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• Call the manufacturers to ask about any less-toxic alternatives they offer. Many
vendors have several product lines, one of which may contain less-harmful
ingredients than the others.

Paint
Paint can contain toxic heavy metals, whereas cleaning solvents can consist of toxic and
flammable petroleum-based products (such as mineral spirits, toluene, and xylene) that
emit volatile organic compounds (VOCs), which can combine with other pollutants to create
ozone. Buy and use latex or water-based paints, finishes, and varnishes rather than oil-based
paints. Also, buy zero- or low-VOC paints.
Carpet
Toxins are everywhere—even under your feet. When buying new carpet or replacing old
installations, choose carpets made with natural fibers, recycled nylon, or low VOCs. VOCs
can vaporize and enter the atmosphere, thus contributing to indoor air pollution.
Aerosols
Aerosol mists can trigger asthma and other breathing problems because they contain product
and propellant made up of very small droplets that are easily inhaled into the lungs. Up to
40 percent of the contents in an aerosol container can be propellants. The most common
propellants are propane, butane, nitrous oxide, and carbon dioxide. Most propellants are PART III
petroleum products that are highly flammable. Pump spray bottles are less likely to cause
direct health hazards because they are not pressured. They lack propellants, and they
deliver the product in larger droplets that are less able to penetrate the lungs.

Fluorescent Lamps
It’s better to buy fluorescent lamps because many other types contain mercury or lead.
Some fluorescent lamps do contain mercury; therefore, choose energy-efficient fluorescent
lamps that contain the lowest amount of mercury content. Also, consider installing motion
detectors to light rooms only when people are present, and use timers for other lights to
avoid them being left on.

NOTE Old exit signs should be replaced with LED exit signs or refitted to use LED lamps.
Paper
If you haven’t totally warmed to the idea of a paperless office, then consider buying
unbleached paper. The manufacture of office paper and janitorial paper products—including
paper towels, toilet paper, napkins, and toilet seat covers—can create hazardous byproducts
that are often discharged directly into surface waters such as rivers and the ocean. The use of
chlorine-containing bleaching agents to turn paper products bright white can generate a toxic
soup of various chlorinated pollutants (including chloroform and chlorinated furans). Look
for brands that are unbleached or that are whitened using only oxygen, ozone, hydrogen
peroxide, or another chlorine-free process.
Toner Cartridges
Every year, millions of spent toner and inkjet cartridges are thrown away and wind up in
landfills or incinerators. Buy locally remanufactured toner and inkjet cartridges, and be sure