Building Evolution – A Look at Materials, Part 2: Issues and Alternatives In our previous post, we discussed the risks associated with increased use of plastics for construction and interior furnishings. The adjacent diagram shows where plastic materials commonly appear in low-rise and multi-story commercial and multi-unit residential structures. (Click the image to view at full … more
Building Evolution – A Look at Materials, Part 1: Risk Over the past several decades, the materials used to construct and build commercial and multi-unit residential structures have changed significantly. In particular, the construction and interior furnishings industries increasingly use plastics instead of natural materials such as wood, metal, glass and natural fibers. A recent … more
The study concludes that thermally damaged drinking water pipes can be sources of VOC leaching. … more
Andrew Whelton’s latest study confirms that plastic drinking water pipes release benzene and other volatile organic compounds (VOCs) into the water supply when exposed to extreme heat. … more
There are many factors that contribute to air pollution: the burning of fossil fuels, the release of chemical pesticides, and now plastic pollution. But how does plastic cause air pollution? … more
Top Piping Safety Researcher Urges Awareness & Action on Post-Wildfire Water Contamination When wildfires rage through areas with plastic water infrastructure, populations lose access to clean drinking water due to toxic contaminants that leach from the melted pipes. In recent years, wildfires such as the Tubbs Fire (2017) in Santa Rosa and the Camp Fire … more
Warning: Content May Be Disturbing to Some Audiences The global microplastics crisis has continued to expand and worsen as millions of tiny plastic particles invade even some of the most remote areas on earth. According to a study in Environmental Science and Technology, Americans who meet the suggested water intake made by the U.S. Department of Agriculture, consume 4,000 … more
The global microplastics crisis continues as tiny plastic particles invade even the most remote areas. Studies now find contamination also extends inside human bodies. Microplastics may pass through the intestinal wall and into the bloodstream, affecting vital organs and altering immune function. Chemicals leaching from plastic pipes, bottles, and microplastics further impact health. … more
Developers, builders, and code officials need to reduce and restrict the use of plastics installed in buildings before they cause harm to either firefighters or building occupants… more
Piping is a fundamental aspect of every building, delivering potable water, handling wastewater, and providing ventilation to help maintain air quality, among other functions. Current research has identified several issues to consider when evaluating the pipe and fittings in a building. … more