When you think about the materials used to build your home, images of 2x4s, plywood, brick façade, perhaps some cinder blocks, and roofing tiles all come to mind. However, one of the most abundantly used (though unseen) home construction materials is the variety of sealants and adhesives. A wide range of adhesives and sealants come in products ranging from carpet, tile, concrete, countertop, and drywall lamination to wall coverings, roofing, joint cement, pre-finished panels more. Much of the wood used to build homes is essentially glued together with strong adhesives as well. However, the adverse health and environmental consequences that often come with these useful building materials have brought them into the spotlight.
Health and Environmental Problems Associated with Sealants and Adhesives
“What’s wrong with a little bit of glue?” you might be wondering. The countless number of chemicals that go into construction-grade sealants and adhesives make many of these products complex and potentially dangerous.
One of the most significant health issues related to sealants and adhesives used in homes is that they are considered volatile organic compounds or VOCs. The EPA, among several other organizations, has found that high levels of VOCs in homes can lead to many serious health issues. These problems can include headaches, eye, nose, throat irritation, and even long-term damage to your liver and kidneys.
However, what is less known about VOCs is that they also cause problematic damage to the environment. Many VOCs create photochemical reactions in the atmosphere, increasing smog and other air pollution problems.
Many homeowners have begun to understand the potential dangers of VOCs from paints, adhesives, and sealants. But, SVOCs (semi-volatile organic compounds) are another issue. In most paint types, the VOCs are usually emitted or “off-gassed” during the first hours or days after installation or application. In contrast, the volatile compounds in many adhesives and sealants are often considered semi-volatile organic compounds. This semi-volatile state means that the harmful chemicals are released more slowly, over an extended period. Many dangerous substances present in many adhesives and sealants can thus seep into your home over many months or years.
Epoxy resin is one of the main ingredients that you find in numerous types of adhesives. This resin is a mixture of several different types of chemicals. Unfortunately, most epoxy resin manufacturers don’t reveal the nature of the various chemical blends that go into epoxy resin. Studies have shown that epoxy resin uses bisphenol A (BPA) during the manufacturing process and most likely has trace amounts of this chemical in the finished product. BPA is known to affect the endocrine system and other hormones in the body. Other studies show that extended exposure to BPA can lead to male impotence and heart problems as well.
