Asbestos and Other Building Materials That Are Hazardous to Your Health

Hazardous building materials can be found in every building on the planet. Some materials are merely irritating with immediate contact, while others produce serious health concerns years after exposure.

The most well known hazardous materials include:

Asbestos, though not as widely used today is still imported and is an ingredient in many building materials. A common material in the 80’s, many building materials including caulking, ceiling coverings, flooring, insulation and wallboard contained this harmful substance.

Most notably affecting the lungs, persons exposed to this substance develop COPD or various cancers.

Asphalt is contained in adhesives, road construction and roofing materials. The fumes affect the eyes, respiratory tract and the skin. Extensive exposure has been linked with cancer.

Cadmium is an ingredient in paints and is used to prevent rust. When heated, the fumes inhaled have produced cancer.

Fiberglass is an ingredient contained within insulation and is used for strengthening in various materials. The eyes and skin are irritated with contact and the substance is known to cause respiratory disease.

Lead was a common ingredient in many building materials until the 80’s.

Notably contained in paint, the substance is also found in connectors, fasteners, plumbing and roofing materials.

Highly toxic, lead is known to cause internal organ damage.

Mercury can be found in batteries, switches and thermostats of cooling and heating units.

Continuous exposure affects the kidneys and the nervous system giving rise to numerous ailments and conditions.

Mineral wool is a component of insulation and vinyl floor tiles and may contain asbestos or silica. The substance is a known eye, skin and respiratory irritant.

Polychlorinated biphenyls were widely used in electrical and lighting structures until the 1980’s. The PCB toxins are accumulative and most notably affect the skin and internal organs, causing a variety of diseases.

Radioactive isotopes used in fluorescent lighting and smoke detectors, secrete radioactive particles which cause radiation poisoning, cancer and other related illnesses.

Silica is a component of sand, which can be found in brick, ceramic tile, concrete, stone and other materials that originate from the earth. The substance irritates the respiratory tract and extensive exposure results in chronic diseases including COPD.

Learn more about Monavie by reading the inspiring bio on Henry Marsh.