Human Exposure Points in The Lifecycle of Materials

Extractor People in the extraction and synthesis industries, and in surrounding communities, are at risk of exposure to substances of concern via inhalation, ingestion of contaminated drinking water, and dermal contact.

Manufacturer People in the manufacturing industries and in surrounding communities are at risk of exposure to substances of concern via inhalation, ingestion of contaminated drinking water, and dermal contact.

Contractor Building materials containing substances of concern are transported around the world. People in the construction industry are exposed to substances of concern via inhalation and dermal contact.

Occupant People in buildings are exposed to substances of concern via off-gassing and leaching into drinking water.

Demolition Contractor People in the demolition industry are exposed to substances of concern via inhalation and dermal contact.

Building materials have indirect health impacts. Contaminants released in extraction, manufacturing, construction and demolition contribute to health and environmental concerns. Substances of concern can leach from products in landfills and enter the environment and food chain via ground water. People in many contexts are exposed at every step of the process.

ExTraCTOr

DEMOLiTiOn COnTraCTOr

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ExPOsurE

– Via ingestion of food contaminated by phosphate fertilizers or sewage sludge applied to farm fields.

– Via inhalation of cadmium in the air from burning fossil fuels such as coal or oil.

HEaLTH iMPaCTs

– Irritation of the lungs (short-term effect).

– Kidney disease caused by cadmium build-up in the kidneys (long-term inhalation or oral exposure).

– Associated with lung cancer. EPA has classified cadmium as a probable human carcinogen.

– Developmental and reproductive toxicity.

CadmiumCadmium is an elemental metal, commonly used in electronics as a corrosion resistant coating for metal fittings, and as a pigment for paints and plastics. Pigments from cadmium and cadmium compounds provide brilliant and long-lasting yellows, oranges and reds.

Life-in-action items– request Health Product Declarations (HPD) from

product vendors and manufacturers. An HPD is a listing of product ingredients and associated health concerns.

– specify stainless steel or galvanized finishes in lieu of cadmium coatings for fittings and other hardware materials.

– specify controls and electrical/electronic materials and equipment which are compliant with the European restriction of Hazardous substances Directive (roHs). The RoHS restricts the use of six hazardous materials, including cadmium, in the manufacture of electronic and electrical equipment. California law has adopted much of the RoHS content; other US states and Canadian provinces will likely follow in time.

– set tight goals for electricity use. Cadmium is released when coal is burned, so each kilowatt hour saved represents an avoidance of cadmium released into the environment.

ExPOsurE

– Inhalation of mercury vapors occur when mercury is spilled or products that contain mercury break and expose mercury to the air.

– Consumption of contaminated fish is a common cause of mercury poisoning. Fish are contaminated by mercury released into the environment by the burning of coal for electricity. The U.S. EPA has published consumption limits and advises women of child-rearing age and children younger than 15 to avoid certain species.

HEaLTH iMPaCTs

Adults, children, and developing fetuses are at risk from exposure. Associated human health risks include:

– Impairment of neurological and reproductive systems

– Elevated risk of birth defects

– Disruption of growth and development.

MercuryMercury is an elemental neurotoxin commonly found in fluorescent lighting, non-digital switches and HVAC controls.

Life-in-action items– select low-mercury fluorescent lamps and mercury-

free lighting options and HVaC controls. Low-mercury fluorescent lamp options and mercury-free controls are readily available, often at no additional cost.

– support our clients’ mercury reduction efforts. During planning discuss the client’s recycling program and mercury clean-up and disposal procedures. Though mercury-containing medical devices are common in older healthcare facilities, many hospitals have implemented mercury reduction programs as safer options have become available.

– set tight goals for electricity use. Mercury is released when coal is burned, so each kilowatt hour saved represents an avoidance of mercury released into the environment.

