This review systematically analyses the most relevant contributions published in the area of toxicity of building materials and their evaluation from the perspective of life cycle analysis to give a critical view of the relationship between the two fields. For this review, the systematic literature review methodology was chosen. With this methodology, it is possible to identify the most important sources and obtain a complete reading of the state of the question. The review shows that most articles on the toxicity of building materials focus on the usage phase, ignoring the life cycle perspective. On the other hand, the different Life Cycle Assessment methodologies start from different inventories, so the results will vary depending on the chosen method. In all cases, the predictions on toxicity are underestimated, so they are considered a secondary impact, and also the effects of bioaccumulation have not been integrated into the methodology. The main conflictive points found are discussed, such as the lack of coverage of substances widely used in the construction sector or the need to integrate new impacts.

Sustainability and Toxicity of Building Materials: Manufacture, Use and Disposal Stages provides a review of toxicity impacts from building materials, including the consideration of the toxicity in the extraction and manufacture of the materials and eventual dismantling and disposal. This book also offers the potential to stimulate future developments in this area, both in terms of knowledge-building and methods for future research. With the increasing emphasis on sustainable construction, it has become important to better understand the impacts of common materials. Civil and structural engineers, postgraduates, researchers as well as architects will find this book to be useful in selecting sustainable building materials.While many building and furnishing materials are safe to use, in recent decades, some have had to be redesigned due to recognition that they contained problem chemicals like formaldehyde. Unfortunately, there is still limited understanding of the toxic impacts of many synthetic chemicals which means that the risks in this area are not well recognized. With increasing interest in using limited resources more sustainably, definitions of what is sustainable should be expanded to move from the focus on energy and carbon impacts to also include more explicit consideration of toxicity impacts. Examines toxicity in the extraction and manufacturing of materials Presents the short and long-term toxicity effects of natural and manmade building materials Guides readers in selecting building materials that have a positive impact on the health of occupants and the environment

From long-standing worries regarding the use of lead and asbestos to recent research into carcinogenic issues related to the use of plastics in construction, there is growing concern regarding the potential toxic effects of building materials on health. Toxicity of building materials provides an essential guide to this important problem and its solutions. Beginning with an overview of the material types and potential health hazards presented by building materials, the book goes on to consider key plastic materials. Materials responsible for formaldehyde and volatile organic compound emissions, as well as semi-volatile organic compounds, are then explored in depth, before a review of wood preservatives and mineral fibre-based building materials. Issues related to the use of radioactive materials and materials that release toxic fumes during burning are the focus of subsequent chapters, followed by discussion of the range of heavy metals, materials prone to mould growth, and antimicrobials. Finally, Toxicity of building materials concludes by considering the potential hazards posed by waste based/recycled building materials, and the toxicity of nanoparticles. With its distinguished editors and international team of expert contributors, Toxicity of building materials is an invaluable tool for all civil engineers, materials researchers, scientists and educators working in the field of building materials. Provides an essential guide to the potential toxic effects of building materials on health Comprehensively examines materials responsible for formaldehyde and volatile organic compound emissions, as well as semi-volatile organic compounds Later chapters focus on issues surrounding the use of radioactive materials and materials that release toxic fumes during burning

How can you tell if the materials and components you are specifyinghave a low environmental impact? A full life-cycle assessment is acomplex, time-consuming and expensive process; the environmentalratings summarised in this Guide provide a quick and easy way fordesigners and specifiers to assess their options. The relative environmental performance of over 250 materials andcomponents have been assessed in this guide, using carefullyresearched, quantitative data derived from the BRE EnvironmentalDatabase. A wide range of alternative specifications are providedfor: · walls · floor systems · floor finishes · roofs · windows · doors · ceilings · paints · insulation · landscaping. The performance of each specification is measured against arange of environmental impacts including: · climate change · toxicity · fossil fuel and ozone depletion · levels of emissions and pollutants · mineral and water extraction. Environmental performance is indicated by a simple to use A-B-Crating system. To further aid specifiers, guidance on capitalcoasts, typical replacement intervals and information on recyclingis also provided for each material and component. An important part of BREEAM, the BRE's widely accepted scheme toimprove the environmental performance of buildings, The GreenGuide to Specification is an essential tool for architects,surveyors, building managers and property owners seeking to reducethe environmental impacts of building materials through informedchoice.

Eco-efficient Construction and Building Materials reviews ways of assessing the environmental impact of construction and building materials. Part one discusses the application of life cycle assessment (LCA) methodology to building materials as well as eco-labeling. Part two includes case studies showing the application of LCA methodology to different types of building material, from cement and concrete to wood and adhesives used in building. Part three includes case studies applying LCA methodology to particular structures and components. Reviews ways of assessing the environmental impact of construction and building materials Provides a thorough overview, including strengths and shortcomings, of the life cycle assessment (LCA) and eco-labeling of eco-efficient construction and building materials Includes case studies showing the application of LCA methodology to different types of building material, from cement and concrete to wood and adhesives used in building