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 113 For More Information: Hazardous Materials Thus, laden with high levels of POPs, the microparticles are often ingested by organisms in the biosphere . Additionally, some studies indicate that the outgassing of additives in PVCs may contribute to health complications. In 2004 a joint Swedish-Danish research team found a statistical association between allergies in children and indoor air levels of DEHP and BBzP (butyl benzyl phthalate), which is used in vinyl flooring. For some additional information about PVCs in buildings consider these resources: • The Craftsman Blog: –Is Vinyl ever a good idea? –Blue Vinyl the movie –Vinyl Siding—the Real Issues –Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine: Angiosarcoma of Liver in Manufacture of Polyvinyl VOCs VOCs (Volatile Organic Compounds) are organic chemicals that have a high vapor pressure at ordinary room temperature . Their high vapor pressure results from a low boiling point, which causes large numbers of molecules to evaporate or sublimate from the liquid or solid form of the compound and enter the surrounding air, a trait known as volatility . For example, formaldehyde, which evaporates from paint and releases from materials like resin, has a boiling point of only -2° F. Since many people spend much of their time indoors, long-term exposure to VOCs in the indoor environment can contribute to sick building syndrome. In offices, VOC results from new furnishings, wall coverings, and office equipment such as photocopy machines, which can off-gas VOCs into the air. Good ventilation and air-conditioning systems are helpful at reducing VOCs in the interior environment. Studies also show that relative leukemia and lymphoma can increase through prolonged exposure of VOCs in the interior environment . Respiratory, allergic, or immune effects in infants or children are associated with man-made VOCs and other indoor or outdoor air pollutants . Some VOCs, such as styrene and limonene, can react with nitrogen oxides or with ozone to produce new oxidation products and secondary aerosols, which can cause sensory irritation symptoms, VOCs contribute to the formation of Tropospheric ozone and smog. Health effects include eye, nose, and throat irritation, headaches, loss of coordination, nausea; and damage to the liver, kidney, and central nervous system. Some organics can cause cancer in animals; some are suspected or known to cause cancer in humans. The ability of organic chemicals to cause health effects varies greatly from those that are highly toxic, to those with no known health effects. As with other pollutants, the extent and nature of the health effect will depend on many factors including level of exposure and length of time exposed . Eye and respiratory tract irritation, headaches, dizziness, visual disorders, and memory impairment are among the immediate symptoms that some people have experienced soon after exposure to some organics . At present, not much is known about what health effects occur from the levels of organics usually found in homes. Many organic compounds are known to cause cancer in animals; some are suspected of causing, or are known to cause, cancer in humans. For some additional information about VOCs in buildings consider this resource: • Old House Online—Expert advice on low VOC paint Return to the Table of ContentsDRAFT