Fiber Cement Siding Health Hazards

Originally asbestos was used as the reinforcing material but due to safety concerns that was replaced by cellulose.

Fiber cement siding health hazards.

Fiber cement siding is non combustible. In 2016 osha updated its rules for controlling exposure to respirable silica dust. Health issues with the industrial revolution and the invention of the pneumatic hammer in 1897 higher levelsof dust exposure caused severe respiratory diseases shortening the lives of workers. It has become common in some parts of the country offering design versatility and a solid feel.

Today crystalline silica is used not only in fiber cement board but in many severalconstruction products including gypsum board joint compound and fireproofing to name afew. When vinyl siding becomes brittle with age it releases chemicals into the air including dioxin and formaldehyde. The use of fiber cement siding in con struction and renovation is undergoing rapid growth. The national institute for occupational safety and health niosh published this recommendation in workplace solutions.

Fiber cement is a composite material made of cement reinforced with cellulose fibers. When trying to prevent employee exposure to silica dust recognized as a deadly hazard for nearly a century the technology has improved and the dangers are more clearly quantified but the national institute for occupational health may have found a simple solution for cash strapped contractors using fiber cement siding in construction and renovation. Fiber cement is a siding material that was introduced to the market in the 1980 s as a replacement for asbestos cement siding products. Most fiber cement products come with a warranty of up to 50 years thanks to a natural resistance to fire termites and rot.

Fiber cement siding is made from a blend of cement silica sand wood fiber and other ingredients making it a siding option that is known for durability and strength. Reducing hazardous dust exposure when cutting fiber cement siding fiber cement siding a construction material that has grown in popularity in recent years contains crystalline silica and when cut can create fine dust particles that a worker can inhale. James hardie is here to help you work safely and efficiently with this standard. From 1991 to 2010 the market share of fiber cement siding has climbed from 1 to 13 u s.

In contrast the market share of wood siding in residential con struction has decreased from 38 to. House fires are an acute concern as the burning of pvc produces both dioxin and polychlorinated biphenyls pcbs creating significant health risks. If you are an architect designer home improvement specialist you should be aware of the risks of using fiber cement siding.