ABSTRACT
It will be clear to the readers of this book that it is not always possible to provide conclusive evidence of specific causative links between hazardous materials and health problems. Evidence is largely circumstantial and those who use, or have no fear of, hazardous chemicals, may discount much of what is included here. However, the weight of circumstantial evidence is significant that there are hazardous and toxic materials that create IAQ problems that can damage our health. In this chapter the intention is to draw attention to those materials that are better avoided, or at worst, used where they can have no effect on IAQ. Adopting the precautionary principle should lead to the selection of healthy alternatives that are discussed in Chapter 11. However many of the materials and products listed in this chapter are used in most building projects without a second thought, and will be found in most existing buildings. They provide the source of some of the toxic pollutants that are picked up in IAQ tests. Materials should be avoided primarily because they are carcinogens, asthmagens, endocrine disruptors, irritants or emitters of VOCs or radiation.
