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Living Green
Chemicals, gases and materials
you should know about
VOC, volatile organic compound
VOCs are emitted as gases from certain solids or liquids and used in many products – plastics, cosmetics, carpet backing, paints, paint strippers and wood preservatives and even photocopiers. The EPA has discovered that indoor air has 2 to 5 times the VOC concentration of air outside, a major cause of “sick building syndrome”. During periods of intense use VOCs can be up to a thousand times more concentrated in the house than outside. In addition to being irritants and toxic, some VOCs have been determined to be carcinogenic.
Phosphates in Soap
Trisodium phosphate (TSP) was once commonly used in laundry detergent. Runaway algae growth in lakes, ponds, marshes and rivers is linked to TSP. Phosphates are one of the primary nutrients for plants, it is major component of fertilizer. In large amounts it creates extreme growth. Some localities now restrict the sale and use of phosphate detergent to protect watersheds.
Carbon Dioxide
Carbon dioxide is a common and harmless gas in most situations. Today carbon dioxide is in such massive amounts in the atmosphere that it has led to the greenhouse effect creating global warming. The primary source of these carbon dioxide emissions includes the burning of fossil fuels and widespread deforestation on the planet. The concentration of atmospheric carbon dioxide has increased by about 35% since the beginning of the age of industrialization. Emissions by human activities amount to about 30 billion tons a year.
In a natural setting, carbon dioxide is exhaled by animals and utilized by plants during photosynthesis. Human beings who burn fossil fuels produce only 6.3% of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere; the balance comes overwhelming from plants. At the same time, deforestation reduces the amount of carbon dioxide used by plants in photosynthesis thus raising the overall concentration.
Natural processes can only absorb so much of the gas; the result is a net increase of carbon dioxide of up to 7 million tons a year. This steady accumulation in the air leads to the greenhouse effect and the rise of average temperatures worldwide.
Fossil Fuels and Emissions
Fossil fuels are hydrocarbons — organic compounds made of hydrogen and carbon. Fossil fuels principally include methane or natural gas, petroleum and coal. These substances are produced from the remains of dead animals and plants.
In 2004 it was estimated that 86% of human-produced energy came from burning fossil fuels.
Fossil fuels have taken approximately half a billion years to arise, today reserves are being depleted at a rate more than a million times faster than the time it takes to replace them. A fossil fuel is thus considered a non-renewable resource. The world’s coal supplies are estimated to last 200 years. The estimate for oil reserves is more debatable -- estimates run from a grim 30 years by independent researchers to 120 years by industry sources.
The burning of fossil fuels release carbon dioxide leading to the greenhouse effect. Loss of fuel source and environmental degradation are leading to a global quest for renewable forms of energy. The generation of electricity is a major source of carbon dioxide emission.
More than 90% of greenhouse gas emissions come from the combustion of fossil fuels in the US. Other pollutants are also created -- nitrogen oxides, sulfur dioxide, volatile organic compounds and heavy metals. Acid rain is produced from sulfuric acid, carbonic acid and nitric acids.
Formaldehyde
Many types of glues contain formaldehyde. Plywood, particleboard, veneers, and spray-on insulating foams contain the chemical. Formaldehyde-based resins are used by the textile industry to make fabrics crease-resistant.
The EPA has categorized formaldehyde as a probable carcinogen. The International Agency for Research on Cancer states directly that formaldehyde causes nasopharyngeal cancer. The EPA allows no more than 0.016 ppm formaldehyde in the air in new buildings constructed for itself.
Radon
Radon is formed by the decay of radium; it is a radioactive noble gas. Radon comes from natural sources in the earth; it is a significant contaminant that affects indoor air quality.
It is reported that it causes 21,000 lung cancer deaths per year in the United States alone.
To detect radon, inexpensive test kits are available to homeowners. Indoor radon can be significantly reduced by sealing basement foundations, water drainage, or by sub-slab de-pressurization. Pipes and fans can also exhaust sub-slab air to the outside.
Modern construction which conserves energy by making homes air tight exacerbates the risks of radon exposure, if radon is present in the home. Older homes with more porous construction are more likely to vent radon naturally. Ventilation systems can be combined with a heat exchanger to recover energy in the process of exchanging air with the outside. Homes built on a crawl space can benefit from a radon collector installed under a radon barrier (a sheet of plastic that covers the crawl space).
Ozone
Ozone generators sold as air cleaners produce ozone supposedly to clean the air. The EPA on its website opposes this usage of ozone:
“Often the vendors of ozone generators make statements and distribute material that lead the public to believe that these devices are always safe and effective in controlling indoor air pollution. For almost a century, health professionals have refuted these claims (Sawyer, et. al 1913; Salls, 1927; Boeniger, 1995; American Lung Association, 1997; Al-Ahmady, 1997). The purpose of this document is to provide accurate information regarding the use of ozone-generating devices in indoor occupied spaces. This information is based on the most credible scientific evidence currently available.
