Description
Book SynopsisThe construction industry is bombarded with ever-changing building materialscomponents of which are more and more difficult, if not impossible, to identify. Building material emissions have been implicated as a major source of indoor air pollution, and toxic gases, often unidentified, are generated in building fires.
Building Materials: Product Emission and Combustion Health Hazards undertakes the task of identifying building materials emission and combustion health hazards. This practical guide introduces the complex world of polymers commonly used in building materials along with plasticizers and additives that are not regulated by OSHA. It also explores the topic of building materials as they relate to function and their emissions/combustion products along with thermal decomposition and combustion products as they relate to fire first responders.
Engaging environmental professionals, construction management firms, architects
Trade Review
"Dr. Hess-Kosa’s book provides…a searchlight of clear, expert information that guides the reader through natural and synthetic building materials, their uses, properties, emissions, and risks. This book is an heir to Rachel Carlson (Silent Spring) and Theo Colborn (Our Stolen Future) but with a new turn: from building foundation to chimney top the author describes hundreds of classes and specific building materials, explaining their potential hazards. Everyone who builds, renovates, enters, works in or lives in buildings, as well as anyone who studies the safety of the building environment will find this work invaluable."
—Daniel Friedman, InspectApedia.com, Poughkeepsie New York, USA
"This would be an excellent resource for anyone concerned about exposure to chemicals released from building materials (including furnishings and even consumer products). This includes architects, contactors, health professionals and building managers. Also building office occupants themselves and homeowners who are exposed daily to the indoor environment. The general public and responders such as firefighters are exposed to smoke and fumes emitted from building materials in case of fires and would find information presented in this book invaluable."
— Charles S. Jamison, The University of Texas at Austin, USA
Table of ContentsContents
Preface.................................................................................................................... xiii
Acknowledgments.................................................................................................xv
Author................................................................................................................... xvii
Section I All Things Considered
1. Building Material Components: Old and New, Natural and
Synthetic............................................................................................................3
Natural Building Products..............................................................................4
Asbestos.........................................................................................................5
Lead................................................................................................................7
Crystalline Silica..........................................................................................8
Non-Emission Toxins..................................................................................9
Plastics’ Most Notorious..................................................................................9
Formaldehyde............................................................................................. 10
Modern Building Materials........................................................................... 11
Summary.......................................................................................................... 12
References........................................................................................................ 13
2. Product Emissions and Evolution of Indoor Air Pollution................... 15
Evolution of Public Awareness..................................................................... 16
Tainted Chinese Drywall.......................................................................... 18
Laminate Flooring.....................................................................................20
The Wonderland of Product Emissions....................................................... 21
The Green Movement.....................................................................................22
The U.S. Green Building Council LEED Program.................................22
The Standard for the Design of High-Performance, Green
Buildings: Except Low-Rise Residential Buildings............................... 24
Summary..........................................................................................................25
References........................................................................................................27
3. Safety Data Sheets, Green Movement, and More...................................29
Safety Data Sheets...........................................................................................30
California Green Buildings Emissions Testing for VOCs.........................33
Green Product Emissions Testing and Certification Programs...............36
U.S. EPA Toxic Substances Control Listings and Formaldehyde
Standards for Composite Wood Products................................................... 41
Information and Interpretation Limitations...............................................42
Environmental Movement Banishes Toxin Building Materials...............44
Summary..........................................................................................................48
References........................................................................................................50
Section II Polymers in Construction
4. Polymers in Our World.................................................................................55
The World of Polymers...................................................................................56
The Chemistry of Polymers...........................................................................60
Polymerization of Synthetic Polymers.................................................... 61
The Polymeric Backbone........................................................................... 61
Thermoset Plastics versus Thermoplastic.............................................. 62
Molecular Arrangement and Properties of Thermoplastic
Polymers................................................................................................... 62
Plasticizers and Additives........................................................................63
Hazards of Polymers......................................................................................63
Summary..........................................................................................................65
References........................................................................................................66
5. Plastics Commonly Found in Building Materials.................................. 69
Thermoplastic Polymers................................................................................ 70
Acrylonitrile–Butadiene–Styrene............................................................71
Polycarbonate..............................................................................................72
Polymethyl Methacrylate..........................................................................72
Polyethylene................................................................................................73
Polypropylene.............................................................................................75
Polyvinyl Chloride.....................................................................................75
Thermoset Plastics..........................................................................................77
Urea Formaldehyde...................................................................................77
Melamine Formaldehyde..........................................................................79
Phenol Formaldehyde................................................................................80
Resorcinol Formaldehyde.........................................................................82
References........................................................................................................82
6. Polymeric Foams............................................................................................85
Foremost in Popularity..................................................................................86
Polyurethane Foam....................................................................................86
Polyisocyanurate Foam............................................................................. 87
Polystyrene Foam.......................................................................................88
Minor Contributors........................................................................................89
Polyvinyl Chloride Foam..........................................................................90
Polyethylene Foam..................................................................................... 91
Infamy Worthy of Mention............................................................................ 91
Urea Formaldehyde Foam........................................................................92
Summary..........................................................................................................93
References........................................................................................................94
7. Elastomeric Polymers....................................................................................95
Butyl Rubber....................................................................................................96
Chlorosulfonated Polyethylene.....................................................................97
Ethylene Polypropylene Diene Monomer Rubber......................................99
Neoprene Rubber.......................................................................................... 100
Polyurea/Polyaspartic Elastomer............................................................... 101
