The construction industry is needed at the most basic level. Besides building infrastructure, this sector is responsible for creating new jobs. Statista records that more than eight million people worked in construction as of August 2024.
This high demand for workers is directly related to the growing investments in this sector. Due to different initiatives undertaken within the public and private sectors, analysts expect the construction industry to grow by 2.5% in 2024.
One of these initiatives is undoubtedly that of sustainability and environmental awareness. As green construction projects take precedence, more and more contractors will eliminate the use of harmful materials. One of the major contaminants is per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances or PFAS.
In this article, we will discuss the dangers of PFAS and how builders can make their construction projects safer in 2024.
The Somber Legacy of PFAS
PFAS have frequented the headlines to the extent that the world is increasingly becoming aware of them. These chemicals belong to a group of over 12,000, all manufactured by man via a strong carbon-fluorine bond.
Due to oil and water resistance, they quickly became attractive options for manufacturing firefighting foam, non-stick cookware, dental floss, and stain-resistant clothes. Soon enough, whistleblowers began peeling off the layers of deception.
It was found that PFAS manufacturers were aware that these chemicals could cause much damage to the environment and human health. However, they decided to keep their profits on a higher pedestal. The first ones to seek legal recourse were firemen who were directly exposed to PFAS.
They alleged that due to PFAS-based firefighting foam, cancer had ravaged their bodies. The most common conditions included cancer of the bladder, testicles, and kidneys. Even municipalities complained of serious water contamination issues, which made a separate litigation category.
A global settlement has been made in the second case. As for the former, plaintiffs are still waiting for fair compensation. Bellwether trials are about to take place next year. It is a matter of time before justice is served. As per TorHoerman Law, the litigation is ongoing and attorneys are still accepting new clients.
This does not solve the problem completely, since PFAS are everywhere. Plus, even indirect exposure can lead to issues like hormonal imbalance, reduced fertility, and high cholesterol levels.
How the Construction Industry Can Deal With PFAS
Now, let’s directly dive into the different ways in which the construction industry can tackle the PFAS problem for safer projects.
Determining Liabilities
The first step is to identify all the possible materials that may contain PFAS. To make this happen, contractors need to take a hard look at their existing inventory and types of projects. They can also seek technological support to bring all material names to a centralized platform.
In general, PFAS are present in several construction materials. These would include roofing materials, glass panels, caulks, adhesives or sealants, and paints. Essentially, if anything is oil or water-resistant, it is most likely due to these chemicals.
Choosing Alternatives
Once a construction company has determined all its liabilities, it is time to choose relevant alternatives. This may be easier said than done for some materials that heavily rely on PFAS features.
Contractors must take their time to explore all possible alternatives. Some non-toxic options would include galvanized steel, weather-proofing membranes made using acrylic, and silicone-modified polyester.
PFAS Treatment in Soils
Soil is one of the most important aspects of construction. It is important to ensure that all projects are built upon strong and stable soil. As per the Environmental and Energy Study Institute, PFAS are present in the soil due to decades of wide use.
Construction companies may want to apply techniques to test the soil for any traces of these chemicals. The results will likely be positive since PFAS have practically become inescapable.
Then, remediation methods will need to be applied to make the soil rich and healthy for construction. Otherwise, the bioaccumulation will spread through the building and affect its residents. The following remediation techniques should help –
- In-situ treatments
- Advanced Oxidation Processes (AOPs)
- Disposal and excavation
- Activated carbon filtration
- Ion exchange
- Soil washing
Prioritizing Transparency
Another effective way construction companies can take charge and develop PFAS-free projects is to enforce 100% transparency at all levels. In other words, contractors can resolve to refer to Safety Data Sheets (SDS) while choosing the necessary building materials.
They can select only those materials that meet certain certifications and standards. These would include Cradle to Cradle and GreenSeal. Simply establishing such practices on the surface is not enough.
It is important to convey the same to material suppliers. This means manufacturers must be asked to disclose all the ingredients used in making their products. Furthermore, contractors can use tools like Declare Labels and Health Product Declaration Database for a full disclosure of chemicals of concern.
The world is taking a strong stand against the ‘forever chemicals.’ The European Union (EU) has banned their production and distribution completely by 2026. While this is to be done on a broader level, individual support is required.
As different industrial sectors join hands to eliminate PFAS, the construction industry cannot stay behind. It is time to apply the tips discussed in this article and pave the way for safer construction projects.