The Industriegewerkschaft Bauen-Agrar-Umwelt (IG BAU) warns of a new danger from asbestos in buildings. With the imminent major renovation wave for modernization, conversions and energy saving, an“asbestos wave” threatens to hit the construction industry in the coming decades. Construction workers and DIY enthusiasts will be exposed to major health risks if they inhale the asbestos fibers that are released.
Dust
Release of asbestos fibers from fiber cement boards
Fiber cement boards that are traded and installed today are generally considered to be harmless to health, as they are made of modern substitute materials and are free of carcinogenic asbestos fibers. However, for houses built from the mid-1960s to the 1990s, it is often suspected that the fiber cement panels installed still contain the asbestos fibers that were previously mixed in and are harmful to health. These can be released with increasing weathering during renovation or refurbishment.
Building Energy Act – energy-efficient refurbishment and new construction obligations
The new Building Energy Act (GEG) – “Act on Energy Saving and the Use of Renewable Energies for Heating and Cooling in Buildings” came into force on November 1, 2020 and merged the previous laws and ordinances (EnEG, EnEV and EEWärmeG).
Indoor guide values – indoor air test with GSA measuring devices
Indoor guide values are an important measuring factor for assessing indoor air. The indoor climate is of crucial importance for people’s well-being and health. Indoor air tests with specially designed GSA measuring devices are therefore a suitable solution if pollutants are suspected in indoor spaces.
Measure toner dust with Gravikon PM4-2
Reports of health risks caused by toner dust from laser printers and copiers are worrying many consumers. The fine dust particles can get into the air we breathe and contaminate indoor air. People come into contact with toner dust from printers, copiers and multifunctional devices at the workplace in particular.
Kale – bioindicator for pollutants
Kale is considered a superfood and is a bioindicator for air pollutants and contaminated soils. Active biomonitoring, with biologically standardized measurement methods, can be used to determine and assess the effects of air pollution and other stresses on the environment and humans.
Pollutants in schools
Pollutants in schools put a strain on teachers and especially children. They often spend many hours in the same rooms, which can make them ill. Children are particularly at risk if they are exposed to them in classrooms, workrooms, laboratories or other areas.
Inhalation of hazardous substances – Sampling with SG10-2 and PM4-2
The inhalation of hazardous substances at the workplace and in other areas can lead to damage to health and even serious cancer in the event of prolonged exposure. Clear occupational health and safety regulations are in place to protect health and prevent possible illnesses caused by inhaling hazardous substances.
Old night storage heaters – often contaminated with asbestos – PCB – chromate
Depending on the year of construction and model type, night storage heaters can still be heavily contaminated with asbestos and other harmful pollutants such as PCBs (polychlorinated biphenyls) and chromate (chromium VI). In order to measure possible asbestos contamination indoors, GSA measuring devices offers suitable measuring devices such as the SG12 for asbestos measurement.
AMF fibre measurements with SG12 for mineral wool insulation
With the specially developed for fibre measurements according to VDI 3492 SG12 can also be used to sample roof insulation for potential sources of danger. Roof insulation is often made of glass wool or rock wool, which are classified as AMF (artificial mineral fibers). According to TRGS 905, these fibers can be carcinogenic.