Silicone........................................................................................................... 102
Summary........................................................................................................ 103
References...................................................................................................... 103
8. Plasticizers.................................................................................................... 105
Most Prominent Plasticizers....................................................................... 106
Phthalates.................................................................................................. 106
Lesser Plasticizers......................................................................................... 110
Trimellitates.............................................................................................. 110
Adipates..................................................................................................... 111
Sebacates.................................................................................................... 111
Maleates..................................................................................................... 112
Benzoates................................................................................................... 113
Chlorinated Paraffins.............................................................................. 113
Summary........................................................................................................ 115
References...................................................................................................... 115
9. Plastic Additives.......................................................................................... 117
Stabilizers....................................................................................................... 117
Antioxidants............................................................................................. 118
Ultraviolet Light Stabilizers.................................................................... 118
Heat Stabilizers......................................................................................... 120
Flame Retardants..........................................................................................122
Halogenated Flame Retardants............................................................. 123
Inorganic Flame Retardants................................................................... 125
Phosphorus-Based Flame Retardants................................................... 126
Fillers.............................................................................................................. 127
Foaming Agents............................................................................................ 128
Physical Foaming Agents........................................................................ 129
Chemical Foaming Agents..................................................................... 129
Summary........................................................................................................ 132
References...................................................................................................... 133
Section III Building Materials by Function
10. Overview of Building Material Components........................................ 137
Function versus Type................................................................................... 137
Composition Gone Wild.............................................................................. 138
Toxins of Old............................................................................................. 138
Polymers Run Amuck.............................................................................. 139
The Brew of Organic Toxins................................................................... 140
Toxic Metals and Metalloids................................................................... 142
Thermal Decomposition and Combustion................................................ 143
Heating Up: Abundance of Irritants/Toxins........................................ 143
Combustion Silent Killers....................................................................... 144
Carcinogenic Combustion Products Associated with Fires.............. 145
Dioxins, Not to Be Confused with Dioxane......................................... 147
The Ever Present Asbestos...................................................................... 148
Location of Building Material Emitters and the Effect of
Environmental Conditions.......................................................................... 148
Summary........................................................................................................ 150
References...................................................................................................... 151
11. Foundations, Framing, Sheathing, and Vapor Barriers....................... 153
Foundation Components............................................................................. 153
Timber Piles.............................................................................................. 155
Stone Foundation Building Materials................................................... 156
Concrete Foundations............................................................................. 156
Concrete and Steel Support Piles........................................................... 158
Framing Components................................................................................... 158
Wood Framing.......................................................................................... 158
Conventional Lumber......................................................................... 159
Treated Lumber................................................................................... 160
Engineered Lumber Products........................................................... 170
Components, Emissions, and Heat Decomposition By-Products
of Lumber.................................................................................................. 172
Steel Framing............................................................................................ 173
Concrete Formed Walls........................................................................... 174
Exterior Wall/Roof Sheathing and Structural Subflooring.................... 175
Asphalt-Impregnated Fiberboard Sheathing....................................... 175
Plywood Sheathing and Interior Subflooring...................................... 176
OSB Sheathing and Interior Subflooring.............................................. 177
Gypsum Board Exterior Sheathing....................................................... 177
Cement Board Sheathing and Interior Subflooring............................ 178
Vapor Barriers................................................................................................ 179
Asphalt-Saturated Felt............................................................................. 181
Plastic Vapor Barriers.............................................................................. 181
Summary........................................................................................................ 183
References...................................................................................................... 183
12. Exterior Enclosure Components............................................................... 185
Windows and Doors..................................................................................... 185
Wood.......................................................................................................... 186
Aluminum/Steel and More.................................................................... 188
Fiberglass................................................................................................... 188
Rigid Vinyl................................................................................................ 189
Hollow Core Door and Window Frame Treatments........................... 190
Glazing Treatments.................................................................................. 191
Roofing Materials.......................................................................................... 191
Asphalt Shingles...................................................................................... 192
Wood Shakes and Shingles..................................................................... 192
Clay and Concrete Tiles.......................................................................... 193
Slate Tiles................................................................................................... 194
Metal Sheets and Panels.......................................................................... 194
Built-Up Roof............................................................................................ 195
MB Roof Membranes............................................................................... 197
Synthetic Roof Membranes..................................................................... 198
Rubber Membranes............................................................................. 198
Thermoplastic Polymer Membranes................................................ 199
Exterior Wall Cladding................................................................................ 201
Siding and Panels..................................................................................... 201
Metal..................................................................................................... 202
Wood..................................................................................................... 202
Fiber Cement........................................................................................203
Hardboard............................................................................................203
Vinyl Siding..........................................................................................204
Masonry Products....................................................................................204
Natural Stone.......................................................................................204
Brick.......................................................................................................206
Stucco.................................................................................................... 207
