plastics in building materials

David Attenborough’s film Blue Planet II has fast tracked public awareness of plastic pollution in our world. It’s only around a hundred years since Leo Baekeland invented Bakelite in 1907 the first fully synthetic plastic. The invention of Nylon followed in 1935. Plastics have since become the go to formula for modern living.

 

How does the building industry use plastic?

The building trade is recognised as being responsible for 40% of all carbon emissions in the UK. The industry is also recognised as the second largest user of plastic after the retail sector. 

Many building products use petrochemicals such as oil or gas which give off toxic chemicals during their manufacturing process. Building materials use different types of plastic such as PVC (a type of vinyl)– 75% of PVC consumption is actually credited to the building trade. Building products also rely heavily on plastic packaging. The Alliance for Sustainable Building Products - ASBP - estimates that around 40% of building plastics end up in landfill, 14% are incinerated and 32% leak into our environment. That 86% is a formidable plastic footprint.

 

Plastic in our homes

In everyday life within our homes plastics outgas in our environment - we inhale them without knowing– they are in vinyl flooring, in polyester/acrylic carpeting, in PVC windows, in furniture, in fridges, in car seats, in insulation, even in the trainers we wear. Whilst we can’t suddenly wipe plastics from our lives – they are incredibly versatile and useful - we can make conscious decisions to reduce and seek alternatives to it, thereby reducing hazardous inhalation and contact within our homes and the environment. 

Are you aware that plastics contain chemicals which have been linked to cancer, respiratory problems or hormone and endocrine disruption?

 

There are, amongst others, 4 big P’s to watch out for:

PVC (a type of vinyl) which during production gives off dioxins – these include some of the most potent carcinogens known. Vinyl is used for pipes, ceiling tiles, carpet backing, window treatments, furniture wiring, electrical cable and sheathing (protective covers) and upholstery fabric. Phthalates are added to soften PVC – these are semi volatile organic compounds which are released as gas and can affect humans through attaching to dust or being ingested. These are believed to affect reproductive, respiratory and endocrine systems. Tom Woolley Building Materials, Health and Indoor Air Quality warns of the dangers of children being subjected to emissions from PVC.

PBTs (Persistent Bioaccumulative Toxicants)-dioxins and heavy metals such as asbestos, mercury, cadmium and lead –  are ‘toxic and persistent’ i.e. they do not break down rapidly in the environment and can travel long distances through air or water. High levels of PBTs are found in wildlife and humans over 30 years after their release.

Polyurethane – is made from variety of toxic chemicals including formaldehyde, a known carcinogen. Chemicals used in the manufacture of polyurethane can cause bronchial irritation or asthma in sensitive people. Polyurethane is used in rigid foam padding for beds and furniture, coatings, paints, sealants and fabrics. 

 

The health implications of plastics off gassing in our homes and the inhalation of toxic smoke from them in the event of a fire is only just being understood. The Grenfell Tower fire in London tragically revealed the dangers of burning chemicals. One of the gases released during the fire was cyanide – a highly poisonous gas used in a variety of processes including the manufacture of plastic.

 

Companies and concepts are however beginning to make a serious attempt to redress the plastic problem in our world.

 

The good news 

  • Many companies now have a plastic awareness policy

  • Envirobuild manufactures a range of furniture and plastic wood and cladding – a mixture of recycled wood and recycled polyethylene.

  • Composite Prime is a company dedicated to using recycled plastic with wood for decking and other products

  • Park benches and seating are being made from recycled plastic

  • Recycled plastic is being used in trials to refill potholes in Cumbria 

  • A project in New Zealand turns recycled milk cartons into roof tiles

  • Bioplastics – (materials made from renewable biomass/plant sources such as corn, vegetable fats, straw wood chips etc) are providing alternatives to plastics

 

What you can do

  • Choose wooden old or recycled products instead of plastic for your home

  • Install a water filter tap at home and at work to cut down on plastic water bottles

  • Consider bamboo, glass, and steel products which are considered sustainable alternatives to plastic

  • If you replace water pipes think about having old fashioned copper ones – copper repels bacteria. PVC used in water systems can contain toxic substances which leach into water and are harmful to human health. 

  • Be aware when buying kitchen units that many are coated with plastic and consider the adhesives used in their manufacture.

Globe2.png
Clare Sherriff