Building Safely: Raising Awareness of Safe Materials (Part 2)

Back to the subject - Quality of materials, today we will talk about formaldehydes It is toxic gases.

You formaldehydes are present in plywood. It is obvious that there are formaldehyde-free plywood on the market, they are class E1 with phenolic resin. Most of it is destined for the international market and a small part is resold at higher prices here.

 

What is formaldehyde used for?

At room temperature, the formaldehyde It is a colorless gas that evaporates easily. It has a strong and irritating odor, in addition to being highly flammable and reactive. In other words, it binds with other substances very easily, creating chemicals and pollutants.

When it is in aqueous solution, it can be called formalin. There are many synonyms for formaldehyde:

• formalin;
• methyl aldehyde;
• methylene glycol;
• methylene oxide;
• methanal;
• morbicide;
• BFV;
• formalite;
• formic aldehyde;
• Yde;
• Ivanon;
• Karsan;
• Lysoform;
• oxomethane;
• oxymethylene.

The gas originates naturally in the environment through combustion processes, such as natural fires; by the process of decomposition of vegetables in the soil and can be found in foods, such as fruits. In concentrations produced by natural sources, the formaldehyde It is not harmful to human health, but high concentrations produced by human activities are a health risk.

Anthropogenic gas production comes from power plants, industries (such as wood and paper), vehicles and incinerators. Furthermore, as it serves as a raw material in some products, the formaldehyde it is released by ventilation systems, construction materials, furniture, carpets, paints, varnishes, cigarettes, disinfectants, adhesives, electrical insulation, brake linings, fungicides, germicides, fabrics and cosmetics.

 

 

According to the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) classification, formaldehyde It is certainly carcinogenic to humans and other animals, therefore it is classified in Group 1 of the Agency.

The groups most exposed to formaldehyde today are healthcare professionals, who handle individuals preserved in formaldehyde; hairdressers and barbers, due to the lack of protective equipment and daily exposure to dyes, shampoos, bleaches, among others. In addition to formaldehyde, other products handled by hairdressers and barbers are classified by IARC as probable carcinogens. They are also exposed to smaller amounts of formaldehyde workers in the wood and paper industry, construction workers, retail workers and agricultural workers.

In addition to the contribution of formaldehyde in the emergence of nasopharyngeal cancer (region behind the nose) and leukemia (type of cancer that attacks white blood cells), recognized by IARC, the substance can also cause respiratory problems. Since the main gateway to the formaldehyde in our organism is by inhalation, according to Environmental Company of the State of São Paulo (CETESB).

 

 

TOXIC GASES

 

Chlorine

O chlorine It is present in the treatment of water that reaches our homes, businesses and corporations, killing bacteria and leaving the water suitable for consumption. The problem is in quantity chlorine that comes out of our taps, which are in swimming pools, as excess chlorine is extremely harmful to our health. Today different treatments can be used to reduce the risk. 

O chlorine The industrialized product is applied to the pool water, and needs time (around an hour) to act and be distributed evenly throughout the water. Here, it is essential to respect its proportions, in order to avoid problems. The recommended amount is a minimum of 2 ppm and a maximum of 4 ppm. It is the most common among pool water treatments, as it is also the cheapest. Mainly because it is compatible with practically all equipment and pumps. 

Unlike salinization, industrialized chlorine applied to the pool needs time to act. Furthermore, the dosage must be correct in relation to the amount of water in the pool. It is a short-term treatment. In other words, chlorine must be applied frequently. 

There are filters on the market that can be installed next to taps and showers, reducing the excess chlorine that comes out of the taps. It reduces the concentration of available free chlorine by at least 75%, reducing undesirable tastes and odors.

 

Its advantages

• high effectiveness in combating and eliminating germs, bacteria and microorganisms in general;
• low cost;
• its application is well known to professionals in the field;
• Compatibility with most equipment and pumps found on the market.

 

Its disadvantages

• risk of allergies and dry skin, hair and eye irritation when treatment is not carried out correctly; These include: eye irritations, allergies, dry skin and hair. 
• risk of respiratory complications (when used in excess);
• is a short-term treatment, needing to be carried out several times a year so that the water is always safe for use.

 

 

Salinization

A salinization, Firstly, the water in the pool is not salty like the sea, for example. There is no similarity. This can be considered the closest to natural form of treatment. This is because the salt in contact with water it naturally produces chlorine.

