Advances in the toxicity of construction and building materials

Abstract

Advances in the Toxicity of Construction and Building Materials is an essential guide on the potential toxic effects of building materials on human health and how to design buildings to minimize these effects. The potential toxic effects of building materials on health have gained new importance in the context of the coronavirus crisis, because a healthy building environment is crucial to strengthen the immune system. The coronavirus crisis will also lead to an increased number of people working remotely from their homes. Toxicity aspects have long been a field of research outside the boundaries of the construction industry belonging more 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 important research field, even though many buildings suffer from problems related to excessive moisture with mold formation or low humidity levels giving rise to respiratory diseases. Indoor pollutants may include volatile organic compounds, formaldehyde, semivolatile organic compounds, radon, NOx, asbestos, and radioactive materials that can cause numerous health-related problems. In this exemplary new book, the chapters are divided over three sections that correspond to the most important areas of research namely the toxicity of the indoor environment, fire toxicity, radioactive materials, the toxicity of metals and of demolition wastes contaminated with asbestos.