Chapter 15: Endocrine Disruptors in Building Materials

The construction industry has a significant impact on the environment, as construction products and buildings alone consume significant amounts of energy, cause large CO₂ emissions and create large quantities of waste. Demands for sustainable construction processes, which, among others, include energy-efficient solutions, drive the construction industry to develop new technologies and materials. Thus, interdisciplinary collaboration has resulted in the introduction of new materials and technologies, which among others also apply compounds which are known endocrine disruptors. However, data on emissions from certain numbers of building materials and the possible health effects on adults and children after long term indoor exposures are not available. Additionally, building materials, which have endocrine disrupting properties, also represent a health risk for workers in the construction sector that is not supported by occupational health surveillance and preventive programs. Levels of emissions from building materials, especially those applied in finishing works, may be affected by climate changes.