Sustainable Building Technical Manual - Etn-presco.net

❑ Health and pollution issues– Roofing, because of its location, is usually not an important contributor to indoorair pollution.– Hot mopped asphalt roofing releases extremely high levels of air pollutants duringinstallation and may be restricted in some urban areas because of its contributionsto smog. It is also a health risk to installers.SealantsSealants are used in small quantities and are therefore not a cause for serious resourceefficiencyconcern. However, they present important health concerns because many aresolvent-based and toxic.❑ Resource-efficient options– Regardless of material type, the sealant with the best service life can be the bestchoice because of the high labor cost of replacement and the potential for costlybuilding damage with lower-quality products.❑ Health and pollution issues– Generally, sealants used outside the building are not much of an indoor air pollutionconcern.– Acrylics, silicones, and siliconized acrylics are typically the safest sealants to handlefor inside use and have the lowest solvent content. Those used indoors in any quantity,such as vapor-barrier caulking, should be carefully selected only after review ofhealth evaluations in MSDSs. Quantities of solvent-based products, such as commonacoustic caulking, butyls, and urethanes, should be avoided indoors.Division 9: FinishesInterior finishes are the most important materials category for reducing indoor air pollution.They are also significant from the perspective of resource conservation because theywear out and are replaced regularly over the life of the building.Gypsum ProductsGypsum products are the most common interior panels used because of their ease ofinstallation, fire retardance, and low cost. Installation typically results in a high level ofscrap materials discarded to the landfill. Gypsum can be recycled, minimizing its contributionto limited landfill space. Restrictions on dumping gypsum and other constructiondebris have helped start a gypsum-recycling industry in various parts of the United States.❑ Resource-efficient options– Some gypsum-board manufacturers can verify at least 10 to 15 percent recycledmaterial content. Gypsum is recyclable if not contaminated with paint or adhesives.The paper facing can be made from recycled paper.❑ Health and pollution issues– Gypsum products themselves are minor sources of indoor air pollutants, althoughthe paper facing and adhesives can be sources. Gypsum surfaces are potential“sinks” to the extent that they absorb other pollutants.– In the construction phase, the application of adhesives, sealers, paints, and caulkingsare the main concerns.Engineered or Composite Wood or Plastic PanelsThese panels have recycled content, but the adhesives and sealers used in their manufactureand installation may be sources of indoor air pollution.❑ Resource-efficient options– Hardboards are durable and resource-efficient. They are made with wood fiber thatis pressed and heated to form panels. No adhesive is usually needed because thenatural lignin in wood binds the fibers. These boards are reusable if installed forlater removal.