Dear scientific community!
Several studies have investigated the hazards posed to human health and the environment by carbon fiber reinforced polymer (CFRP) materials, owing to similar material properties as asbestos. Right now, hundreds of kilometers of CFRP elements (strips, bars, wraps, etc.) are being installed to strengthen existing buildings worldwide every year. I would be interested to know, if you could recommend studies on the potential hazards with respect to the construction industry? What is your opinion in terms of human health (especially the respiratory system), required safety measures, recyclability and cost, which are not considered in design and sales?
Thank you very much!
One solution is design the CFRP retrofit system in a way that can be disassembled during the decostruction process at the end of lifetime of a structure (for example, when unbonded CFRP strips or bars are used). Given the very good fatigue and durability of CFRP, they could be used in new structures for a different application provided that they are recovered in a good state (i.e., circular economy concept).
When it nowadays comes to “Renovation / Rehabilitation” of any Building Erection there should be used the new slogan: C 2 C = cradle to cradle;
“Renovation/ Rehabilitation” with reuse of old/existing construction materials and existing building elements!
Why recycling with a lack of some construction materials (e.g timber)?
Owing to the hazardous nature of asbestos on human, i won't suggest it to be used in any residential buildings. Other roofing sheets could be preferable such as (decra roofing) but it's little bit costly but really durable, high compressive strength and environmental friendly.
There is health risks when using FRP and epoxy especially skin inflammation and itching.
Problem-solving in engineering is unending as researchers continue to dig into the efficiency of the innovations.
The use of thermosetting polymers is extensively used in civil infrastructure due to their structural advantages over thermoplastics. This thermoset polymer contains styrene monomer which is a hazardous chemical. When absorbed into the body by inhalation and through the skin and eyes.
The extensive usage of FRP’s in the construction infrastructure results in larger and increasing amounts of FRP wastes produced at different stages of their life cycle. FRP’s are difficult to recycle due to their multiphase nature, typically containing three or more components: fibre reinforcement, resin matrix and fillers (typically calcium carbonate, CaCO3).
I guess we need to double down on reviewing the risks of using FRPs - but as far as I know, their healt risks are not directy comparable to asbestos fibres as they are - at least in their original form - not considered respirable.
"Carbon fibers with diameters in the range of 5–10 μm are not considered to be respirable, however, during the release process from composites, the carbon fibers may be split along the fiber axis, generating smaller and respirable fibers."
Article Transformation of the released asbestos, carbon fibers and c...
Thank you very much everyone for your answers so far. Hans Jakob Wagner , thank you for the article recommendation. I think the deconstruction process, ie removing CFRP upon building demolition, and the connected cutting, rupture, grinding, etc. of CFRP could potentially create respirable particles which might be harmful?
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