Harmful Substances

Asbestos is a fibrous silicate mineral with a high strength, heat and acid resistance. If improperly handled, fibres can be released and penetrate deep into the lungs. Thus, asbestosis and even lung cancer can be caused.

Here asbestos can be found:

• Sprayed asbestos
• Tissues
• Foamed material
• Panel claddings
• Vinyl floor panels
• Paperboards
• Cords

Mineral wool is a material made of synthesised mineral fibres. This non-combustible insulating material is less harmful than asbestos, due to the faster degradability, but still carcinogenic. Only since the year 2000 used mineral wool is completely free of harmful substances.

Here mineral wool can be found:

• Footfall sound absorption
• Spray insulations
• Roof extensions
• Acoustic ceilings
• Partitions
• Floors
• Facades

PCB (polychlorinated biphenyls) are organchlorine compounds, which are mainly used as tenderizer. Since 2001 the usage is completely forbidden. At reaching the limit of 3,000 ng/m³ a prompt refurbishment is prescribed by law, because PCB is carcinogenic and can cause a loss of hair, liver and immune system damages.

Here PCB can be found:

• Coated ceiling panels
• Paints and lacquers
• Joint sealing compounds
• Capacitors

Lindane, PCP or DDT are unhealthy ingredients, which can occur in wood preservatives. In dependence of the concentration these ingredients are carcinogenic. In small amounts they even can damage organs or the immune system.

Here Lindane, PCP or DDT can be found:

• Wooden fittings
• Wall paints

PAH (polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons) like naphthalene or fluorine, often are fluorescent and only slightly water soluble. Due to the reactions with the human DNA, they are carcinogenic.

Here PAH can be found:

• Tar
• Bituminous adhesives
• Bituminous sheetings
• Moisture barriers

Moulds occur mainly on moist substances (e. g. walls, wood), because here they find a nutritious soil. The different fungi can cause, depending on type, allergic reactions or even toxications.

Here moulds can be found:

• Wet or moist areas
• Water damages
• Structural damages

Formaldehyde is an organic material of the chemical industry. Formaldehyde containing substances can be carcinogenic by emission to the breathing air.

Here formaldehyde can be found:

• Spumes
• Adhesives
• Sprays
• Wallpapers
• Chipboard claddings
• Acoustic ceilings