Health risk from chemical contaminants in building construction.

Abstract

Currently, multiple materials that include toxic contaminants continue to be used in the construction of buildings, which can cause multiple diseases, especially affecting the respiratory system, and the appearance of cancer in the long term. Some of these contaminants are being removed, such as asbestos. VOCs are of special importance since they are present in a multitude of materials and contribute to the pollution of the interior and exterior environment of buildings. The levels of VOCs reached in buildings with different uses are high in some cases, which causes an excess of cancer cases and therefore their presence contributes to increasing the risk of cancer in the long term. Improving ventilation systems, better maintenance, and avoiding materials with contaminants are necessary methods to avoid the problem. In this way, preventive measures constitute the first barrier to reducing the risk of cancer. The modification of cellular signaling pathways and modifications in the genome are responsible for the carcinogenic process of the volatile substances present in construction materials.