Potentially Toxic Construction Materials: An Introduction

Abstract

For the development of a nation, building materials are important. After the Industrial Revolution in the early nineteenth century, more building activities were generated with the production of construction materials to enhance economic development and jobs. Thousands of synthetic construction materials have been developed and produced worldwide. They come in various shapes, sizes and amounts that serve various forms and functions. Toxic chemicals may be found in common construction goods, such as solvents, paints and varnishes, or dust from building materials. But in the modern era, large numbers of toxic construction materials are being used for construction, a purpose which later gets released in the surroundings, polluting air, water and soil. These toxins are responsible for causing a lot of health issues such as asthma, burning eyes itchiness, inflammation of the nose and throat, headache, skin irritations or rashes, dizziness, fatigue, reproductive dysfunction, nausea, endocrine system disruption, impairment of infant growth and birth defects, suppression of the immune system and cancer. It is not possible to see or smell any of these products, but they are able to cause damage. They can emit low-level toxic exposure or produce cancer-causing carcinogenic substances. The effects may cause short-term effects that can cause death, such as skin allergies or long-lasting health effects.