10 building materials hazardous to health
The acquisition of materials for construction and repair is a complex and responsible business. When buying, most people first of all pay attention to the appearance, manufacturability and cost of materials, and not to their safety. Such an approach is fraught with the most unpleasant consequences. Some modern building materials can adversely affect the human body, and many sellers, concerned solely with increasing income, prefer not to bring to the attention of buyers complete information about all the qualities of the goods sold.
We will try to fill this gap and acquaint readers with a list of building materials that are unsafe for health.
1. Slate
In the recent past, it was slate that was one of the most inexpensive and common roofing materials. The harm that it can cause to human health is primarily due to the fact that slate sheets are made from compressed asbestos fibers, which eventually break up into tiny pieces. These particles are so small and light that they are in the air in the form of the finest suspension and, if inhaled, can enter the respiratory tract, settling there. The rate of destruction of asbestos increases when heated. This means that a roof made of slate sheets literally poisons the residents of the house on hot summer days.
Asbestos is one of the most powerful carcinogens. Prolonged inhalation of its particles is fraught with the development of not only inflammatory processes in the respiratory system, but also malignant tumors.
If you decide to use slate for housing construction, try to make sure that it is not exposed to high temperatures and weather changes. The easiest way is to paint the surface of the sheets, which to some extent will reduce the likelihood of harmful effects of the material on health.
2. Concrete
Concrete is used as the main material for pouring foundations, erecting load-bearing walls and durable partitions. It is used to make individual building elements (blocks and slabs), as well as massive structures. The material is technological, durable and inexpensive. Unfortunately, it is practically impervious to air, and living in a house built of concrete elements is quite harmful. In addition, slabs and blocks are reinforced with metal frames, which act as a kind of traps for electromagnetic waves. It has been established that residents of houses built of reinforced concrete often suffer from increased fatigue and sleep problems. Experts attribute such ailments to exposure to electromagnetic radiation.
When building monolithic structures, the method of pouring the compactor with a concrete mixture is used. As a basis, small crushed stone is used, which is obtained from durable rocks (for example, granite). At the same time, not very conscientious construction companies do not bother to check the safety of the sealant, in particular its radioactivity. As a result, tenants often move into apartments whose walls create an increased radioactive background for many decades.
3. Styrofoam
In construction, two modifications of expanded polystyrene are used: pressed (polystyrene) and extruded. Both are used as heaters. In addition, some types of finishing wall and ceiling panels are produced from foam plastic.
Expanded polystyrene releases chemical compounds such as styrene, phenol and formaldehyde into the air. They not only irritate the mucous membrane of the respiratory tract, but also accumulate in the body, gradually poisoning it. Therefore, experts do not recommend using expanded polystyrene for interior decoration of housing.
A long stay in a room lined with foam boards is bad for the liver and cardiovascular system. There is evidence that the accumulation of polystyrene breakdown products in the body of a pregnant woman can lead to fetal malformations.
4. Mineral wool
In modern construction, mineral wool is widely used for insulation and sound insulation. The material may release phenol and formaldehyde, which are toxic to humans. The likelihood of harm to health is high, since mineral wool easily breaks down into microparticles that enter the body through the respiratory system.
To avoid harmful effects, mineral wool layers should be used exclusively as insulation, which should be placed between layers of other building materials. Walls and partitions built using mineral wool are not recommended to be drilled.
5. Drywall
Drywall is used for interior decoration of residential premises: leveling walls and floors, creating complex shapes of ceilings and various light partitions. But few people suspect that this material can pose a health hazard.
Only high-quality drywall, which includes purified gypsum, can be considered harmless. It does not break down in the air and does not adversely affect the respiratory tract.
The problem is that inexperienced buyers often purchase cheaper technical drywall that is not intended for residential use. Such savings are unacceptable: poor-quality material is not only less durable, but also harmful to health.
6. Dry plaster mixes
Dry mixes for the preparation of plaster, putty pastes, adhesives and other finishing materials should not contain any components harmful to health. The danger of materials of this kind is due to the fact that they are very easy and profitable to fake.
According to some reports, the share of counterfeit dry mixes sold on the domestic market is about 60%. During control purchases, powders sold in falsified “branded” packages contain poorly cleaned chalk, chemicals that are toxic to humans, and even components with a distinct radioactive background.
7. PVC products
Polyvinyl chloride (PVC) is used to make materials for stretch ceilings, wall panels (siding), pipes, a wide variety of interior decoration elements (skirting boards, moldings, installation accessories for electrical wiring, etc). The so-called plastic windows, in the manufacture of which PVC is also used, are also widespread.
Goods made by European firms that maintain high quality standards are practically safe. The trouble is that the domestic market is full of their low-quality counterparts and fakes. Such materials can release dioxin, which is a powerful carcinogen, and toxic phenol.
8. Linoleum
Linoleum is designed for finishing floors. It is natural and polymeric. The first is made on the basis of jute fabric or wood chips using natural oils and resins. It is harmless, but not cheap and rather difficult to install.
In the production of polymer linoleum, synthetic resins are used, which can release benzene into the air, which depresses the respiratory system, and phthalates, which adversely affect the reproductive system. The most dangerous material is considered to be made on the basis of polyvinyl chloride, especially in cases where they finish floors that are constantly exposed to moisture or high temperatures.
9. Wallpaper
Vinyl wallpapers do not emit harmful substances, but absolutely do not let air through. Under them, colonies of pathogenic fungi can grow. Such material can not be pasted over bedrooms, children's rooms, as well as rooms with high humidity. Low-quality varieties of washable wallpaper begin to break down over time, releasing benzene and styrene.
The best option – pasting the walls with paper wallpaper. They are not as technologically advanced as linkrust or vinyl, but they do not harm health, and they are cheaper. Wallpapers made from natural plant materials (jute, bamboo, etc.) are environmentally friendly, but very expensive.
10. Paints and varnishes
Water-based paints are considered the safest. They do not contain toxic solvents and are suitable for interior finishing work.
Most oil paints and varnishes are made using toluene and xylene. These substances in high concentrations lead to the development of diseases of the respiratory system and blood, affect the mucous membranes and skin. Some types of paint and varnish coatings are made on the basis of polyvinyl chloride, which can release dioxin into the air for six months after painting.
Unfortunately, in our country there is practically no system of mandatory certification of building and finishing products. The domestic market is oversaturated with materials that pose a real danger to health. To somehow protect yourself, you need:
- purchase materials made by well-known European or American manufacturers;
- choose construction products in large specialized stores;
- carefully study the composition of the purchased materials;
- strictly follow the recommendations of manufacturers for the use of materials for construction and repair;
- do not save on the quality of additional materials (adhesives, mastics, finishing mixtures, etc).
Repair of an apartment (especially the construction of new housing) is carried out quite rarely. This process requires careful planning, including financial. It is important to approach the choice of building materials with particular seriousness and take into account all their properties. Only in this case your house will become not only beautiful and cozy, but also safe.
Source: neboleem.net
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