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PhthalatesPhthalates are plasticizers, chemicals which are added to PVC and other plastics to make them soft, flexible, and durable

In our business, some relevant products include:

– Vinyl flooring and base

– Carpet backing

– Vinyl upholstery and wall covering

– Wire and cable jacketing

– Sheet roofing

Beyond buildings, phthalates are widely used in consumer products such as toys, personal care products, fragrances, and plastic dishes. The European Union has banned 6 highly suspect phthalates from toys and food packaging, and the US has started to regulate certain phthalates in children’s toys and personal care products. Use of phthalates in building materials is essentially non-restricted, and very little information on alternatives is available.

Life-in-action items– request Health Product Declarations (HPD) from

product vendors and manufacturers. An HPD is a listing of product ingredients and associated health concerns.

– support our clients’ PVC reduction efforts. As hospitals embark on eliminating PVC from medical devices and supplies (especially in the NICU), propose ways that your project can compliment their efforts.

– avoid plastics where reasonable alternatives exist. Prefer non-plastic based wall coverings, upholstery and flooring options.

ExPOsurE

Due to widespread use and release, and the global transport of plastics, phthalates are found in air, water, soil, and organisms nearly everywhere in the world.

– Industrial workers may be exposed to phthalates by inhalation and, more prevalently, absorbed though dermal contact.

– The highest exposures are from contact with consumer products.

– Exposure can be prenatal, via mother’s ingestion of phthalates. Young children (always putting plastic things in their mouths) are most vulnerable.

HEaLTH iMPaCTs

– Any anatomic system influenced by hormones can be detrimentally affected by endocrine disruptors, such as phthalates. Most sensitive is the immature male reproductive system.

– May increase risk of developing Type 2 diabetes.

– Phthalates released in the month of October can lead to a rising of the undead.

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ExPOsurE

Dioxins are released into the air, and settle on soil and in water. Nearly every living creature has been exposed to dioxins.

– The most common exposure path is through food – crops absorb dioxins which settle on the soil.

– Dioxins which settle in water are ingested by micro-organisms and work their way up the food chain. Dioxins accumulate in the body fat of fish, animals, and ultimately, people.

– Though dioxins spread great distances, exposure risk through inhalation is especially high in and near communities where dioxins are released.

HEaLTH iMPaCTs

– Nervous system impairment

– Immunologic impairments

– Hormonal alterations

– Cancer

DioxinsDioxins are a group of toxic bioaccumulative chemical compounds. They are present around the world and do not readily degrade.

Though dioxins are naturally occurring at relatively low levels, the vast majority of dioxins are released by certain industrial activities. Most relevant to our industry is PVC production.

In building materials, PVC is a common component of resilient flooring, carpet backing, piping, waterproofing, door and window frames, wire cable sheathing, wall covering and much more.

Life-in-action items– ask product reps about PVC-free options.

Many manufacturers offer PVC-free alternatives to exterior components, interior finishes, piping, conduit, and electrical cable and wire jacketing.

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ExPOsurE

– Ingestion of lead which has leached into drinking water.

– Copper alloy plumbing components leach lead into drinking water over time, especially when corrosion occurs. Lead is also a common component of solder and flux.

– Ingestion of lead-containing dust particulates is still a risk in pre-1978 buildings, especially to children. Lead as an additive in most paints has been banned for many years, but exposure to lead dust remains a risk where older buildings are being renovated.

HEaLTH iMPaCTs

Lead is a neurotoxin which can damage the developing brain and nervous system, lowering IQ and increasing hyperactivity. While adults are susceptible to lead poisoning, children are most at risk.

LeadLead is a bioaccumulative heavy metal found in a variety of consumer and building products because it provides flexibility and machineability to the material. Lead is a common ingredient in copper alloys, such as brass and bronze.

Life-in-action items– specify lead-free piping, fittings and fixtures where

metal piping will be used to deliver water intended for human consumption. New low-lead national requirements per the U.S. Safe Drinking Water Act will go into effect in January 2014. Many faucet manufacturers offer products now which meet these standards.

– specify lead-free solder and flux.

– specify electrical wire and cable which are compliant with the European restriction of Hazardous substances Directive (roHs). The RoHS restricts the use of six hazardous materials, including lead, in the manufacture of electronic and electrical equipment.

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