Construction and architecture have room to improve their environmental practices. Many traditional materials harm the planet, and it is time to phase them out.

(above image: AI image via freepix)

Professionals in these industries can contribute to a better world by understanding toxic materials, the damage they cause and their eco-friendly replacements.

What Materials Cause Environmental Harm?

Toxic materials can be found in all areas of a building. Both lesser-known problems and well-known issues damage property and negatively impact the environment.

Asbestos

Asbestos fibers present a significant problem in older constructions. They degrade and move easily, often worsening during demolition. They dig deep into the ground and make air dangerous to breathe. Soil tests near asbestos mining sites show concentrations can be as high as 91.92%, leading to health risks and reduced air quality.

Fixing the impacts of asbestos requires construction experts to contain it before removal in a sealant to stop it from spreading. Remediation teams will need to perform air quality and environmental tests to ensure containment and removal methods are effective and will not spread damage.

Lead Paint

Lead comes from paint in dust and chips, which can travel anywhere after a construction project. Homeowners could unknowingly strip lead paint and toss it into landfills. Demolition projects might spread particles, affecting animals or food and polluting habitats. 

This small yet dangerous toxin strains biodiversity. Experts observed the impact of lead exposure on songbird species in high-lead areas, showing the pervasiveness of the poison. Removing lead particles is similar to eliminating asbestos — construction experts need to use thorough encapsulation techniques and ethical disposal.

Polychlorinated Biphenyls (PCBs)

PCBs are organic chemicals in products like cable insulation and glue. These chemicals are banned. However, caulking installed between 1950 and 1979 could have up to 40% PCB concentrations, contaminating any connected porous materials. PCBs spread quickly and bioaccumulate throughout the food chain. Workers need to safely remove materials with PCBs and take them to hazardous waste facilities. 

Formaldehyde

Pressed wood products, varnishes or foam insulation could contain formaldehyde. Off-gassing is the environmental danger of formaldehyde. A building’s materials gradually release chemicals into the air, which contribute to air pollution and smog. 

Workers can recommend the installation of air purifiers and improved ventilation to address air quality concerns. However, they should prioritize sealing off areas where these emissions could be prominent.

Chlorinated Solvents

Construction experts may use cleaning materials and degreasers that contain chlorinated solvents when preparing a building or site. These solvents can get into water systems and groundwater reserves, harming aquatic life and increasing water scarcity. 

Alternative cleaning techniques like air sparging and vapor extraction are less harmful to the planet. These strategies are useful for even the most polluting building types.

What Non-Toxic Substitutions Are Effective?

Fortunately, researchers have been hard at work discovering greener, nontoxic replacements for each contaminant. Some are imperfect and waiting for further advancements, but they offer great opportunities to encourage more profound environmental action in the construction and architecture sectors.

Alternative Insulation

Insulation has moved past asbestos for its sealing properties. Fiberglass, mineral wool and mycelium-based insulation have high fire safety ratings and moisture resistance. Greener options may be renewable, non-combustible and free from toxins.

Low-Volatile Organic Compound (VOC) Paints

Countless paint options are available that do not hurt the planet or its people. They can be made from plant-based materials, making them renewable and nontoxic at the same time. By removing VOCs from formulas, they do not compromise indoor air quality. 

Natural Oils and Water-Based Sealants

Natural options like linseed oil or water-based solutions are the obvious progression from PCBs. Other products — like electronic equipment — use a silicone base. 

Products From Ethical Sources

Other potentially corrosive or carcinogenic materials can be replaced by finding a sustainable provider. Alternative salvaged, reclaimed or biodegradable products — like pressed wood — can sometimes be easier to find. These materials have to follow strict guidelines to make sure they are safe and eco-conscious.

What Else Can Construction Professionals Do?

Construction companies can rely on these methods to reduce their use of toxic materials. 

Employ Phytoremediation

Certain organisms are equipped to take contaminants out of the environment. Construction produces metals — like lead, mercury and cadmium — which can be removed by fostering the right microorganisms, plants or fungi. Some microbes are capable of removing 71% of hydrocarbon contaminants from soil piles.

Use Better Waste Management

Replacing harmful materials is the first step of the process. The second is making sure these toxic substances go to designated, secure areas where cross-contamination is impossible. 

Additionally, firms should incorporate waste-sorting protocols to improve their carbon footprint. Aluminum is a textbook example of a recyclable material that can help reduce negative environmental impact. Recycled versions use 95% less power compared to virgin resources.

Comply With Regulations

There is no better time than now to follow toxic material and environmental care regulations. Local and federal entities set these regulations. Their frameworks advise handling pollutants and establishing a sustainable business model to use materials responsibly.

 

Educate Staff 

Employees need to know how to oversee and record a site’s health. Education can establish a more ecologically aware work culture while ensuring accountability is built into workflows. Checks should happen throughout a project to ensure no mistakes compromise healthy environmental practices and safety.

Soil, air and water testing are a few ways to review a building’s contaminant density and the progress of recovery efforts. However, contractors should also get into the habit of doing preconstruction risk assessments to make sure they do not build on top of toxic grounds or unintentionally spread pollutants. These assessments are required and may vary based on the job, as hospitals could have different standards than other facilities.

 

Normalizing Nontoxic Construction

Workers can move beyond the environmentally destructive materials of the past. Tons of alternatives are out there for future projects, and they get better every day. Combining this with site rehabilitation strategies to heal the soil, water and air around buildings can help the construction sector leave a positive mark.

 

Jane Marsh is Editor in Chief at Environment.co

 

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