| From the President, Aug. 8, 2008: It has been an interesting week for BuildCleanTM. It's not often that a small not-for-profit is accused by a huge trade association of being "dangerous." My initial reaction was to laugh it off, but, because we have had the privilege of working with so many caring consumers, tradespeople and scientists since we began this organization a few months ago, I feel it's only fair to our constituents and friends that we defend BuildCleanTM publicly from the campaign the Marble Institute of America has undertaken to silence the search for knowledge. Most of you won't—and shouldn't—give the MIA's complaining a second thought, but for those of you who wonder about the credibility of their claims, here are some answers: 1.) First of all, BuildCleanTM is indeed a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization. My own career has been dedicated to the non-profit world, particularly in the areas of health and social services. We have been fortunate to receive seed funding from C&C North America, producer of Cosentino SenSa granite and Silestone, and from Cambria, a quartz-based solid surface producer. Neither company has attempted to set any agendas other than to promote research and knowledge. Our aim, however, is to be funded primarily by the public—people who care about the health and safety implications of indoor materials—you. Our objective remains solidly consistent with what you read on this website. We believe in providing consumers with information they may find helpful toward making their own decisions about what goes in their homes. 2.) BuildCleanTM is not a "front" for anything. Our first project has, indeed, been focused on testing homes for radioactivity (radon gas and gamma ray activity). Independent scientific information brought to us which indicated that a few colors of granite may emanate dangerous levels of radon gas (as defined by the U.S. EPA) generated the study, the results of which will be published on this website. Our message is test, test, test. Why would a trade group charged with promoting an industry not want to protect the professionals who work with materials that may be harmful to them?� Why don't they want to know? Subsequently, the news media has independently sought the opinion of experts, such as Dr. William Llope at Rice University, who is quite concerned about gamma ray exposure from granite slabs he has tested himself. BuildCleanTM's message is: We deserve to know what the risks are. Then we, as individual consumers, can make our own decisions (not be treated like children by Big Business). 3.) BuildCleanTM asked the MIA to join our organization and help us find the answers; they have not done so. We are certainly not a big organization, and we don't have the resources the MIA claims we do; it would be nice, but we don't! 4.) This isn't the first time a few voices have generated needed change. Help us move BuildCleanTM's mission forward. Become a part of the "500 for 500" effort to generate 500 contributions in 500 days by visiting www.buildclean.org/support. We are committed to helping you get the answers you need to make informed decisions, and your engagement in our efforts is needed. All the best, Sara |
