Avoid pollutants from building materials in new buildings

Pollutants from building materials can cause considerable damage to the environment. Rainwater from parts of the building can enter the surface water from the new building. A recent study commissioned by the Federal Environment Agency (UBA) found high levels of pollutants in two new development areas. proven. However, these can be avoided during new construction. It was also investigated how the release of pollutants into the environment can be reduced.


UBA research project detects environmental toxins

In the UBA’s research project, which was carried out in 2020-2021, the main environmental pollutants in two new development areas in Berlin were

  • Biocides diuron and terbutryn
  • Herbicides Mecoprob and MCPA
  • Zinc

by leaching of rainwater.

The UBA project was able to prove that pollutants from building products in the building envelope were already measurable in the construction phase, in some cases in highly polluting quantities. In parts of the building such as the roof (with roofing membranes and roof tiles), the façade (exterior plaster and paint) are also found in questionable quantities during the construction of the building.


Harmful herbicides and biocides from new buildings

The herbicides Mecoprop and MCPA are used in roofing membranes to minimize damage caused by root penetration. They are also intended to prevent plants from rooting through building materials.

Pollutants from the biocides diuron and terbutryna originate primarily from facades. These biocides are used against the growth of algae and fungi.


Harmful environmental effects of zinc

Harmful environmental impacts from zinc come primarily from roofs and façades. They enter the environment via galvanized zinc roof coverings, plaster, paint or window sills.

The current study by the Federal Environment Agency (UBA) showed that the concentrations measured in some cases significantly exceeded the target values of environmental quality standards for surface waters. To this end, samples were taken from facades, roofs and rainwater drains in two new development areas in Berlin. In addition, further product tests and modeling were used to analyze which substances from the building products used were released into the rainwater runoff. These substances leached by rain were then analyzed for pollutants and heavy metals.

Concentrations of biocide against root penetration and zinc were found to be harmful to the environment . In addition, harmful degradation products of the biocides were detected. The results of the UBA research project can be transferred to other “typical new development areas” by means of modeling.


Pollutant inputs from the building envelope of new buildings can be avoided

Based on further studies, a high proportion of environmentally harmful emissions, such as those caused by the leaching of building materials in new buildings, can be avoided or reduced. Even at an early stage of construction planning, environmentally harmful emissions can be reduced by over 90 percent. In order to reduce the environmental impact, it is generally recommended:

  • avoid using products containing environmentally relevant substances as far as possible in order to reduce the pollution caused by inputs. The selection and use of construction products, especially biocide- and herbicide-free construction products with low pollution potential and other construction-related protective measures, are highly relevant here.
  • Reducing water runoff reduces the environmental impact of materials and relieves the burden on watercourses and canals. For example, a wide roof overhang can protect facades from leaching due to contact with rainwater. Facades with mineral plaster can reduce fouling and serve as a substitute for facades treated with biocides.

If these basic measures are not sufficient, subsequent treatment of the rainwater runoff on the property can reduce the polluting inputs.

To avoid or reduce these environmental toxins from building products, the Environment Agency has published a“Guide to Sustainable Building” with three fact sheets. This presents solutions for sustainable building from the early construction phase onwards.

Much more frequently than in modern new builds, older houses pose potential health risks from harmful substances, depending on the year of construction. In many cases, carcinogenic asbestos is still detected in old buildings built up to around 1993. For asbestos measurements, i.e. fibre measurements in accordance with VDI 3492 for the measurement of asbestos fibers and other sampling, the GSA Messgerätebau offers suitable devices. The GSA measuring device comparison provides a rough overview of suitable measuring device depending on the measuring of harmful substances.

We will be happy to advise you on your specific pollutant issue and offer the appropriate GSA measuring devices for sampling.


Sources:

Image source: 123rf.com © mediagram, image no. 13558939

www.kompetenz-wasser.de/media/pages/forschung/projekte/basar/9e889d6cec-1639132760/210412_basar_leitfaden_mit_steckbriefen.pdf

www.umweltbundesamt.de/presse/pressemitteilungen/umweltgifte-aus-baumaterialien-vermeiden

www.umweltbundesamt.de/sites/default/files/medien/2503/dokumente/210412_basar_leitfaden_mit_steckbriefen.pdf

www.umweltbundesamt.de/sites/default/files/medien/1410/publikationen/2022-01-28_texte_155-2021_bauen_sanieren_schadstoffquelle.pdf