HPC of South Bend and St. Joseph County - Standards Update Draft

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City of South Bend and St. Joseph County Historic Preservation Guidelines 112 For More Information: Hazardous Materials The primary method of reducing radon is to install a vent pipe system and fan, which pulls radon from beneath the house and vents it to the outside, often through the roof. This method is also called sub-slab depressurization, active soil depressurization, or soil suction. This method is usually paired with sealing all cracks, voids, and other potential entry locations in foundations and basement floor slabs. • Indoor Air Quality Information Center (800)-438-4318 www .epa .gov/radon Fiberglass Fiberglass is a common type of fiber-reinforced plastic using glass fibers. The fibers may be randomly arranged, flattened into a sheet, or woven into a fabric. Cheaper and more flexible than carbon fiber, it is stronger than many metals by weight, is non-magnetic, non-conductive, can be molded into complex shapes, and is chemically inert. Common uses include tub and shower enclosures, swimming pools, roofing, pipes, exterior siding and cladding, exterior doors, and insulation. Fiberglass materials, for example batt insulation, when handled directly will cause irritation of the eyes, skin, throat, and the respiratory system. Scientific evidence demonstrates that fiberglass is safe to manufacture, install and use when recommended work practices are followed to reduce temporary medical irritation . These work practices include the use of eye protection, face masks, gloves, long sleeved shirts, and long pants for full body protection . Fiberglass insulation should never be left exposed in occupied areas, according to the American Lung Association. Fiberglass used in home and building insulation and for non-insulation products are not considered to be inherently harmful or carcinogenic. However, the National Toxicology Program does consider fibrous glass dust to be a reasonably anticipated carcinogen . For some additional information about fiberglass in buildings consider the following resources: • Old House Online –Updated Savvy about Insulation –Expert Advice about Insulation • The Craftsman blogs –Mineral Wool vs Fiberglass Insulation –The Pitfalls of Old Home Insulation • Washington State Department of Health –Air Quality and Fiberglass PVCs PVC (Polyvinyl Chloride), CPVC, and vinyl products are a family of synthetic plastic polymers . These plastic materials are commonly used in modern construction in the form of plumbing and electrical fittings, siding and cladding materials, windows and doors, and flooring and wall coverings . Generally, these materials in the form of exterior cladding, and window and doors are not recommended for historic structures due to their incompatibility with historic materials . There are a variety of ways in which PVCs can be hazardous. The first is in release of dioxins during the production process which lead to health issues including cancers and respiratory diseases in surrounding areas of the production facilities and in the people directly involved in the production process . Degradation during service life, or after careless disposal, is a chemical change that drastically reduces the average molecular weight of the polyvinyl chloride polymer . Since the mechanical integrity of a plastic depends on its high average molecular weight, wear and tear inevitably weakens the material . Weathering degradation of plastics results in their surface embrittlement and microcracking, yielding microparticles that continue in the environment . Also known as microplastics, these particles act like sponges and soak up persistent organic pollutants (POPs) around them . DRAFT