 Human toxicity potentialOlubukola Tokede Chapter 88 in Elgar Encyclopedia of Life Cycle Sustainability Assessment, 2026, pp 327-332 from Edward Elgar Publishing Abstract: The toxicity of building materials poses significant risks to human health and the environment, stemming from harmful chemicals and heavy metals used in their production, use, and disposal. Toxic substances such as lead, cadmium, and volatile organic compounds (VOCs) impact ecosystems and cause severe health conditions, including respiratory issues, cancer, and endocrine disruption. Building materials like wall cladding, insulation, and coatings have high toxicity levels during their life cycle, particularly in the production phase. Current studies highlight a lack of comprehensive life cycle assessments (LCAs) for newer materials, such as those produced via nanotechnology and 3D printing, and limited attention to toxicity indicators. Regulatory measures, such as the EU REACH directive, emphasize the importance of identifying and mitigating toxic impacts. There is a pressing need for eco-friendly materials and more robust LCAs to assess the toxicity of new formulations. Advancing sustainable materials research is essential for improving public health and environmental safety. Keywords: Building Material Toxicity; VOCs; Heavy metals; LCA; Sustainable construction; Health impacts (search for similar items in EconPapers) Downloads: (external link) Related works: Export reference: BibTeX RIS (EndNote, ProCite, RefMan) HTML/Text Persistent link: https://EconPapers.repec.org/RePEc:elg:eechap:22215_88 Ordering information: This item can be ordered from Access Statistics for this chapter More chapters in Chapters from Edward Elgar Publishing |
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