Number

123-EN

Section

General Section

Use

Abstract

In the construction of the headquarters of the Center for Research and Energetic Resources (CIRCE) in Zaragoza, Spain, it was decided to avoid the use of toxic materials. PVC floorings were substituted with natural linoleum, as PVC contains vinyl chloride a carcinogenic substance and phthalates, which are endocrine disruptors.

Substituted substances

Alternative Substances

Reliability of information

Evidence of implementation: there is evidence that the solution was implemented and in use at time of publication

Reason substitution

other toxic effects
ecotoxicity

Hazard Assessment

Substances to be substituted: Di(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate is: 2B carcinogen (IARC), endocrine disruptor cat. 1 (EU EDC database), edlists.org: Substances identified as endocrine disruptors at EU level as listed in the Substance Database according to SUBSPORTplus Screening Criteria (SDSC). This substance may damage fertility and may damage the unborn child. Diisononyl phthalate is: endocrine disruptor (SIN List), endocrine disruptor cat. 2 (EU EDC database) as listed in the Substance Database according to SUBSPORTplus Screening Criteria (SDSC). Benzyl butyl phthalate is: 1 A or 1B carcinogen (CLP Regulation), on the OSPAR list of substances of possible concern, endocrine disruptor cat. 1 (EU EDC database), edlists.org: Substances identified as endocrine disruptors at EU level as listed in the Substance Database according to SUBSPORTplus Screening Criteria (SDSC). This substance may damage the unborn child and is suspected of damaging fertility, is very toxic to aquatic life and is very toxic to aquatic life with long lasting effects. Diethyl phthalate is: endocrine disruptor (SIN List), endocrine disruptor cat. 1 (EU EDC database) as listed in the Substance Database according to SUBSPORTplus Screening Criteria (SDSC). The substance is: 1 carcinogen (IARC), 1A or 1B carcinogen (CLP Regulation) as listed in the Substance Database according to SUBSPORTplus Screening Criteria (SDSC). This substance may cause cancer and is an extremely flammable gas. Alternative substance: The alternative Linseed oil is a natural oil with no risks.

Description of Substitution

During the construction of buildings many materials are used that contain toxic substances. These substances pose a risk to the health of construction workers and may pose a threat to the health of the users of the building, as many toxic substances may be released gradually throughout the life of the building. The new headquarters of the Center for Research and Energetic Resources (CIRCE) in Zaragoza, Spain, aimed to be a model of bioconstruction and sustainability, as well as a showcase of new technologies for energy savings and eco-efficiency. Built to a have a low ecological footprint, it is a zero emissions building throughout its life-cycle, it is environmentally friendly and an example for future buildings. Opened in July 2010, the building had been funded by the EU through FEDER funds and by the Government of Aragon. As general paving for offices and corridors, natural linoleum was installed instead of common PVC flooring. PVC floorings contain hazardous chemicals such as vinyl chloride, a carcinogen and neurotoxin, and phthalates, which are endocrine disrupting substances. There are several alternative materials for floorings including stone, wood, ceramic, etc. In this case natural linoleum was chosen, a material which was widely used before the appearance of vinyl floors. Linoleum is based on solidified linseed oil mixed with cork powder, natural resins and different pigments. The main advantages of natural linoleum are that it doesn’t contain toxic substances, is very tough, water resistant and has bacteriostatic properties. Because of these properties it is widely used in hospitals.

Case/substitution evaluation

Natural linoleum is free of hazards so substitution using this product is a better choice than PVC flooring.

State of implementation

Full capacity

Date and place of implementation

2009, Spain

Enterprise using the alternative

http://www.jebens-architecture.eu

Availability ofAlternative

On the market

Type of information supplier

User

Contact

www.ecohabitar.org

Other solutions

Natural stone

Date, reviewed

December 11, 2020