Synthetic/Faux Walls (e.g., EIFS)........................................................... 207
Finishing Touches.........................................................................................209
Summary........................................................................................................209
References...................................................................................................... 211
13. Plumbing, Electrical, and Mechanical Systems.................................... 213
Plumbing: Water and Sewage/Wastewater Pipes.................................... 214
Metal Water and Wastewater Pipes....................................................... 216
Plastic Pipes.............................................................................................. 217
Electricals....................................................................................................... 218
Conductor Insulation............................................................................... 219
Conduit/Raceways................................................................................... 219
Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning.............................................220
HVAC Thermal/Acoustical Insulation.................................................. 221
Guilty by Association: Refrigerant Gases and Heating Fuels...........222
Refrigerant Gases................................................................................222
Heating Fuels.......................................................................................223
Condensate Water Drains.................................................................. 224
Summary........................................................................................................226
References......................................................................................................227
14. Thermal/Acoustical Insulation and Interior Wall/Ceiling
Materials........................................................................................................229
Thermal/Acoustical Building Insulation..................................................230
Natural Fibers and Cellulose Insulation...............................................230
Mineral Insulation................................................................................... 232
Fiberglass Insulation...............................................................................233
Spray and Rigid Panel Foam Building Insulation...............................235
Interior Walls and Ceilings.........................................................................236
Gypsum Board.........................................................................................236
Cement Board...........................................................................................238
Lime Plaster...................................................................................................238
Magnesia Wallboard................................................................................ 239
Solid Wood and Composite Wood Products........................................ 239
Mined/Quarried Products...................................................................... 240
Faux Stone and Stone Veneer Products................................................. 241
Light Transmitting Concrete.................................................................. 241
Suspended Ceiling Tiles and Panels..................................................... 242
Summary........................................................................................................ 244
References...................................................................................................... 245
15. Interior Finish-Out Components.............................................................. 247
Cabinets.......................................................................................................... 247
Solid Wood and Veneered Cabinets...................................................... 248
Stainless Steel and Other Metal Cabinets............................................ 249
Synthetic Polymer Cabinets.................................................................... 249
Countertops...................................................................................................250
Natural Stone Countertops.....................................................................250
Metal Countertops................................................................................... 251
Ceramic and Porcelain Tile Countertops.............................................. 251
Concrete Countertops.............................................................................. 251
Butcher Block Countertops..................................................................... 251
Synthetic Polymer Countertops............................................................. 251
Flooring Materials........................................................................................253
Natural Stone............................................................................................253
Wood Flooring..........................................................................................254
Ceramic/Porcelain Tiles.......................................................................... 257
Carpeting.................................................................................................. 257
Acrylic Fiber Carpet............................................................................ 259
Olefin Fiber Carpets............................................................................260
Nylon Carpets...................................................................................... 261
Polyester Carpets................................................................................. 262
Wool Carpets.......................................................................................263
Carpet Padding........................................................................................263
Resilient Flooring.....................................................................................264
Linoleum..............................................................................................264
Cork Flooring.......................................................................................264
Rubber Flooring...................................................................................264
Vinyl Flooring......................................................................................265
Terrazzo Flooring................................................................................265
Trim, Molding, and More............................................................................265
Summary........................................................................................................ 267
References......................................................................................................268
16. Adhesives, Sealants, Surface Finishes, and More................................. 271
Adhesives....................................................................................................... 271
Thermoplastic Adhesives........................................................................ 272
Polyvinyl Acetate Adhesives............................................................. 272
Acrylic Adhesives................................................................................ 274
Thermoset Adhesives.............................................................................. 274
Epoxy Resins........................................................................................ 274
PU Foam Adhesives............................................................................ 275
Synthetic Rubber Construction Adhesives...................................... 275
Caulks and Sealants..................................................................................... 276
Water-Based Caulks.................................................................................277
Silicone Caulk...........................................................................................277
Synthetic Rubber Caulk.......................................................................... 278
Elastomeric Polyurethane Caulk........................................................... 278
Butyl Rubber Sealant............................................................................... 278
Paints.............................................................................................................. 279
Pigments.................................................................................................... 279
Primary Inorganic Pigments.............................................................280
Organic Pigments................................................................................285
Extenders...................................................................................................285
Binders.......................................................................................................286
Water-Based Latex...............................................................................286
Oil-Based Alkyd..................................................................................286
Solvents...................................................................................................... 287
Additives................................................................................................... 287
Stains and Varnishes....................................................................................288
Summary........................................................................................................ 289
References......................................................................................................290
Glossary................................................................................................................ 293
Units of Measurement.......................................................................................299
Abbreviations and Acronyms.......................................................................... 301
Index......................................................................................................................305
