The Role of Construction Textiles in Indoor Environmental Pollution

Abstract

Microbial contamination (mold, mildew, bacteria, fungus) is a leading cause of indoor environmental contamination and has generated serious concerns in the construction and building industries.Recent court cases in Texas and other states have required builders to redefine their role in dealing with the issue of microbial contamination during construction. Microbes are diverse, found everywhere, and highly adaptive.They cause short- and long-term problems within buildings through staining and deteriorating (corrosion, rotting, etc.) the structure as well as generating foul odors in the living environment.They can also cause human problems such as building related illnesses (BRI), sick building syndrome (SBS), hypersensitivity pneumonitis, allergic disorders, and infectious disorders (including Legionnaire’s Disease). Construction textiles, which are important components of the building envelope, are key factors to indoor environmental quality.Virtually any housewrap, insulation, sealant, and exterior or interior treatment, can create significant microbiological problems for the indoor environment.This presentation identifies common construction materials and installation practices that contribute to microbial contamination in buildings.It also demonstrates how these materials and practices can be altered to control microbial contamination during construction and once the building is occupied.