When we think of our homes and workplaces, we often prioritize safety and comfort. However, beneath the surface, many of the building materials that make up these spaces can pose significant health risks.
From causing respiratory issues to contributing to long-term illnesses, it’s crucial to consider the potential dangers of these materials. Understanding their impact can help us make informed choices about the environments we inhabit daily.
In this article, we’ll explore three common building materials that have been linked to adverse health effects.
Asbestos
Asbestos, a material widely used in insulation, roofing, flooring, and various construction materials in older buildings, poses a significant health risk. In the UK, asbestos has been found in many school buildings that were constructed before its ban. These schools often have deteriorating infrastructure, where asbestos-containing materials can become damaged and release harmful fibers into the air.
According to The Mirror, Members of Parliament (MPs) have expressed serious concerns over the lack of awareness among education authorities. They are worried about the potential dangers posed by asbestos in nearly 1,000 schools across the UK.
The Public Accounts Committee has underscored that approximately 700,000 students are currently attending schools. These schools are in urgent need of extensive rebuilding or refurbishment due to the deteriorating condition of their infrastructure.
This degradation poses significant health risks associated with asbestos exposure as well as has a troubling impact on children’s learning outcomes. The poor state of school buildings can lead to distractions, discomfort, and health concerns, potentially affecting academic performance and well-being.
Health Risks
Asbestos exposure poses severe health risks, including respiratory diseases such as asbestosis and lung cancer. It can also cause mesothelioma, a particularly aggressive cancer affecting the lining of the lungs and abdomen.
According to Al Jazeera, the UK has the world’s highest per capita rate of mesothelioma deaths, largely due to extensive asbestos use in construction. Interestingly, the UK does not have any asbestos mines but has imported this hazardous mineral primarily from Canada for nearly 150 years.
The legacy of asbestos use continues to impact public health, necessitating ongoing efforts for effective management and remediation.
PCBs (Polychlorinated Biphenyls)
PCBs, or polychlorinated biphenyls, were widely used in industrial and commercial applications for their versatility and stability. As per TorHoerman Law, they were banned in the United States in 1979 due to their harmful effects on health and the environment.
These chemicals are commonly found in building materials, electrical equipment like transformers and capacitors, and hydraulic and heat transfer fluids.
Recently, there has been growing concern over PCB exposure in US schools, highlighted by a significant PCB lawsuit involving Bayer subsidiary Monsanto.
A US jury has ordered Monsanto to pay $857 million to seven people, including former students and parent volunteers from a Washington state school. They claimed they were sickened by exposure to PCBs sold by the company, as reported by Chemistry World. The plaintiffs reported neurological, endocrine, and other health problems allegedly caused by PCBs used in fire safety fluid in the school’s light fixtures.
Monsanto contends that the PCBs in question were bulk industrial materials. The company voluntarily ceased producing them in 1977, two years before the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) banned their manufacture due to cancer risks.
Previously, Monsanto agreed to pay $95 million to Washington state for damages caused by PCBs. Similar settlements have been reached in Oregon, Pennsylvania, and Virginia for environmental pollution linked to these chemicals.
Health Risks
PCBs pose significant health risks due to their toxicity and persistence in the environment. Exposure to PCBs has been linked to a range of health problems, including cancer, particularly affecting the liver. PCBs also affect the immune, reproductive, nervous, and endocrine systems.
PCBs are known to cause skin conditions such as chloracne, and they can lead to developmental issues in children exposed before birth. Additionally, they have been associated with non-cancerous health effects such as liver damage, thyroid dysfunction, and neurobehavioral deficits.
Lead
Lead was commonly used in building materials, particularly in paints, until its ban for residential use in 1978 due to health risks. Homes constructed in the U.S. before this time are likely to have some lead-based paint.
According to the CDC, around 29 million housing units continue to contain lead-based paint hazards, which include deteriorating paint and dust contaminated with lead. About 2.6 million of these housing units are home to young children.
When lead-based paint peels and cracks, it creates lead paint chips and dust. Surfaces coated with lead-based paint, such as windows, doors, floors, porches, stairways, and cabinets, can wear through rubbing or friction. This can lead to lead poisoning.
Health Risks
Lead exposure is a well-documented cause of serious health issues, particularly affecting the neurological system. This is especially alarming for children, as they are more susceptible to its harmful effects.
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), young children absorb 4-5 times more ingested lead than adults from the same source. Consequently, this greater lead exposure in children can lead to developmental delays, learning difficulties, and behavioral problems.
In adults, lead exposure can lead to kidney damage and reproductive issues. Lead is also known to affect cardiovascular, immune, and nervous systems in both children and adults. It can accumulate in the body over time, leading to long-term health complications.
FAQs
Is asbestos still used in building materials?
In many countries, asbestos use in building materials has been banned or strictly regulated due to its health risks. However, asbestos-containing materials may still be found in older buildings.
What are PCBs, and why are they hazardous?
PCBs (polychlorinated biphenyls) are synthetic organic chemicals that were widely used in building materials and electrical equipment. They are hazardous due to their toxicity and persistence in the environment, potentially causing cancer and affecting multiple body systems.
What health problems can result from lead-based paints?
Lead exposure from lead-based paints can lead to neurological damage, especially in children, as well as kidney damage and reproductive issues in adults.
In summary, while these building materials are common in construction, their adverse health effects highlight the importance of choosing materials carefully. Precautions should be taken during construction, renovation, and maintenance to minimize risks.
By acknowledging these risks and choosing safer alternatives, we can establish healthier living and working environments for ourselves and future generations.
If you suspect any of these materials in your home or workplace, it’s important to seek professional advice. Consider testing and, if necessary, removal or mitigation to protect your health.
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