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

This new edition provides a detailed reference source of the use in residential buildings of materials known or suspected to harm health and the environment. Alternative materials are evaluated using unique data sheets which compare environmental impact, cost, health, safety and technical performance providing building and construction professionals and other practitioners with the facts they need to make the right selection. Hazardous Building Materials considers the following building elements: structure, windows and doors, roofing, insulation, finishes and fittings, pipes, services and services equipment. Based on the highly successful format of the first edition this practical reference provides expert advice with the use of clear drawings, tables and data sheets to architects, surveyors, facilities managers, students on built environment courses, material suppliers, environmentalists and clients.

Following the highly successful format of the first edition, this book's main purpose is to guide construction industry professionals on how to select healthy and environmentally-friendly construction materials.

Provides guidance on controlling asbestos-containing materials (ACM) found in buildings. Provides a current summary of data on exposure to airborne asbestos; gives survey procedures for determining if ACM is present in buildings; explains how to establish a special operations and maintenance program in a building found to contain asbestos; reviews technical issues confronted when assessing the potential for exposure to airborne asbestos, in particular indoor settings; suggests a structured process for selecting a particular course of action, and much more. Commonly referred to as the Blue Book.

A Complete Training Solution for Hazardous Materials Technicians and Incident Commanders! In 1982, the authors Mike Hildebrand and Greg Noll, along with Jimmy Yvorra, first introduced the concept of the Eight-Step Process© for managing hazardous materials incidents when their highly regarded manual, Hazardous Materials: Managing the Incident was published. Now in its Fourth Edition, this text is widely used by fire fighters, hazmat teams, bomb squads, industrial emergency response teams, and other emergency responders who may manage unplanned hazardous materials incidents. As a result of changing government regulations and consensus standards, as well as the need for terrorism response training, Mr. Noll and Mr. Hildebrand have modified and refined their process of managing hazmat incidents and added enhanced content, tips, case studies, and detailed charts and tables. The Fourth Edition contains comprehensive content covering: * Hazard assessment and risk evaluation * Identifying the problem and implementing the response plan * Hazardous materials properties and effects * Identifying and coordinating resources * Decontamination procedures * The Eight-Step Process© * Personal protective equipment selection * Procedures for terminating the incident The Fourth Edition's dynamic features include: * Knowledge and Skills Objectives correlated to the 2013 Edition of NFPA 472, Standard for Competence of Responders to Hazardous Materials/Weapons of Mass Destruction Incidents* ProBoard Assessment Methodology Matrices for the Hazardous Materials Technician and Hazardous Materials Incident Commander levels * Correlation matrix to the National Fire Academy's Fire and Emergency Services Higher Education (FESHE) Bachelor's (Non- Core) Managerial Issues in Hazardous Materials Course Objectives * Realistic, detailed case studies * Practical, step-by-step skill drills * Important hazardous materials technician and safety tips