Your Opinions on SBS Cure?

[Guest guest]

I am doing a story for Wired regarding SBS and a Japanese

company's recent claim to have developed new materials that

help eradicate SBS.

SAITAMA — Japanese researchers have developed a new

construction material that uses wood charcoal to absorb

chemical substances and odors thought to be linked to sick

building syndrome (SBS), they said Monday.

The material, made from charcoal powder mixed at different

heating temperatures, is aimed at virtually eradicating toxic

chemical substances used in construction materials for houses,

according to Sanei Corp in Tsuru, Yamanashi Prefecture and

Kikuo Oikawa, a professor at Niigata College of Pharmacy in

Niigata Prefecture. (Kyodo News)

Do you believe that these materials could help eradicate SBS?

Do you believe the company is merely out to make more money?

I appreciate your opinions in advance. Feel free to contact me

directly at stencil@...

Thanks again,

[Guest guest]

,

I assume you are new to this board, perhaps having found it by running a

search. Numerous previous postings have addressed the topic you are asking

about.

The value of the charcoal treatment depends on the particular problem

causing a building to be sick. When this phenomenon first started getting

attention in the late 70's, early 80's, the problem was most often thought

to be volatile organic compounds (VOCs) originating from construction

materials- adhesives, carpet, waterproofing tar, etc. Sometimes this was

true. But,as time passed, it has been realized that many problems are caused

by bio-aerosols, fungal and bacterial (legionaire's disease is the most

famous bacterial problem). Perhaps this charcoal can absorb some of the VOCs

produced by fungi. But this allows fungal spores to spread without the

characteristic odor warning, stimulating allergic sensitization in

susceptible people, often people with no previous history of allergy,

leading most certainly to asthma or sinus problems, and quite possibly to

fatigue, digestive disorders, muscle pain, and possibly memory problems. The

mold cells themselves cause SBS moreso than the odor compounds associated

with mold. Mold cells are not absorbed by the charcoal.

For reference, read the EPA or NIOSH web page on building mold. Or try

" Bio-Aerosols, Assessment and Control " , from American Conference of

Governmental Industrial Hygienists.

You might also want to contact a catalyst manufacturer, such as Cabot

Chemicals. You just might find that charcoal is not terribly effective at

absorbing VOCs in humid environments, such as the basements where problems

often originate. This suggests these claims may be more hype than substance.

Good luck in further researching your article.

Gil Vice

Cincinnati Ohio

----Original Message Follows----

From: stencil@...

Reply-

Subject: [] Your Opinions on SBS Cure?

Date: Wed, 31 Oct 2001 20:24:28 -0000

I am doing a story for Wired regarding SBS and a Japanese

company's recent claim to have developed new materials that

help eradicate SBS.

SAITAMA — Japanese researchers have developed a new

construction material that uses wood charcoal to absorb

chemical substances and odors thought to be linked to sick

building syndrome (SBS), they said Monday.

The material, made from charcoal powder mixed at different

heating temperatures, is aimed at virtually eradicating toxic

chemical substances used in construction materials for houses,

according to Sanei Corp in Tsuru, Yamanashi Prefecture and

Kikuo Oikawa, a professor at Niigata College of Pharmacy in

Niigata Prefecture. (Kyodo News)

Do you believe that these materials could help eradicate SBS?

Do you believe the company is merely out to make more money?

I appreciate your opinions in advance. Feel free to contact me

directly at stencil@...

Thanks again,

_________________________________________________________________

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