O salt It has chemical similarities to common chlorine, and similar effects. In this process, the chlorine molecule is removed from the salt and, through electrolysis (passage of electrical current produced by a specific motor, the salinizing generator), the slightly salty water produces sodium hypochlorite naturally. A salinization eliminates all types of microorganisms. Furthermore, it can be used in water at any temperature. Compared to the sea, it has 10 times less salt, just to give an example. 

Therefore, for the treatment to be carried out, it is necessary to install specific electrolytic equipment in the pool system, which performs these electrolysis.

 

Its advantages

• compatible with any type of pool (fiber, vinyl and tile);
• can be used in any type of water (public network or well);
• compatible with any chemical product used in swimming pool treatment;
• eliminates all types of microorganisms and chloramine;
• can be installed in a pool with hot or cold water;
• it does not have a strong concentration of salt: here, the proportion for each liter of water is 10 times lower than that in the sea;
• drastically reduces the risk of allergies, dryness and other problems;
• does not interrupt the use of the pool for cleaning;

 

Its disadvantages

• it has a high cost to purchase chlorine generating equipment;
• requires maintenance;
• only works with electrical energy;
• changes the pH, with a tendency to increase;
• does not over-chlorinate;
• heavily used pools must be supplemented with industrialized chlorine;
• chlorine evaporates in the presence of the sun;
• salt is highly corrosive and can damage equipment;
• an error in the salt dosage leaves the water salty and there is no way to remove it;
• It is a technique that has not yet become popular, so you may have difficulty finding a professional who can master the work.

 

At first, you might think that the idea is to make the pool water similar to the sea. But don't worry, it's far from that. In fact, the main objective of salinization is the production of natural chlorine, which is as effective as industrialized chlorine

But mainly, the salinization does not cause the common irritations caused by chlorine. These include skin allergies, dry eyes and the risk of respiratory diseases. It is also not necessary to stop using the pool for treatment. 

Among the treatments, it is the one that presents the highest cost, but it is worth it as it is one of the safest, without causing any risk to the health of those who use the pool, especially children, who in the first years of life are more prone to respiratory diseases. 

 

 

Ozone

So that you can use the ozone When purifying your pool water, it is necessary to install equipment that will convert oxygen molecules into ozone molecules. Known as an ozonizer, this equipment is installed in the pool pipes, and carries out the conversion there.

In the swimming pools the ozone treating water, being very efficient against microorganisms.  As it is a natural gas, the ozone minimizes allergic reactions that occur so commonly with chlorine. Also provides high capacity for removing organic matter and disinfecting raw water, with a shorter contact time and lower concentrations, making the use of ozone as a potential oxidant in sewage and water treatment plants.

 

Its advantages

• compatible with any type of pool (fiber, vinyl and tile);
• does not alter the alkalinity and pH of the water;
• can be used in any type of water (public network or well);
• compatible with any chemical product used in swimming pool treatment;
• eliminates all types of microorganisms and chloramine;
• can be installed in a pool with hot or cold water;
• greatly reduces the possibility of skin and eye irritation;
• leaves the water looking cleaner and more beautiful;

 

Its disadvantages

• the procedure is only possible with the installation of the necessary equipment, generating a high cost for the consumer;
• the equipment requires periodic maintenance;
• only works with electrical energy;
• the gas is toxic and cannot leak into the pool or the engine room;
• oxidizes chlorine;
• does not act on contaminants and chloramine found in pool water, only when the water passes through the equipment in the engine room;
• can stain the fiber, vinyl or tile due to excess gas in the pool return nozzles;
• it only works with the filter on, if the filter is off there is no decontamination;
• although in very low quantities, there is still a need to use industrial chlorine (0.5 ppm);
• Just like salinization, it is not yet a very popular treatment and, therefore, there are a small number of professionals who know well and have experience in using ozone.

 

Just like salinization, it also eliminates microorganisms and dirt from pool water. However, it requires specific equipment to transform oxygen into ozone. And this is perhaps the most dangerous point. Consequently, it uses a gas in the chemical process that is toxic to humans. It can contaminate water or leak through machines. 

Furthermore, ozone only acts when water passes through the equipment. Therefore, it does not act on substances that can directly contaminate pool water. 

