Since the TSCA or Toxic Substances Control Act was approved in 1976, the Environmental Protection Agency was given the authority to take control on the usage of some chemicals for the American’s protection. Even if some countries already prohibited the use of a few certain substances, the EPA is still focused against the 5 most dangerous building materials. These are formaldehyde, flame retardants, asbestos, silica, and di-isocyanates.
Below, we will be tackling about these chemicals and their take in demolitions.
Formaldehyde
Whenever you hear the word “formaldehyde”, you may be thinking immediately about mortuary and body preservations. Aside from that, and its carcinogenic factors, different construction materials also use this through the years. Extended exposure to this chemical results in skin irritation, cancer, and respiratory issues.
What it means to the industry of demolition:
It is important for the demolition teams to become aware that formaldehydes exist in various forms of polymers, insulation, resins, and manufacturing processes of various buildings materials.
Flame Retardants
A lot of safety professionals are experiencing difficulties in extinguishing fires for generations already. The burning of various substances can change the effectivity of particular extinguishing efforts. As a result, a few chemicals were developed so that the flames can be battled. Some of these chemicals are specifically harmful to the health of a human body. It is only a few years later that experts have discovered the effects of these chemicals once exposed too much. These effects include endocrine disruption, cancer, developmental problems, and birth defects.
What it means to the industry of demolition:
All demolition professionals know that old building materials has hazardous fire-retardant compounds. To name a few – fabrics, treated concrete, and thermal insulation.
Asbestos
In spite of the banning of asbestos in 1989, this hazardous material is still kept in both residential and commercial structures since it was overturned in 1991. The banning of this material was overturned because the EPA has not specified asbestos to be associated with various diseases. Because of this, over 15,000 people in United States has died each year because of illnesses that are brought by asbestos exposure.
What it means to the industry of demolition:
Demolition team should approach older structures with extreme sensitivity when it comes to asbestos. Components like floor tiles, pipes, joint compounds, shingles, and cement boards from old buildings may have asbestos. Because of this, it is important that you call a professional that holds experiences in the removal of hazardous materials.
Silica
This substance is the most common in this list since this is present in almost everything. Even if this substance is benign, too much exposure and inhalation can result significant damages to kidneys and lungs. Also, since this substance is abundant in building materials, a lot at risk from it exposure, hence, silica is dangerous.
What it means to the industry of demolition:
When the demolition professional demolishes a structure that has brick, concrete, and glass, workers should observe appropriate measures.
Di-isocyanates
This chemical is already in the construction industry since 1940s. This type of chemical is most rampant in products that has polyurethane. Though this product cannot harm the general public, those workers who have high exposure to these products are in danger. The symptoms that one may have develop from exposure to these ranges from asthma to the irritation of the nose, throat, and eyes. Other conditions also include bronchitis, pneumonitis, and gastrointestinal irritation.
What it means to the industry of demolition:
All demolition professionals should be aware regarding the existence of this product whenever they demolish a building. This type of chemical may be present in sealants, elastomers, coatings, adhesives, and foams.
Importance of Hiring an Experienced Demolition Team
Though you may think that demolishing a structure is just as easy as swinging a sledgehammer, expert demolition team knows how to limit your exposure to these hazardous materials. The experts at Conway AR Demolition Contractor are licensed and experienced in providing the best demolition project. Call us today and allow us to help you.
You might also want to check out All About Bridge Demolitions.