HAZARDOUS MATERIALS AWARENESS

Many people believe that hazardous substances in building materials are no longer a problem, but this is a false assumption.  Although Federal rules have reduced the use of hazardous substances in building materials manufactured in the United States, they have not been eliminated completely.  Building materials made outside the USA are much more likely to contain hazardous substances.  If hazardous substances are present in building materials, potential exposure increases when they are disturbed by renovation or demolition work.

MOST COMMON HAZARDOUS SUBSTANCES FOUND IN BUILDING MATERIALS

Asbestos – Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral that is used in products to increase strength, fire resistance, durability, and insulating value.  A partial list of building materials that may contain asbestos includes: wallboard, wallboard tape and joint compound, resilient and ceramic tile, mastics, plaster, stucco, insulation, fire and sound proofing.  Analysis of the material is required to determine if asbestos is present.

Lead – Lead is commonly associated with older paints, and over the past 25 years, it has been eliminated from most coatings.  However lead is still used in paints where a very durable, corrosion-resistant coating is needed. Such applications include construction equipment and structural steel that is subject to weathering.  Lead also continues to be used in the manufacture of electronics equipment, such as printed circuit boards and backup power supplies.  Lead has also been found in the glaze of imported ceramic tile. 

Mercury – Mercury was added to paint as an anti-microbial agent.  Although its use has been reduced, some paints still contain mercury.  More common products containing mercury include thermostats, light switches and fluorescent lamps.  Mercury has also been found in resilient sheet flooring.  Most products containing mercury need to be recycled or disposed as hazardous waste.

PCBs – Prior to 1980, fluorescent light ballasts commonly contained PCBs.  Unless the ballast has a sticker stating “PCB Free”, it can be assumed that the ballast contains PCBs.  Depending on their age, transformers may also contain PCBs.  Ballasts and transformers containing PCBs cannot be disposed as normal waste.

Silica – Cutting, breaking or grinding masonry materials generates dust that contains silica.  Employees who perform this work have a potential risk of overexposure to crystalline silica.

Miscellaneous –

• Carbon Monoxide/ Hydrogen Sulfide - Foamglass^® insulation board, which contains carbon monoxide and hydrogen sulfide, is commonly used in walk-in coolers and freezers.  When the Foamglass^® is removed, some of the material will break or become crushed, causing the release of carbon monoxide and hydrogen sulfide gases.  In an enclosed area such as a walk-in cooler, the level of carbon monoxide and hydrogen sulfide could reach dangerous levels.

• Arsenic - Arsenic containing compounds have been used to prevent rot in lumber subject to moisture.  A common practice indoors is to use treated lumber used for the sole plates of walls that are installed below grade or that rest on concrete.  Special precautions are recommended for handling, cutting and disposing of treated lumber.

• Fiberglass – Although fiberglass is not considered a hazardous material, airborne fiberglass is a skin, eye, and upper respiratory irritant.  Renovation and demolition projects often cause fiberglass to be released into the indoor air causing symptoms of irritation.  Controlling dust is the most effective means of reducing the amount of airborne fiberglass. 

To avoid problems or consequences of disturbing building materials containing hazardous compounds, a pre-renovation hazardous material inspection is recommended.  If you need more information or have questions, please do not hesitate to contact us.    

Did you know...

...If hazardous substances are present in building materials, potential exposure increases when they are disturbed by renovation or demolition work.

...To avoid problems or consequences of disturbing building materials containing hazardous compounds, a pre-renovation hazardous material inspection is recommended.

Click here to view our complete NewsBriefs archive!

Learn More About Our Services:

Systems Design

Energy Efficiency

Environmental

Indoor Air Quality

Tom Kapfer