Description
From long-standing worries regarding the use of lead and asbestos to recent research into carcinogenic issues related to the use of plastics in construction, there is growing concern regarding the potential toxic effects of building materials on health. Toxicity of building materials provides an essential guide to this important problem and its solutions.Beginning with an overview of the material types and potential health hazards presented by building materials, the book goes on to consider key plastic materials. Materials responsible for formaldehyde and volatile organic compound emissions, as well as semi-volatile organic compounds, are then explored in depth, before a review of wood preservatives and mineral fibre-based building materials. Issues related to the use of radioactive materials and materials that release toxic fumes during burning are the focus of subsequent chapters, followed by discussion of the range of heavy metals, materials prone to mould growth, and antimicrobials. Finally, Toxicity of building materials concludes by considering the potential hazards posed by waste based/recycled building materials, and the toxicity of nanoparticles.With its distinguished editors and international team of expert contributors, Toxicity of building materials is an invaluable tool for all civil engineers, materials researchers, scientists and educators working in the field of building materials.- Provides an essential guide to the potential toxic effects of building materials on health- Comprehensively examines materials responsible for formaldehyde and volatile organic compound emissions, as well as semi-volatile organic compounds- Later chapters focus on issues surrounding the use of radioactive materials and materials that release toxic fumes during burning
Table of Contents
Contributor contact detailsIntroduction: types of potentially toxic building materialsChapter 1: The main health hazards from building materialsAbstract:1.1 Introduction1.2 Radiation1.3 Chemical carcinogens and endocrine disruptors1.4 Nanoparticles1.5 Conclusion and future trendsChapter 2: Plastic materials: polyvinyl chloride (PVC)Abstract:2.1 Introduction2.2 Polyvinyl chloride (PVC – CAS number: 9002-86-2)2.3 Building applications of polyvinyl chloride (PVC)2.4 Health and safety concerns and polyvinyl chloride (PVC)2.5 Alternatives to polyvinyl chloride (PVC)Chapter 3: Plastic materials: chlorinated polyethylene (CPE), chlorinated polyvinylchloride (CPVC), chlorosulfonated polyethylene (CSPE) and polychloroprene rubber (CR)Abstract:3.1 Introduction3.2 Structure and properties of chlorinated polyethylene (CPE), chlorinated polyvinylchloride (CPVC), chlorosulfonated polyethylene (CSPE) and polychloroprene rubber (CR)3.3 Alternative materials3.4 Sources of further informationChapter 4: Materials responsible for formaldehyde and volatile organic compound (VOC) emissionsAbstract:4.1 Introduction4.2 Toxicology of formaldehyde4.3 Emission testing of formaldehyde and other volatile organic compounds (VOCs)4.4 Emission models of formaldehyde and other volatile organic compounds (VOCs)4.5 Determination of the characteristic emission parameters4.6 Influence of environmental factors on emissions of formaldehyde and other volatile organic compounds (VOCs)4.7 Conclusion and future trendsChapter 5: Semivolatile organic compounds (SVOCs): phthalates and flame retardantsAbstract:5.1 Semivolatile organic compounds (SVOCs) in the indoor environment5.2 Emission of semivolatile organic compounds (SVOCs) from building materials and consumer products5.3 Exposure to semivolatile organic compounds (SVOCs) emitted from building materials and consumer productsChapter 6: Wood preservativesAbstract:6.1 Introduction6.2 Types of preservatives and their potential hazards6.3 Potential toxic effects and ways they can be assessed6.4 Remedial action6.5 Conclusion and future trendsChapter 7: Mineral fibre-based building materials and their health hazardsAbstract:7.1 Introduction7.2 Classification of asbestos and mineral fibres, their structure, microstructure and properties7.3 Health effects of asbestos minerals7.4 Use of asbestos in building materials7.5 The reclamation of asbestos7.6 The disposal of asbestos-containing materials (ACMs) and recycling7.7 Conclusion and future trendsChapter 8: Radioactive materialsAbstract:8.1 Introduction8.2 Naturally occurring radioactive materials (NORM)8.3 Radon exhalation, emanation and diffusion length8.4 Measurements of radionuclide composition8.5 Measurement of radon exhalation8.6 Building materials as gamma emitters8.7 Building materials with enhanced concentrations of natural radionuclides8.8 Building products with enhanced radon exhalation rate8.9 Control of radioactivity of building materials in regulationsChapter 9: Materials that release toxic fumes during fireAbstract:9.1 Introduction9.2 Fire behaviour of building materials9.3 The effects of conditions on the initiation and propagation of fire9.4 Health effects and analysis of combustion products9.5 Remedial actions9.6 Future trends for reducing toxic substances in fire and related resources9.7 ConclusionChapter 10: Heavy metals: leadAbstract:10.1 Introduction10.2 Use of lead in buildings and drinking water contamination10.3 Toxicity of lead to humans10.4 Assessing the risk associated with lead in drinking water10.5 Lead pipe replacement and fittings containing lead10.6 Corrective water treatment10.7 Recommendations10.8 Sources of further information and adviceChapter 11: Other heavy metals: antimony, cadmium, chromium and mercuryAbstract:11.1 Introduction11.2 Antimony11.3 Cadmium11.4 Chromium11.5 Mercury11.6 Remedial actions11.7 Future trends11.
