| Abstract: | Many building materials emit air pollutants. To reduce the exposure of the population to the major groups of toxic indoor pollutants, a strategy is put forward which concentrates on a reduction of the emission of carcinogenic substances, eye-airway irritants, and odors from building materials. It is the experience of the Danish National Inventory of Toxic Substances and Products that preventive measures in the form of either a complete removal of a substance or replacement of a toxic substance by a less toxic substance are possible. Since 1975 asbestos has been banned in Denmark for insulation purposes, and its substitution with other materials has caused no serious technical problems. Since 1978 notification of epoxy and polyurethane products has been mandatory in Denmark, and as of October 1981, 1771 building materials have been registered: sealants (216); glues and adhesives (387); paints and lacquers (1113); and wall/floor coatings (403). (Some of these products have more than one application.) Based on an analysis of publicly available information on the labels of these products, we conclude that a notification system makes it possible to select the products with the least impact on human health and comfort and, consequently, with the lowest need for ventilation. It is suggested that these toxicological principles should be used for the improvement of existing and future building materials. |
