PROJECT TITLE
Finishes and Furnishings Selection Criteria for a Multiple Chemical Sensitive (MCS) Client

AUTHOR
Linda L. Nussbaumer, Ph.D.
South Dakota State University
Brookings, SD
linda_nussbaumer@sdstate.edu

PROJECT LEVEL
Junior

ABSTRACT
This project involves the creation of a Finishes and Furnishings Selection Criteria for a person with Multiple Chemical Sensitivity (MCS). The appropriate finishes and furnishings are crucial for the user's well being and, particularly for a person with MCS. MCS is an environmental disease that involves an increased sensitivity to many chemicals — petro-chemicals and their derivatives — encountered daily. For many individuals, the chemicals emitted into the air are potentially dangerous. There are a variety of reasons for this; three are related to indoor air quality for MCS individuals. One is that we spend more time indoors, another is that we have man-made products that emit chemicals into the air within our built environment, and the other is that our buildings are constructed to be air-tight in order to conserve energy. Our energy tight houses do not allow gasses emitted from products to escape.

Chemical sensitivity is on the rise because of the number of chemicals within our environment. Since we spend the greatest amount of time indoors, chemicals within the built environment have caused the increase in chemical sensitivity. With the increased use of chemicals in manufacturing products for our built environments, many individuals have developed MCS. These individuals need a healthy home environment Û free of chemicals.

This project will help students understand MCS and the challenges in selecting materials for the interior. Research on MCS will be conducted, selection criteria for an MCS home will be developed, and from the criteria, materials will be chosen. Materials will include floor covering, wall covering, upholstery fabric, and window treatments. Furnishing within the space must be evaluated and determine for their appropriateness to an MCS person's space.

OBJECTIVES
1. To develop an understanding of how the various materials selected by interior designers affect people within the interior environment.
2. To research MCS and the type of interior environment that is best for MCS person.
3. To develop a Finishes and Furnishings Selection Criteria List.
4. To use the list to evaluate material selection, existing furnishing and the purchase of new furniture.

CRITERIA
1. Identify the problem.
2. Research MCS through the Internet search, library, and/or an MCS person.
3. Research must be presented in written form as follows: Definition of MCS, Special needs, and Environmental considerations.
4. Develop Finishes and Furnishings Selection Criteria List. List must be typed in spreadsheet form.
5. Select and evaluate materials. Type a specification list of interior finishes (not furniture). Prepare a sample board or collage of chosen materials.

SCENARIO
Joe and Mary Dowell have hired you, their interior designer, to create a healthy interior environment. Mary suffers from MCS and needs to be in a healthy environment — an environment in which the indoor air is clean and free of chemical emissions. You will develop a Finishes and Furnishings Selection Criteria List, select and evaluate materials, type a specification list, and prepare a presentation of the materials.

PROCESS
1. The project will take three class periods along with outside research time.

2. Students will receive an assignment sheet prior to the class period; the assignment may be e-mailed to students as an attachment.

3. Prior to the 1st class period, students will have received and read the handout and researched MCS.

4. In class, students will analyze the research and develop the selection criteria
* Selection criteria may be typed in spreadsheet form similar to the following example. (Only a few criteria are shown as examples).

5. During the 2nd class period, students will use the selection criteria to choose the appropriate materials and prepare a visual presentation (sample board or collage) of their selection.

6. Before the final class period the following must be completed.
(a) Research in written form as follows: Definition of MCS, special needs of the MCS person, and environmental considerations.
* Selection criteria in spreadsheet form (see format above).
(b) Select and evaluate materials.
** Specification list of interior finishes — not furniture.
(c) Prepare a sample board or collage of chosen materials.

7. At the beginning of the 3rd class period, projects must be complete, and students will share their research and visual presentation.

PRESENTATION
Students will present their research and visual presentation in one of the following ways: PowerPoint presentation of research and selection criteria along with a sample board or collage; an electronic file of research and selection criteria along with a sample board or collage; or notebook with typed research and spreadsheet of selection criteria along with a sample board or collage.

EVALUATION
Students will research MCS, develop selection criteria from which materials are evaluated and selected, write a specification list, and create a visual presentation. Evaluation will be based on the appropriate selection criteria and materials for the MCS person.

PROJECT LENGTH
The project will be completed within three class periods. Students will receive the assignment during the 1st class period or by e-mail attachment prior to class. They will read the project assignment and questions may be asked. Before the 2nd class period, students will complete their research and develop selection criteria. During the 2nd class period, students will select materials and begin preparation of the presentation. Project will be due at the beginning of the 3rd class period. Students will share the research and visual presentation.

REFERENCES
Internet web sites
     http://www.MCSurvivors.com
     http://www.mcsrr.org
     http://www.ourlittleplace.com

Library search - periodicals

Matrices on MCS
Nussbaumer, L. L. (1996). Multiple Chemical Sensitivity Related to Chemicals and Products Matrix—Matrix A

Nussbaumer, L. L. (1996). Interior Products with Pollutants from Multiple Chemical Sensitivity Related to Chemicals and Products Matrix — Matrix B

Nussbaumer, L. L. (1996). Creation of a Healthy Environment for MCS Individuals matrix

Nussbaumer, L. L. (1996). Comparison of Housing Types matrix

Text Books
Anderson, N. & Benoist, A. (1994). Your health and your house. New Canaan, Connecticut: Keats Publishing, Inc.

Bower, J. (1993). The healthy house. New York: Carol Publishing Group.

Bower, J. (1997). The healthy house, (3rd ed.). Bloomington, IN: The Healthy House Institute.

Hunter, L. M. (1989). The healthy home. New York: Pocket Books.

Jackman, D. R. & Dixon, M. K. (1990). The Guide to Textiles for Interior Designers, 2nd ed. Winnebeg: Peguis.

The Minnesota Department of Health Community Health Services Division Public Health Nursing Section. (1992). Assessment of health risks in the home environment.

Pilatowics, G. (1995). Eco-interiors: A Guide to Environmentally Conscious Design. New York: John Wiley & Sons, Inc.

United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). (1991), Understanding indoor air quality. Introduction To Indoor Air Quality Û A Self-Paced Learning Module, Lesson 4.

United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). (1993). The inside story — A guide to indoor air quality. Introduction to Indoor Air Quality Û A Self-Paced Learning Module.

Yaeger, J (2000). Textiles for Residential and Commercial Interiors. New York: Fairchild Publications.


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