Page 61 - Green Builder Magazine May-June 2019 Issue

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IAQ: Breathe Easier

protecting the lungs. However, diseases
Products, Research and Advice for Improving Indoor Air Quality linked to asbestos exposure typically do
not exhibit symptoms until decades after
the actual exposure.
Quite clearly, asbestos prevention is a
priority for any building team, and the
following steps toward maintaining a safe
environment should be followed:
Monitor the air in areas of particular
risk such as within older buildings.
Keep detailed records.
Regularly assess any potential asbestos
risks and ensure the team is well educated CREDIT: BAMCO INC.
on the dangers and signs of asbestos.
O er respiratory protection and Thousands of builders ing where moisture has been trapped and
emphasize better work practices to contributes to asthma and other breath-
reduce chance of exposure. each year s ffer from ing problems. What’s more, if a worker is

DUST exposed to mold over an extended period,
these respiratory problems develop into po-
As you’d expect, this is one of the most work-related skin or lung tentially fatal diseases.
abundant materials on construction sites— The main source of protection against
and it’s also one of the most hazardous. issues. But nearly 70 mold-related health problems is through
Furthermore, when in large quantities, it protective gloves, goggles and respirators.
If inhaled repeatedly, dust can cause lung percent of illnesses SOLVENTS
a ects entire communities.
diseases in the long term, but it can also have Be in it paint, adhesives or cleaning liquids,
immediate detrimental e ects. Silica dust, never make it onto paper. solvents are harmful to the lungs and skin.
for example, is generated by grinding or The danger originates from the fact that
cutting concrete and mortar and can become truck to sweep up any hazardous materials. solvents affect brain and nerve function
deeply lodged in the lungs if inhaled. This O -road conditions may require multi-wheel when in contact with skin or internal organs
can lead to silicosis, asthma and even lung drives, so be speci c and risk-averse when through inhalation. This can even lead to
cancer. choosing your vacuum truck. cancer, blindness, kidney damage and death.
Wood, drywall and limestone are If neither of the above is available to you, be Given the serious risks, extra precaution
comparatively less toxic than concrete dust, sure to never work in an enclosed space where need be taken to prevent all contact with
although they a ect airways and ultimately the dust can build up quickly and unnoticeably. skin. In addition, solvents should only be
lungs after prolonged exposure. worked with in a well-ventilated and open
The only way to truly limit the dangers of MOLD space. If there has been contact with skin,
CREDIT:NAVFAC dust inhalation is through controlling your Mold is another common occurrence in con- wash the area thoroughly.
struction with sinister e ects for builders.
Well-known signs of solvent exposure
workspace, such as only working with damp
materials where possible or using a vacuum
include stomach pain, nausea, cracked skin,
Mold can be expected in any damp build-
throat irritation and dizziness. If in doubt,
medical assistance should be sought out
immediately.
Hazardous materials are naturally part of
construction life. Extreme caution should
be taken to protect yourself, colleagues and
employees to ensure any detrimental e ects
on health is limited. Information from the
manufacturer’s data sheet or a public source
should be shared and understood, and
control tactics should be implemented. GB
CREDIT: BAMCO INC. Megan Wild is a freelance writer with an

extensive history of writing for the residential
and commercial green building industries.

www.greenbuildermedia.com May/June 2019 GREEN BUILDER 59

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