Environmental Engineering Reference
In-Depth Information
levels and increase press temperature and time, and by adding HCHO-
scavenging agents such as urea, ammonium compounds, and sulfites. The
resultant decline in HCHO emissions was approximately 90+%.
Significant reductions in total volatile organic compound (TVOC) and
4-PC emissions from carpeting, and TVOC emissions from carpet adhesives,
were made voluntarily by U.S. manufacturers in response to USEPA's carpet
initiative.
As indicated in Chapter 7, health concerns associated with carbonless
copy paper (CCP) have been reported for over two decades. Manufacturers,
in response to scientific studies that implicated individual problem chemi-
cals, changed product formulations. As a consequence, CCP products no
longer contain Michler's hydrol of paratoluene sulfonate, phenyl novalac,
and contain only very limited quantities of HCHO.
Other product improvements have included the voluntary elimination
of mercury biocides in latex-based paints intended for use indoors and efforts
by the wood-preservatives industry to limit pentachloraphenol use to out-
door wood products. Product improvements initiated by regulatory action
have included the banning of asbestos for use in building products and limits
on the lead content in paint.
B.
Consumer avoidance
Exposure to indoor contaminants can be avoided by consumers of products
and in the purchase or lease of building environments. Such avoidance can
be total or selective. Consumers, however, must know what products and
indoor environments to avoid and what alternative products and environ-
ments are available.
1.
Products
For simplicity's sake, it would be desirable to have products and materials
evaluated, rated, and labeled relative to their potential to cause health and
indoor environment problems. However, because of the uncertainties inher-
ent in such an undertaking, it would be very difficult to compile a list of
problem and nonproblem products. In the U.S., such a process would, in
many cases, not be able to sustain the legal challenges it would engender.
Nevertheless, sufficient information is available for informed consumer
choices on a limited number of products. This is particularly the case with
combustion appliances such as (1) unvented space heaters, (2) gas stoves
and ovens, and (3) non-airtight wood burners. In each case, these products
produce contaminants which, on short- or long-term exposure, may pose
significant health risks. At greatest potential risk would be small children
and individuals with a family history of respiratory disease such as asthma.
Unvented gas fireplaces and the burning of candles or incense pose
relatively new exposure concerns. Though little scientific information is
available on these potential indoor contamination and exposure problems,
they have the potential for producing significant indoor emissions and expo-
