Pollution in New Construction Joe Ponessa Rutgers School of Environmental And Biological Sciences
Mar 28, 2015
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
Copyright 2008Rev 8-09, 2-10, 4/10