 

 

Carbon monoxide

O monoxide in carbon It is a colorless, odorless, flammable and toxic gas. It originates in two ways:

• Natural emission sources: volcano activity, natural gas and electrical discharges.
• Human activities: result of combustion incomplete use of fossil fuels. Fires produce tons of CO, being one of the main activities that release CO into the atmosphere

It is used as a reducing agent, it removes oxygen from a compound and produces carbon dioxide (CO2). Therefore, its use in the processing of ores, such as iron, is very common. As well as in the production of organic substances, such as acetic acid, plastics, methanol, among others.

 

O CO It has a high affinity for hemoglobin. As it is toxic, its inhalation causes effects on human health and can even lead to death.

Due to the fact that CO does not have a smell, it can be inhaled without being noticed. Therefore, in some cases, it takes a person a while to notice intoxication.

When inhaled in low concentrations it causes migraines, slow thinking, eye irritation and loss of manual skills. In high concentrations it can cause convulsions, loss of consciousness and even death from asphyxiation.

The main causes of poisoning with CO occur in the following situations:

• Car engines running indoors;
• Burn of natural gas in inefficient heaters;
• Cooking gas or wood oven exhaust in poorly ventilated areas.

Therefore, it is extremely important to carry out preventive maintenance of gas systems in condominiums, apartments and houses. It is also present in the burning of wood in barbecues, fireplaces and stoves. It is necessary to keep doors and windows open for better air circulation so that gases can be removed from the environments, including through exhaust fans. It is worth noting that the presence of 100 micros in environments makes environmental certification processes such as the HBC Healthy Building Certificate unfeasible.

 

 

Nitrogen Dioxide

Air pollution is a worrying issue as it affects the world population on a large scale. One of these pollutants is nitrogen dioxide, O NO2. He is a very common, toxic gas, known for its strong smell and brown color in some situations.

 

Nitrogen gas (N2) and molecular oxygen (O2) react to form monoxide nitrogen (NO) and nitric oxide gases. They come from the combustion processes of fossil fuels in car engines or in industrial ovens where the temperature is very high. NO oxidized in the atmosphere by O2 forms nitrogen dioxide (NO2) and can also react to form ozone.

The main artificial synthesizers of nitrogen oxides are:

• Auto-vehicles;
• Internal combustion engines;
• Thermoelectric and steel plants;
• Paper pulp mills
  

 

Natural sources include forest fires, the heat generated by lightning and microbial activity in the soil.

When oxidized in the atmosphere, nitrogen oxide produces nitric acid (HNO3). It is one of the components that increases the acidity of rain, and causes a lot of damage to nature as it is corrosive. A acid rain, when falling to the surface, changes the chemical composition of the soil and water. Thus, it affects food chains, destroys forests and crops, corrodes metal structures, historical monuments and buildings.

Often, the fact that the sky has a brown tone in cities with so many vehicles is due to high concentrations of NO2 In the atmosphere. Examples like these are common in cities like São Paulo. This condition is also worsened by the large emission of particulate matter (According to the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), O particulate matter is a mixture of particles of different materials, solid or liquid. Such material can be about five times thinner than a strand of hair or even smaller. than droplets of liquid substances. Furthermore, these particles can be organic chemical compounds, acids, such as sulfates and nitrates, metals, and even dust.

 

Furthermore, the gas plays an important role in the formation of photochemical oxidants such as ozone, responsible for smog photochemical. The measurements of NO2 indicate the location of its source. This is because the residence time of this pollutant is approximately one day. As a result, it is concentrated close to polluting sources.

O NO2 It is a gas that gives humans a pleasant sensation when inhaled. This is because it has anesthetic properties. However, it is toxic to people and animals and long-term exposure causes serious damage to health.

The compound increases sensitivity to asthma and bronchitis, especially in children, the elderly and at-risk groups (people with respiratory problems). In addition to being irritating to the lungs and decreasing resistance to respiratory infections. One study of researchers from University of California, in the USA, suggests a link between levels of NO2 and the incidence of sudden death syndrome in newbornsscidos.

People who have illnesses that could be aggravated by exposure to nitrogen dioxide must not be authorized to work with this product. After all, in high concentrations, it can cause chemical pneumonia delayed onset, pulmonary edema, irritation of the nasal mucosa (manifested by runny nose), severe damage to the lungs. Damage that is similar to that caused by pulmonary emphysema, and continued exposure can cause permanent decrease in lung function.

 

Sources:

https://poolrescue.com.br/cloro-salinizacao-ou-ozonio-qual-o-melhor-tratamento-para-piscina/

https://www.ecycle.com.br/formaldeido/

https://www.ecycle.com.br/dioxido-de-nitrogenio/

HBC – Certificate