Civil Engineering Association

Toxicity of Building Materials

In the past, toxicity aspects have been a field outside the boundaries of the construction industry, with its practitioners belonging to the realm of health professionals. That is why architects, civil engineers and other professionals involved in the construction industry have so little knowledge about this area. Therefore, a new approach to building materials is needed-a more integrative one that is capable of joining the best efforts of construction practitioners and health specialists. Bringing together important contributions from several international experts from very different specialties, this book is intended to fill the gap by analyzing several aspects related to the toxicity of building materials.Beginning with an overview of the material types and potential health hazards presented by building materials, chapters consider key plastic materials, materials responsible for formaldehyde and semi-volatile organic compound emissions, wood preservatives and mineral fiber-based building materials. The contributors also discuss the use of radioactive materials, materials that release toxic fumes during burning, materials prone to mold growth and antimicrobials. The concluding chapter considers the potential hazards posed by waste-based/recycled building materials and the toxicity of nanoparticles.