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About this Program:
 

Step into the courtroom for a lively, interactive mock trial exploring the complex world of chemicals in building materials. This session features a defense attorney, prosecutor, and judge presenting evidence, while you—the audience—serve as
the jury.

 

The case? Thousands of chemicals are embedded in homes, which are assembled by hundreds of tradespeople. Only a fraction of these chemicals have established human toxicity data, making it nearly impossible to fully assess health impacts—especially the combined effects of multiple chemicals in one environment. Can builders and designers realistically source safer alternatives, and will building owners pay for “low-toxicity” homes? Who should bear responsibility when occupants bring additional chemical exposures into the building via furniture, cleaning products, or personal care items—potentially creating a “toxic soup”?
 

The defense case (Joe Medosch) will argue that builders were unaware the “gun was loaded” and that solutions like proper whole-house ventilation, while effective, are not required, designed, or commissioned in many homes or smaller commercial spaces. Learn how the updated concept of the “Building and Occupant as a System” expands the responsibility debate, and how practical, balanced solutions like ventilation can reduce occupant exposure.
 

Through humor, science, and real-world debate, this session illustrates the challenges of modern construction, the limitations of oversight, and the practical steps professionals can take to protect indoor health.

 

Who Should Attend:  Builders, HVAC and ventilation professionals, building inspectors, indoor air quality consultants, environmental health specialists, code officials, and anyone interested in the health, safety, and performance of modern homes.

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What You'll Learn
 

1. Why chemicals in building materials are largely unregulated and the challenges in assessing their combined health impacts.

2. How proper ventilation can mitigate chemical exposures and why design, installation, and commissioning matter.

3. Practical strategies builders, designers, and other and professionals can use when sourcing materials or managing occupant exposures.

4. Identify at least three resources for researching chemicals in building materials.

5. Appreciate that correlation does not always equal causation when evaluating health outcomes.

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About the Presenter:

Joe Medosch is Director of Training for measureQuick and a national industry trainer with 20+ years of home evaluation experience. His multi-trade background gives him a unique perspective on the “House and Occupant as a System,” helping professionals integrate healthier, energy-efficient, and safer solutions. Joe has extensive certifications and committee experience across IAQ, IEQ, building science, and performance standards.

 

Program Level: Basic
 

Content Areas:

All Buildings

Ventilation

IAQ Monitoring

Construction Practices

Building Science

Indoor Chemistry

Indoor Biome

Cost/Benefit of IAQ

Investigation/Remediation of IAQ Problems

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