by Shane Henson — November 14, 2012—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. Facilities managers can learn more about how to protect the health of everyone who enters their buildings through reading Woodhead Publishing Ltd’s Toxicity of Building Materials. Research and Markets, a source for international market research and market data, recently announced the addition of the new book to its line of publications.
According to Research and Markets, key topics covered in the book include:
- The main health hazards from building materials
- Plastic materials: Polyvinyl chloride
- Plastic materials: Chlorinated polyethylene, chlorinated polyvinylchloride, chlorosulfonated polyethylene, polychloroprene rubber
- Materials responsible for formaldehyde and volatile organic compound (VOC) emissions
- Semi-volatile organic compounds: phthalates, PFCs, flame retardants
- Wood preservatives
- Mineral fiber-based building materials and their health hazards
- Radioactive materials
- Materials that release toxic fumes during fire
- Heavy metals: Lead
- Other heavy metals: Mercury, cadmium, chromium and antimony
- Materials prone to mold growth
- Antimicrobial treatment and efficacy
- Potential hazards from waste-based/recycled building materials
- Toxicity of nanoparticles
