9 harmful building materials you shouldn't have in your home

When building a house or during the next renovation, many of us give little thought to the fact that many materials used by humans carry a potential threat to health. And if with some of them everything is more or less clear, then the presence of PVA in this list is extremely surprising.

Let's take a closer look at what building materials should not be in your house so that there is no risk to the health and life of those living in it.

Polyvinyl chloride

It is a colorless, transparent plastic, vinyl chloride thermoplastic polymer. Used everywhere:

• for electrical insulation of wires and cables;
• in the manufacture of stretch ceilings, linoleum, furniture edges, washable wallpaper;
• as a sealant;
• the main material for the manufacture of metal-plastic windows and much more.

The main danger of polyvinyl chloride is that, when heated, it can emit carbon monoxide and toxic organochlorine compounds.

Chipboard (particle board)

Chipboard can now be found in almost every home, it is used for interior decoration and furniture manufacture. At a temperature of + 21 °, organic compounds of the aromatic series (phenol) contained in the boards begin to evaporate. If the surface of the chipboard is saturated with mixtures that poorly pass air, their concentration under them becomes not only harmful, but completely dangerous. Phenol has long been recognized as a carcinogen that actively affects the central nervous system. It is advisable to leave new furniture made of chipboard in the fresh air unassembled for some time - for ventilation.

Expanded polystyrene (aka polystyrene)

Expanded polystyrene is most often used as a heat-insulating and structural material. In addition to its high fire hazard, experts note that from time to time it decomposes and begins to release isocyanites - dangerous toxic substances. In addition, the release of styrene is also possible - an active toxin that adversely affects blood vessels and blood.

Asbestos

This mineral is widely used in construction. Roofing, pipes, facade slabs, bricks, mastic, sealants, lining compounds and much more are made from it.

At the same time, it has long been proven that asbestos microparticles released into the air are carcinogen if inhaled. It causes the formation of malignant tumors when inhaled and is capable of provoking the development of lung diseases - irreversible and incurable.

The International Agency for Research on Cancer has classified asbestos in the first, most dangerous category of the list of carcinogens.

Synthetic adhesives and varnishes

The most dangerous are paints and varnishes containing lead, copper, benzene and toluene. Getting into the human body through the respiratory tract, skin and digestive tract, they negatively affect the general condition of a person. In addition, metal-containing paints can cause attacks of shortness of breath and bronchial asthma, irritation of the mucous membranes of the eyes and sinuses, dizziness, nausea, and loss of coordination of movements. In this case, poisoning can occur not only at the time of applying the paint, but also after it has completely dried.

It should be remembered that during repairs it is very important to use personal protective equipment: respirator, goggles and a suit, gloves. Also, when choosing products, pay attention to the marking of paints and varnishes. The safest are those that are marked as "ВС", "ВД" and "VA".

Mineral wool

It is often used as a heat-insulating material, but it poses a great danger if a layer of mineral wool is laid not outside, but from the inside of the house.

Potential danger of mineral wool thermal insulation products as a source of carcinogenic factors - dust and phenol-formaldehyde resins - served as the basis for many studies of its effects on humans and animals. Today, the use of mineral wool in any form is prohibited only in Germany, but its danger is known throughout the world.

Polyurethane foam

It is a group of polyurethane-based gas-filled plastics. The scope of their use is very wide, construction is no exception. However, the composition of the initial components includes a highly toxic compound - toluene diisocyanate, which is very toxic in high concentrations. The most dangerous consequences are death or permanent disability.

However, do not be intimidated, because polyurethane foam can be found in every home. The material itself is quite stable, but its use indoors is undesirable, especially in large quantities.

PVA

It is part of carpets and various synthetic floor coverings. Over time, it begins to release dioxin - a dangerous carcinogen that has a very negative effect on human health. PVA can cause cell mutation and the formation of malignant tumors.

However, do not think that ordinary children's crafts made with glue have the same effect. The danger lurks only in those places where PVA has been used in large quantities.

Silicate brick

This building material can become a source of radon, an inert radioactive gas, which, entering the human body, contributes to the processes that lead to oncological pathologies. Radon is a toxin and carcinogen. The decay of radon nuclei and its daughter isotopes causes microburns in tissues. The respiratory organs are at greatest risk.