Harmful Chemicals in Traditional Building Materials

Traditional building materials, while essential for construction, often contain a range of harmful chemicals that pose significant health risks to occupants and workers. Understanding these chemicals, their applications, and the dangers they present is crucial for safer building practices and informed renovation or demolition efforts.

Asbestos

Asbestos is a mineral fiber once widely used for its heat resistance, durability, and insulating properties. It was commonly incorporated in floor and ceiling tiles, plasters, insulations, adhesives, wallboards, roofing materials, fireproofing products, and cement. Despite its utility, asbestos is a known carcinogen. Inhalation of asbestos fibers can lead to serious respiratory diseases such as asbestosis, mesothelioma, and lung cancer. These diseases often develop decades after exposure. Asbestos materials that remain intact and undisturbed may not pose immediate health risks, but damaged or deteriorated asbestos releases fibers into the air, requiring professional removal or repair[1].

Chromated Copper Arsenate (CCA)

Used primarily in pressure-treated wood for outdoor applications like decks, picnic tables, and playsets, CCA contains arsenic, chromium, and copper. Arsenic is a carcinogen linked to cancers of the lung, bladder, skin, kidney, prostate, and nasal passages. Exposure can also cause nerve damage and neurological symptoms. Arsenic can leach from treated wood surfaces, posing risks especially to children through skin contact and ingestion. Although phased out for residential use in the U.S. since 2003, CCA-treated wood remains in many structures[1].

Formaldehyde

Formaldehyde is a volatile organic compound (VOC) widely used in adhesives, plywood, particleboard, flooring, sheathing, and glues. It is highly toxic, primarily through inhalation, and classified as a cancer-causing agent. Exposure can cause respiratory irritation, skin sensitivity, and long-term risks including cancer. Formaldehyde emissions from building materials are a major indoor air quality concern[1][2].

Lead

Lead was historically used in oil-based paints, piping, solder, window putty, and as a colorant in plastics and ceramics. Lead exposure is toxic, causing neurological damage, developmental issues in children, and in severe cases, death. Lead-based paint remains a hazard in older buildings and must be managed carefully to prevent dust and debris contamination during renovations[3].

Polybrominated Diphenyl Ethers (PBDEs)

PBDEs are flame retardants used in materials such as carpet padding, wire insulation, polyurethane foam, and fabrics. Prolonged exposure to PBDEs can disrupt endocrine function, cause reproductive problems, affect brain development, and increase cancer risk. These chemicals persist in the environment and accumulate in human tissue[1][2].

Perfluorinated Compounds (PFCs)

PFCs, including PFOA, are used for their stain, grease, and water resistance in carpets, wood-based products, and oriented strand board (OSB). Exposure to PFCs is linked to cancer, liver damage, immune system suppression, thyroid disease, reproductive harm, and birth defects. Their persistence and bioaccumulation raise significant health concerns[1][2].

Other Notable Chemicals

Phthalates: Used as plasticizers in flooring and other materials, phthalates can disrupt endocrine systems.
Polychlorinated Biphenyls (PCBs): Historically found in sealants, ballasts, and electrical equipment, PCBs are carcinogenic and neurotoxic.
Short-chain chlorinated paraffins (SCCPs): Used as flame retardants and plasticizers, linked to environmental and health risks[1][3].

Health Implications and Regulatory Context

The health effects of these chemicals range from short-term irritations (skin, eye, respiratory) to long-term irreversible damage such as cancer, neurological disorders, and endocrine disruption. Many of these substances were widely used before their hazards were fully understood, leading to their presence in existing buildings. Regulatory measures have phased out or limited some chemicals (e.g., lead paint bans, CCA restrictions, formaldehyde emission standards), but many materials remain in place, requiring careful management during renovations or demolitions to minimize exposure[1][3].

Conclusion

Traditional building materials can harbor a variety of harmful chemicals that pose serious health risks. Awareness and proper handling of materials containing asbestos, formaldehyde, lead, PBDEs, PFCs, and other toxic substances are essential for protecting human health and ensuring safer indoor environments. Sustainable and non-toxic alternatives are increasingly recommended in modern construction to reduce these risks.

This knowledge underscores the importance of professional assessment and remediation when dealing with older buildings or materials suspected of containing hazardous chemicals.

[1] https://nchh.org/information-and-evidence/learn-about-healthy-housing/building-products-materials-and-standards/chemicals/
[2] https://www.bonsaidesignbuild.com/blog/blog-post-title-one-ct3jf
[3] https://www.traditionalbuilding.com/product-report/hazardous-building-materials