Pollution in New Construction Joe Ponessa Rutgers School of Environmental And Biological Sciences.

Pollution in New Construction

Joe PonessaRutgers School of Environmental

And Biological Sciences

Common Sources of VOC Pollution: New Construction

Carpet

Paint, coatings

Adhesives, caulk

MDF

Concrete

Synthetics

2MDF

Pesticides, Termiticides Read labels, follow

directions

Don’t use more than necessary

Think about other ways to control pests (Integrated Pest Management–IPM)

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Formaldehyde

Sources: UF Glues

Mfd. wood products: MDF, int plywood, particleboard, hardwood paneling

Combustion

Some fabrics

Health effects

Irritant (+wheeze, cough, asthma attack)

Carcinogen4

FormaldehydeRemedy: Substitution; Sealing

Materials selection: Composites- Phenol-formaldehyde or diisocyanate glue preferred (HUD 2001 formaldehyde std –better) OSB -Exterior grade -OK; Soy based adhesives replacing UF adhesives

Coatings, laminates for UF products (undersides, backs)

Particleboard & MDF are addressed by

ANSI A208.1 and A208.2, respectively

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Recent Issues: “New” Pollutants

PhthalatesConstituent of some

plastics (Flexibility)Found in many products,

including toysLinked to organ damage,

birth defectsUse restricted in

California

Bisphenol A (BPA)Constituent of some

plastics (hardener)Found in baby bottles,

sippy cups, other products

Endocrine disruptor (also: PBDE’s)

Use restricted in Europe, some US states

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Recent issues (cont.)

Polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs)

Flame retardants ( carpet padding, electronics [plastic casing], foam mattresses [queen size: ~3kg PBDE])

Endocrine disruptors

Indoor environment: 1o exposure (dust)

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Recent Issues (cont.)

Sanitizers- Triclosan

Two issues

Hygiene hypothesis; We NEED some germs in our lives!

Resistant germs; Germicides in the environment build germs’ resistance to meds

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Recent issues: Health Impacts?Most of these compounds have been found

in human blood, urine, at mostly low concentrations

Human health impacts suspected, but not fully proven

Europe has taken active measures at reduction, US following slowly

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Recent issues: Chinese Drywall

1992 cases in 25 states: FL DOH 9- 09

2360 cases in 35 states (CPSC) 12-09

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Chinese Drywall (cont.)

Problem: emission of Sulfur gases, incl H2S

Corrosive, -Wiring, pipes, household appliances

Strong irritant. Many health complaints, home evacuations

11Courtesy FL DOH

Chinese Drywall (cont.)

Solution: CPSC Recommendations, 4/10

Remove Drywall

Replace wiring, receptacles, etc

Replace gas pipes

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Radon in New Construction

Data for radon risk levels- available for most US counties

No methods exist for predicting potential radon contamination for a given building lot

Savings can be attained by using radon-resistant new construction (RRNC) methods in high risk areas.

New occupants need to test!

Radon Resistant New Construction

Required in Tier I locations in NJ

Modest cost

Provides additional benefits (controls moisture, soil gases)

Radon test is needed!

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A: Gravel B:Membrane

C: Sealant D: Pipe E:Power Source: USEPA

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RRNC: EPA Guidance

The Attached GarageSource of many pollutants: Airflows can be drawn into house

Auto exhaust

Automotive chemicals: in car & stored

Lawn & garden chemicals

Paints & household chemicals

Mower fuel

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Attached or “under” garages may shelter conditioned space thermally, but not in terms of air quality--air sealing here is critical

Garage: Air Sealing Detail

18EEBA BFG

Pollution and New ConstructionGeneral Principles -Summary

Moisture management

Design to keep moisture out

If it gets in (it will), allow for drying

Build tight, but ventilate right

Volatile Organic Compounds

Carefully select materials & furnishings (low emitting)

Manage airflows- Ventilation & makeup air (sealed combustion best; isolate garage)

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20EEBA WMG

Drain the Building

Resources/ Guidance for IEQ in New Construction

More and more organizations developing rating systems for new residential construction that include indoor environmental quality criteria

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Resources/ Guidance for IEQ in New Construction

Points are given for IEQ measures

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LEED – GBC has recently introduced a rating system for residential

constructionhttp://www.greenhomeguide.org/

Topics include

Moisture

Radon

HVAC

Combustion

Materials

Installation

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http://www.energystar.gov/index.cfm?c=bldrs_lenders_raters.nh_iap

Energy Star has lists of IEQ specifications

Resources/ Guidance for IEQ in New Construction (cont.)

Resources/ Guidance for IEQ in New Construction (cont.)

Numerous entities providing Green Building guidelines incorporate IEQ criteria in their scoring systems

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http://www.NAHBgreen.org

NAHB Lists 22 IEQ action items in the categories of Pollutant source control, pollutant production

and Moisture management

Resources/ Guidance for IEQ in New Construction (cont.)

American Lung Association- Health House

Recommendations, details based heavily on EEBA & other publications

www.healthhouse.org

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Builder Guide

American Lung Association—Health House

Typical components of / approaches to the Health House

Foundation moisture control

Advanced framing techniques

Air sealing & advanced insulation apps.

High performance windows

Energy-efficient, sealed combustion heating

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ALA Health House (cont.)

Typical components (cont.)

High-efficiency air filtration

Whole house ventilation

Humidity control

Carefully selected interior finishes

Details at: http://www.healthhouse.org

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ALA Health House (cont.)

Guidelines–Finishes & Furnishings

• Limit use of composite materials (mentioned earlier @ formaldehyde)

• Select low VOC caulks & adhesives • see www.greenguard.org.default.aspx?tabid=109

• Hard-surface floors preferred; required in wet areas

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ALA Health House (cont.)

Guidelines–Finishes & Furnishings (cont.)

5.For carpet, follow CRI green carpet guidelines: www.carpet-rug.com Use tack strips or factory-supplied non-wet, low VOC adhesive

6. Concrete sub floors- use water emission stds (Ca Cl2 test) before finish floor applied

7. Don’t use vinyl wallpaper in hot-humid or humid climates or finished basements

Guidelines–Finishes & Furnishings (cont.)

5.For carpet, follow CRI green carpet guidelines: www.carpet-rug.com Use tack strips or factory-supplied non-wet, low VOC adhesive

6. Concrete sub floors- use water emission stds (Ca Cl2 test) before finish floor applied

7. Don’t use vinyl wallpaper in hot-humid or humid climates or finished basements

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ALA Health House (cont.)Guidelines–Finishes & Furnishings (cont.)

8. Use cement board or fiberglass gyp board for tub/shower surround

9. Raise paper-covered gypboard 1/2” above concrete slab or below grade

10. Paint & varnish: Use low VOC products, water-based varnishes; avoid Ethylene glycol paints (polypropylene glycol OK)

11. Run ventilation system at hi speed for 3 days before occupancy (especially after gypsum-board taping, painting, carpet installation, etc.)

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Additional Resources

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More resources

www.Buildingscience.com

www.buildingamerica.gov

Summary

Homes with optimized ventilation – tighter construction with ventilation by design. Will be less forgiving (vs. overventilated homes) of irritant and sometimes harmful emissions from modern materials and furnishings

Therefore, recognition and management of indoor pollutants becomes an important part of sustainable construction where homes are tight

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Thanks for your attention!

Joseph T. Ponessa, Ph.DProfessor Emeritus

jponessa@comcast.net

Copyright 2008Rev 8-09, 2-10, 4/10