Some vendors suggest that these devices have been approved by the federal government for use in occupied spaces. To the contrary, NO agency of the federal government has approved these devices for use in occupied spaces. Because of these claims, and because ozone can cause health problems at high concentrations, several federal government agencies have worked in consultation with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency to produce this public information document.
What is Ozone? Ozone is a molecule composed of three atoms of oxygen. Two atoms of oxygen form the basic oxygen molecule--the oxygen we breathe that is essential to life. The third oxygen atom can detach from the ozone molecule, and re-attach to molecules of other substances, thereby altering their chemical composition. It is this ability to react with other substances that forms the basis of manufacturers’ claims.
How is Ozone Harmful? The same chemical properties that allow high concentrations of ozone to react with organic material outside the body give it the ability to react with similar organic material that makes up the body, and potentially cause harmful health consequences. When inhaled, ozone can damage the lungs (see - "Ozone and Your Health" - www.epa.gov/airnow/brochure.html). Relatively low amounts can cause chest pain, coughing, shortness of breath, and, throat irritation. Ozone may also worsen chronic respiratory diseases such as asthma and compromise the ability of the body to fight respiratory infections. People vary widely in their susceptibility to ozone. Healthy people, as well as those with respiratory difficulty, can experience breathing problems when exposed to ozone. Exercise during exposure to ozone causes a greater amount of ozone to be inhaled, and increases the risk of harmful respiratory effects. Recovery from the harmful effects can occur following short-term exposure to low levels of ozone, but health effects may become more damaging and recovery less certain at higher levels or from longer exposures.”
The EPA suggest in this article other methods to clean indoor air such as removing the original source of the contaminant, ventilating to outdoors with fans or opening windows and the usage of air filters.
We would like to point out there are other sources of ozone in the house such as copiers and laser printers.
CCA, chromated copper arsenic
Chromated copper arsenate is a preservative of wood. Use began in the 30s. CCA protects lumber from fungi and insects. CCA also increases weather resistance of treated lumber.
The EPA began reducing the use of CCA. But exceptions were allowed, including the treatment of shakes and shingles, permanent wood foundations, and certain commercial applications.
It should be noted that burning of wood treated with CCA particularly in enclosed spaces such as fireplaces is very toxic.
SB Latex or Styrene Butadiene Latex
In 1988 the installation of new carpeting at EPA headquarters in Washington, D.C. led to a rash of health problems and complaints from the staff. This incident became the first highly publicized case of what has been called “sick building syndrome.” Although the cause of the problem was never verified, speculation has focused on the adhesives used to install the carpet. Of the chemicals released, most notable are styrene and 4-PC, both of which come from the SB latex backing that is used on 95% of carpets. Styrene is a known toxin and suspected carcinogen. 4-PC has not been shown to be toxic, but it has a detectable odor even at levels below one part per billion, and is the chemical most responsible for the distinctive smell associated with new carpets. It is also less volatile than many of the other chemicals measured, so it continues to be emitted at measurable levels for a longer time.
Asbestos
Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral. Mesothelioma is a direct result of asbestos exposure. This occurs through the inhalation of asbestos fibers.
Chrysotile has been the most commonly used type of asbestos in the US. According to the EPA, chrysotile accounts for approximately 95% of asbestos found in buildings.
Chrysotile is often present in a wide variety of materials, including :
- joint compound
- mud and texture coats
- vinyl floor tiles, sheeting, adhesives
- roofing tars, felts, siding, and shingles
- "transite" panels, siding, countertops, and pipes
- fireproofing
- caulk
- gaskets
- brake pads and shoes
- clutch plates
- stage curtains
- fire blankets
- interior fire doors
- fireproof clothing for firefighters
- thermal pipe insulation
Lead
Lead is a neurotoxin. It is a poisonous metal that can damage nervous connections (especially in young children) and cause blood and brain disorders.
Long term exposure to lead or its salts (especially soluble salts or the strong oxidant PbO2) can cause nephropathy, and colic-like abdominal pains. The concern about lead's role in cognitive deficits in children has brought about widespread reduction in its use.
Older houses may still contain substantial amounts of lead paint. White lead paint has been withdrawn from sale in industrialized countries, but the yellow lead chromate is still in use; for example, Holland Colours’ Holcolan Yellow.
It is generally recommended that old paint should not be stripped by sanding, as this generates dust that can be easily inhaled.
Plastics
See article “What you should know about plastics”, a discussion of the toxic effects of PVC, styrene, polycarbonates and other plastics.
Aluminum
See article “What you should know about aluminum”, a discussion of dangers, products and substitutes.