Marilyn Black, Ph.D. will speak at this year’s First Annual International Green Building Conference and Expo hosted by the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC), to be held in Austin, TX, on November 13-15, 2002. The event is designed to serve as the annual "meeting place" for green building professionals. More than 2,000 attendees will attend a diverse educational program geared to beginners and experts alike.

Black’s presentation will feature recent technological advances in building construction techniques, building operation and material manufacturing that allow for better indoor environments. She will present the latest information on how to address indoor air pollution by designing, constructing, furnishing and operating buildings with the goal of protecting the health of the occupants. Participants will be introduced to the GREENGUARD Certification Program for the selection of low emitting construction materials and indoor furnishings.

Recent studies by the National Academy of Sciences indicate that indoor pollution and substances such as volatile chemicals, e.g. formaldehyde, small particles, and toxic molds are significant contributors to a sharp increase in respiratory illnesses. These problems can plague all buildings including offices, homes, schools, day care centers and healthcare facilities. People spend more than 90 percent of their time indoors and, in doing so, are exposing themselves to these "toxic brews." The indoor pollution results from numerous sources including building products, construction processes, furnishings, and building processes.

"Children are especially susceptible," said. Black. "Their bodies are still developing, and they take their environments for granted or believe they are being protected." She added that indoor environments can be significantly improved with materials and processes already available and with minimal additional costs.

The GREENGUARD Environmental Institute is an independent, non-profit organization that oversees the GREENGUARD Certification Program, including the establishment of acceptable standards for indoor products and testing protocols. Its goal is to improve public health and quality of life by helping manufacturers build better and safer products.

For more information, visit www.usgbc.org .

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