In France, the main structural materials are minerals: stone, brick, plaster, lime, cement, concrete. And, good news, they all deserve a high mark. “Most industrial materials have undergone tests in specific enclosures, where emissions of volatile chemicals are measured, which evaporate in the ambient air: these tests have shown that they emit very little or not at all. at all ”, underlines Dr Fabien Squinazi, medical biologist, specialist in indoor air quality.
As for wood, a building material with an ecological image, it does not pose a problem either in terms of pollutant emissions, if it is natural. But, to preserve it, increase its resistance to the attacks that it can undergo …, it is often the subject of treatments whose different substances can be sources of emissions into the atmosphere. If the wood is intended for indoor use, pay attention to the “Emissions to indoor air” labeling (an A + indicates very low emissions), and, in addition, check with a knowledgeable professional because this labeling does not cover all volatile pollutants.
New anti-pollution materials: beware!
They are being offered to us more and more, like catalytic concrete impregnated with titanium dioxide. The goal: to reduce the level of pollutants coming from outside. “It can be effective, but for the moment we have to be careful: the studies are not fully validated on their antipollution impact. In addition, with this type of material, we can ask ourselves the question of the possible emanation of secondary products which would be derived from it ”, specifies Dr. Squinazi.
Other novelties: photocatalytic plasterboards, which ask the same questions as before. Or those in which we have impregnated a chemical substance that fixes pollutants such as formaldehyde, commonly found in homes. In other words, it would decrease the indoor pollution. “But we lack perspective. With this chemical fixation, what will become of the high concentrations of pollutants nestled in the plaster in the future? Will they not end up, at some point, by being rejected during particular atmospheric conditions? »Continues Dr Squinazi. “All of this is innovative and promising, but more studies are needed to define the possible risks associated with these products. So, in the meantime, we are not giving in to the commercial arguments which are riding on our fear of pollution.