Building Materials: Product Emission and Combustion Health Hazards / Edition 1

by Kathleen Hess-Kosa

Overview

The construction industry is bombarded with ever-changing building materials—components 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, first respondents, and students, this valuable reference delivers a comprehensive spectrum of knowledge needed to face the challenges of managing building materials in the twenty-first century. Awareness is the first line of defense!

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781498714938
Publisher:	Taylor & Francis
Publication date:	04/14/2017
Pages:	342
Product dimensions:	6.12(w) x 9.19(h) x (d)

About the Author

Kathleen Hess-Kosa, MS, CIH, is an industrial hygiene/environmental consultant with Omega Environmental Consulting in Canyon Lake, Texas. In 1972, she earned her Bachelor of Science in microbiology with a minor in chemistry from Oklahoma State University. In 1979, she earned a Master of Science in industrial hygiene from the College of Engineering at Texas A&M University. After her travails through the education system, she finally entered the real world and became challenged with all problems great and small within an insurance company. While working for Firemen’s Fund Insurance Companies, she had the opportunity to become involved in a variety of unique industrial hygiene assessments including her first indoor air quality study which involved a newly constructed 800-occupant high rise office building. This was back in 1982, and the 90% complaint rate dropped to 10%—after throwing everything but the kitchen sink at the problem. Her success sparked that which has become her passion for indoor air quality. Subsequently, she has pursued multiple avenues to effectively respond to the new challenges. Upon starting her own consulting firm in 1986, Ms. Hess-Kosa has continued to pursue her passion, added to her list of curiosities mold/moisture damage, sewage contamination, and all things out of the ordinary. She has taken several courses in construction techniques at the local community college. She has designed and been involved in construction projects involving two of her own homes. One of her hobbies it that of building massive southwest wood doors. She has also been a consultant to several construction firms. Beyond this book, Ms. Hess-Kosa is credited with several other technical books. They include Environmental Sampling for Unknowns, Indoor Air Quality: Sampling Methodologies (2nd edition), Environmental Site Assessment Phase I: A Basic Guide (2nd edition), An Environmental Health and Safety Auditing Made Easy, A Checklist Approach for Industry, Indoor Air Quality: The Latest Sampling and Analytical Methods. Ms. Hess-Kosa is an active outdoor enthusiast and world traveler, photographer, and avid reader of adventure novels. Life is full of challenges!

Table of Contents

Contents

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

Editorial Reviews

"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

From the Publisher