Pollution - The Ecology of Building Materials - page 40

Table 2.5: Effects of pollution - continued

Environmental poisons and ozone reducing substance
(numbers refer to substances in Table 2.3)
Health External environment

Working Interior Exclusive of From demolition

Material environment environment waste waste

Straw: thatch 22 - - -

bound with clay 22 - - -

Coconut fibre, strips 22 - - -

Jute fibre, strips 22 - - -

Peat slabs 22 - - -

Wool paper - - - -

Woollen matting - - - -

Notes:
The first four columns only give the potential problems that can arise from these materials, so it is not
possible to use them as a basis for any quantitative comparison. Figures in brackets show pollution that
is rare or only occurs in small doses - means that there are no known pollution problems. Open space
means that there is no available information
(1) GWP = Global Warming Potential in grams CO 2 equivalents.
(2) AP = Acid Potential in grams SO 2 equivalents.
(3) COD = Chemical Oxygen Depletion in grams NO x .
(4) POCP = Photochemical Ozone Creation Potential in grams NO x
(5) Waste categories:
A: Burning without purification
B: Burning with purification
C: Landfill
D: Ordinary local authority tip
E: Special tip
F: Strictly controlled tip
(Sources: Fossdal, 1995; Hansen, 1996; Kohler, 1993; Suter, 1993; Weibel, 1995)

Reduced use of materials which emit harmful gases, dust or radiation
Gases, dust and radiation can emanate from the building or from waste.
Alternative materials are now available.

Increased use of timber and other 'living' resources in long-term products
Products made from plants function as storage of carbon, and therefore reduce
emission of the greenhouse gas carbon dioxide.

Increased recycling
Through recycling, energy-use and the use of resources can be reduced, which
also reduces pollution.