

A third-party emissions certification can help compare products tested to a defined standard. Ingredient-disclosure programs can offer a different kind of transparency. For example, UL GREENGUARD addresses chemical emissions, while Declare labels provide product ingredient information. Neither label should be read as a guarantee that a product is risk-free or suitable for every person or use.

Prioritize the materials you are actually changing

If you are renovating, make a short list of high-use products—paint, adhesives, flooring, composite wood, cabinetry and furnishings. Compare data for the specific product and finish, choose the option that meets the project’s performance needs, and plan for ventilation and safe installation. “Natural” is not automatically durable, low-emitting or appropriate for every application.

Durability and moisture control belong in the conversation

A product’s service life, cleaning requirements and compatibility with the room matter too. Good ventilation, leak prevention and prompt repairs can help protect a building from moisture problems. Ask your contractor or designer how materials will perform in kitchens, baths and other high-humidity areas.

A simple product-review checklist

Before buying, record the manufacturer and model; review the technical documents; confirm what a certification covers; check installation and ventilation requirements; and ask how the product will be cleaned, repaired or replaced. If someone in the household has a specific health concern, consult a qualified clinician or indoor environmental professional.